Totem Element Metal Version 2 Loudspeaker

Doesn’t seem to be a lot of love for Totem speakers, at least their new lines.  I heard the Metal V2’s at CAS this year and was extremely impressed.  Definitely a different flavor than their older models. I would take them over similarly priced big names like Wilson or Magico.  I heard them with Cord electronics which seemed to match up nicely  so maybe your Bryston’s would also be a nice match..   Certainly worth an audition.

Dear Jim:

Your assumption was correct.  Having the BD-19 Bryston preamp delivered this weekend by dealer. I too feel that he is excellent. Not happy with Martin Logan 11A. Thanks for your interest. 

Hi Ken, that was me. I sent you another message if you wanted to listen to the Metal V2s. I’m also in Long Island and have a hunch we know the same person, who actually recommended the Fires because I was originally interested in monitors. I had them for a few months and then moved to the Metals. 

I received an email message from James Dalto who asked if I live near Long Island. I live on Long Island. I requested information with regard to the Totem Element Metal V2.  Thank you for the message but I was not allowed to respond via a reply message to you,  as I have not sold any products on Audiogon.   Ken

I have a 18L' (front to back as referenced by the speaker axis) x 36W with a 11' high ceiling.  I went with the Fire V2's instead of the Metal's and paired them with a pair of SVS subs.   I did this for both cost and placement concerns.  

The one thing these speakers do better than ANYTHING I heard at Axpona last year... was imaging, especially with many of the demo folks walking back/forth in front of the speakers, and never seeming to loose the soundstage.

They play sufficiently loud for my room, but have a punch and presence that well exceeded my old Golden Ear Triton 2's.  (Subs are necessary though)

The size of my room is 11 feet 6 inches wide x 18 feet long with 8 foot ceilings.

Another vote for Rockport. Amazing speakers ! Good luck! 

The new Totem speakers punch way above their size, same as Raidho and Borreson. Not sure if these Totem speakers are worth $18k. I’ve had many Totem speakers in the past and I thought the Mani 2’s that I had sounded better than the Winds, this was 20 years ago. Plus I’m not sure if you Bryston amp would be a good fit, they might be too cool sounding for the Totem tweeter.

You never stated your room size so I’m going to recommend decent size speakers for a medium size room that will sound much better than the totems for 1/2 the cost:

Revel studio 2’s, revel salon 2’s used, revel f226be/f228be/f328be new depending on room size.

Usher be10/be20/x-towers depending on room size new or used with the dmd tweeter.

When I was looking at new speakers, out of all the RMAF rooms, I narrowed my search down to 3 speakers: Usher be10/x-towers at $15k, Revel at $20k+ or the Raidho D4’s at $110k. My wife told me it was my choice so we went back and forth between the 2 rooms many times during the show listening to the Revel and Raidho, we already heard the Ushers at the previous rmaf show and at a dealer. Ended up buying the Usher x-towers, and this year bought Revel. 

I am seeking a speaker with more slam and dynamics. 

You’d be hard pressed to do better than these SCM50 towers if that’s what you’re looking for, and they’re fantastic all-around speakers.  They require power to fully do what they do, but your Bryston should be up to the task.  Best of luck.

https://soundapproach.com/atc-scm50-pslt-tower-series-9-3-way-passive-tower-speakers-pair.html

Totem speakers for $18,500 no thank you. 
Look into used Wilson Sasha 2, some Magico models, Rockport. If you want Totem, the Wind is where they max out as far as I’m concerned. 

They are relatively small for floorstanders. The drivers are good but the cabinets limit their output. What size is your room?