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Which amp to drive Totem Signiture ones?

I have a sytem in our living/dining room. The Totem Sig 1's are driven by a Kora 60w Jupiter tube amp and Kora Eclipse tube pre. Cables are cardas golden cross, nordost red dawn II speaker cable. The sound does not move me and I believe that the amp is not up to par. I know the Totem needs a bit of power, and i hoped taht 60w of tube would do it. what amps should i consider, and should i look at ss? I may have to go ss because of space issues for a larger tube amp. Say budget is less than 2k for used amp. I have also considered adding a powered sub, say a rel srata. Thanks all.
g_m_c
ultrakaz
187 posts
 
I used to own a pair of Model 1 sigs and the best amp I ever used was a BAT VK60 (used under 2K). TWL is right about finding a suitable tube amp under 2K with the above exception. The best solid state amp that I tried with great results was the Sim Audio W5, 200 watt amp. I've read that the 200 watt McCormack also works well. I would stay away from the Bryston 4bst as this amp is veiled sounding with these speakers.

If you like the Totem sound, try the Totem Hawks. They are like the Model 1 sigs, but have more bass, are a bit warmer and are easier to drive.
jhardy
63 posts
 
TWL and Ultrakaz are right on the money, especially with regards to the bryston amp with your totems. I tried a bryston amp on my Mani 2's and I got simular results. Althogh it could play loud, I got a very thin and bright presentation which came no where near to what the totems can offer.
tabu
42 posts
 
i use an old bryston 4b with my totem tabu with great result
and did some experimentations with a lot of expensive cables
and never had the weight on the bass i was looking for ,
so i changed my totem for some apogee caliper and then the
experimentation is over.i finnaly found the sound i was looking for.so now there is a pair of totem tabu for sale
good luck
tabu
mdoughty32a6
3 posts
 
The mc2102 from mcintosh will drive them, a 100w/channel tube amp at 2 4 and 8 ohms. They'll make b&w 801's dance and these are very power hungry speakers as well. A bit pricey at 4000 used though.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
VTL MB125 or MB100. I use VTL MB100 for my Forests with great success. I doubt that SS amp will be a good mate to Kora Eclipse you should check with manufacturer or simply lookup for high input impedance >30kOhms SS amps. That will bring you definitely under $2k.
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