Totem Model 1

Those are one of my favorite small monitor box speakers. I sold Totem for many years and always loved that model.

If they are in good shape cosmetically and mechanically, $600 is a great price.

Totem Model 1 sigs are awesome...I 2nd! They need a good sounding 100w per channel amp to make them really sing. Also, stands will be important, to make the most of this speaker.

I think I've narrowed it down to these Totem model 1's (not the Signature edition, unfortunately) and a pair of mid 1990's Monitor Audio Gold 2.5's...

The Monitor Audio's are $400. The Totems are $600. I'm on a somewhat tight budget but if the Totems are going to be $200 better, I'd go for those.

The Totems and Monitor Audio's are probably close to the same age (15-18 years old, which kind of scares me). The woofers surround on the Totems looks to be some type of foam (?) but I could be wrong. They are the original dynaudio (?) drivers.

The Totems look like they are living in a little bit dustier, messier home, where as the Monitor Audios look like they are living in an ocd dudes home (no disrespect because thats actually how I live and prefer to buy stereo gear from people like this)

Just to be clear, associated equipment I'm thinking about going with is either wyred 4 sound mint or possibly a peachtree nova 125.

I like all kinds of music, but I listen to bass heavy house (techno) music. My room is only 13x11 though.

For Techno just buy the MA's.

Well I dont only listen to techno. I listen to everything. Jazz, classical, female vocals, rock...I'm big on imaging, tight well defined bass, airy extended highs. I don't like a lean sound. I prefer sweet, musical and warm with some meat on the bones.

I haven't really auditioned any Monitor Audio speakers but I did listen to some Totem Arros for awhile and really kind of liked them...

Why do you recommend the Monitor Audio's?