Totem Winds are Too Bright

Jcbach, you are definitely underpowering them. I heard the Totem Wind speakers at the Stereophile show in 2002 on that large Totem intergrated amp. It looked the size of a Krell amp. The bass was great on the Winds. It was upbeat and tight. It had a very smooth sound. There is no way in history these speakers were bright. I wouldn't use a tube amp on the Totem Winds. You need a good solid state amp.

WINDS WITH 45/CH TUBE AMP???
YO GOTTA BE KIDDIN' DUDE!

Figure 200Wpc at least.

I would guess that it's the room. Hardwood/tiled floors? That's the biggest culprit. Bare walls/mirrors? Also, anything between the speakers can cause early reflections (uncovered bay window, equipment and racks, TV etc). Are the speakers toed-in? Try toeing the speakers out (straight ahead). Also, CD's are particularly nasty sounding if the sources are not quite so good. Silver cables? That too. The correct impedance tap on the tube amp? Many many things...but try the room first. I would use a sound meter to see where the problem is and consult an acoustics specialist (Rives Audio, eg) for tips or solutions.

They need much more juice than your 45WPC tube amp provides. Sorry to say. I heard the Totem Winds in a Boulder Preamp and Amp system. It was a match made in heaven. The trebble was extended but NOT bright. We played everything from jazz vocals to big symphonic works (Mahler). On one disc (Susan Graham's C'est Ca La Vie), it was as if Susan Graham was walking around within the center stage. I had goose bumps all over.
Good luck.

My guess is its the room as well. Don't bame the speakers just yet.

You probably have flutter echo. Do you have bare walls facing each other? If so hang a blanket on 1 wall and see if it helps.

Rob