Totem Hawks/Forests - Upstream Components

I am open for pre-owned Power Amps, but would like to buy the pre-amp new.

Grakesh

I am surprised at how well my Forests sound powered by my PrimaLuna Prologue Two. They are premeiring monoblocks rated at 60/70W? at the CES show. I would recommend giving those a shot.

Also, the Krell kav-400xi sounds great powering the Forests, but for me, I preferred the tube sound of the PrimaLuna. The Krell could get a little fatiguing in the highs at hihg levels, although this may have been dependent on cables?

I am going to try an i-5 next week myself as my dealer (who doesn't sell simaudio, but totem and krell) stated that Vince (of Totem) used to own Simaudio, so the synergy is there. This is the only source I have heard this information from though?

I've had a Plinius 8200mkII integrated driving Tabu's back in the day, and I wasn't feeling the combination. Just personal preference.

I had the PrimaLuna driving the Arro's previous to the Forest, and thought the PrimaLuna wouldn't cut it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Many, even Totem themselves said that the Forests want a lot of power, like 200W SS, but I am questioning that as the PrimaLuna sounds so damn good. I think the monos with a little more juice may be the ticket?

I would recommend the Forests highly over the Hawks, again just personal opinion. I've heard the Hawks on several occasions in seperate systems and have never been as 'wowed' with them as the Forests. The best Hawk system I've heard was at the HE show this past year paired with Ayre gear. CDP and integrated, not sure the model #'s? but you may want to check them out if the Hawks are your taste?

Good luck with your decisions, it really will come down to was is most pleasant to your ears!

First off, if you have the money I'd def. go for the forests. There are a number of threads on the subject, but just listen for yourself and you'll understand.

So I'll list a couple units I liked with the totem Forests, but these may voice differently depending on your CD/TT, Cables, etc.

The Plinius 9200 I think represents a lot of what you're looking for, in terms of tube-like mid-range bloom and power, plus it has a decent phono stage. Also, if you buy used you should have money left over for ICs, PCs, and speaker cable, if you buy well.

If you want to go with tubes somewhere in the chain, you could get the BAT VK300x or 300xse, both of which sound very good with the forests.

A Vac Avatar Super may be a stretch of your budget (but falls below 3500 used) but would be an ideal match.

A Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista is about 3 grand used, and would be much superior to the Jolida/MF combo you proposed in your last post. Plus, this thing has enough power to match with anything you might upgrade to, and has a phono stage, but it's not great.

If you're looking to save money, the Plinius is the way to go. Otherwise, I'd say the Bat or MF would be good. I didn't get a good listen on the VAC and totems, but I'm familiar with the VAC and it's great.

Enjoy

If your room is not too big look at the Pathos Classic One MKII integrated. It has a tube pre section and SS power section. 70 wpc. New well under your price range

Pathos Logos same config and the Classic excepy 110 wpc. Used in your price range.

I heard the some Totems (sorry can't remember the model) with the Logos and the combo was outstanding.

Also the Sim I-5LE at 75 wpc would be a very nice match IMO. Used in your price range.

Rogue Audio Tempest II for an all tube design. New in you price range.

The is no such thing as a perfect system or combo. Take some time and listen to as much as you can and let your ears be the deciding factor. If it were me I would go with one of the Pathos units.

Eldorado,

You reminded me one more factor I missed. My 2 channel room is 14 x 16 x 8. Hoping this helps in the recommendations.

Thanks
Grakesh