Totem Hawks/Forests - Upstream Components

more than welcome to visit my system arround Totem Forrest where I use biamplification with SS and tubes.
IMHO Forrsts do much more for the money spent than Hawks.

You might want to try Arcam components. I believe the Totems are voiced with Arcam. If not, the synergy created between these to products makes this combination sound incredible.

I have used different pairs of Totem speakers with seperates, integrated amps, tubes and solid state. My recommendation would be to get an amp in the flavor you like (tube or ss) with a lot of reserve power. some amps to consider would be: mcintosh mc352, ma6900 integrated, classe ca201 or ca301. good luck.

I asked the same question to Totem directly, or more specifically, if my Sim I-5 would be a good fit for the Totem Hawks & Forests. Here is the email reply:

"Both the HAWK and FOREST would be comfortable with your room size and musical preference. In terms of your amplifier, the I-5 would be better suited to the HAWK. From our personal experience we have found the I-5 to be slightly "cool" in nature. The Hawk which tends to be slightly "warm" should provide a nice balance. Although the FOREST is more demanding to drive the I-5 can still handle the load to a moderate/high level. Although it will play to satisfying levels, maximum dynamics would not be reached. We recommend you audition both units as each model is different overall, and personal taste would be the determining factor."

All,

Thanks a lot for all the feedback you provided. I appreciate your input.

Eldorado....You are right. I should have provided mroe details that will allow folks over here to guide me better.

My Budget is $3500 for both Pre-Amp and Amp together (or) for the Integrated Amp it is $3000. I like listening to Vocals, Instruments, Pop, Classical and light rock. I am not an audiophile and i am new to audiphile terms. I am thinking most of my listening interests and particularly Vocals come under mid-range. I also heard that Tubes make the mid-range really bloom and sound sweet. That is why I was asking for Tube recommendations too.