Pass Lab XA30.5 with Totems

Every system should be built around speakers, not an amplifier or source(s).

Starting with an amp is like buying a set of tires then finding a car to fit them.

I agree with the speakers being the starting place for building a system as it defines the basic sound and then sets the parameters for the amps that can best drive the speakers. Some speakers narrow the choices considerably, especially if your preference is to use tubes, and low powered tubes at that.

Disclaimer: I am a dealer for Pass and Proac, however if you like Totem speakers why not go right to Proac. Similar look, sound better (I find Proac's more transparent and dyamic though) similar price and are easily driven with the XA30.5. Email me if you want more info, but I use Proacs and the XA30.5 for my main display and it is magical.

Almost all Proacs can be driven by little as 10 watts or sometimes less.

*If you love the amp, and it doesn't quite work with the speakers, it is (still) a great SS amp. It was extraordinairy with my Merlin VSM-MXes (Pubul57)*

Merlin's are a great suggestion IMO, esp. w/a lower-power power amp. I had TSM's & loved them (w/in their limits). I love my Mani-2's now, but probably wouldn't try them w/a power amp w/o enough watts/current.

Nothing wrong with matching speakers to an amp that you really like.....I say keep the Pass amp, get speakers that work well with them.....

>>10-14-09: Steveaudio
Nothing wrong with matching speakers to an amp that you really like<<

Nothing except the limitation you've placed on speaker choice.

Speakers have a much larger impact on a system's sound than any other component so it makes no sense to build around an amp.

None.