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Totem Hawks/Forests - Upstream Components

Hi,

I am trying to set-up a 2 channel set-up based on Totem Hawks / Forests. I will be deciding on which speaker very shortly. I am curious about the set-up I should be going for ?

1. Stereo Integarated Amplifier ?

2. Pre-Amp & Amp ?

3. SS or Tubes ?

Should I be going for separates (or) integrated ? In either case, can you please recomemnd any proven coherent components for these speakers ?

Thanks
Grakesh
grakesh
grakesh OP
84 posts
 
Michael,

I agree with you. What you said is correct about Tube Pre-Amp and SS amps combination for Totems (or) any speakers. The system synergy is what really matters. That is the reason why I was asking for any proven combination of Tube Pre-Amps and Solid State Amps for driving Totem Hawks / Forests.

Thanks
Grakesh
grakesh OP
84 posts
 
Can anyone add their views to this discussion ?

Grakesh
mimberman
299 posts
 
Grakesh:

I'm using an aesthetix janus preamp with a parasound A21 with very favorable results, but I'm getting a BAT VK 250 tomorrow and I expect the change to be night and day. I"ve heard the bat and aesthetix together and it's a stunning combo. I'm a fan of tube pre and solid state amps, only because I'm nervous about fully embracing tubes. I would seriously consider listening to the BAT VK 300 integrated, because I though it voiced very well with the Totem forsests, as did the Plinius 9200 which is all SS.
grakesh OP
84 posts
 
Mimberman,

Thanks for giving your feedback. Janus is definitely not in my price range. My budget is 3500 - 4000...can go Integrated or separates way based on system synergy and value for the dollar. I am considering these combinations as of now and will need to audition them in the near future.

1. New Primaluna Prologue 3 preamp with Musical Fidelity A5 CR power-amp (New/Used).

2. New BAT VK-3iX preamp with USED Musical Fidelity A5 CR Power Amp

3. New BAT VK-3iX Preamp with USED BAT VK-250 / VK-350 power amp.

4. New Plinius 9200 Integrated

5. New Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated.

6. New BAT VK-300x Integrated.

7. Sim Audio I-3 / I-5 is another good choice. But I am not considring it highly because it is low on power amp portion and I want to use ths same set-up for powering my HT fronts as well.

Can you guys throw some light on these system synergies with Totem Hawks / Forests ?

Thanks
Grakesh
grakesh OP
84 posts
 
Also,

Option 8 is Unison Research Unico which got amazing reviews and has good references for system synergy with Totem Hawks / Forests. But again just like sim audio , the power may be on the lower end for it to work as a power amp for my HT needs

Grakesh
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