Totem Model 1 Sig with Sub or Mani 2 without a Sub

you would be correct in thinking the model ones are almost identical with imaging in the mids, however 'some amps' match better with the manis than 'others', and the 'weight' of some instruments (piano, kick drum, tymphani, etc) will not sound as real as the manis in an a/b comparison. before you swap them out, try other amps(big power) with the manis. you can always add a sub to the manis, but i think you'll be shocked at how low and articulate they can play. i am not a fan of modern smaller speakers as a general rule, but totem makes some of the best, and i would take the mani over any expensive british monitor(and companies like harbeth, pmc and spendor make great speakers). the mani is in a classic by itself.

I think it would be a downgrade. The bass from the Model 1 plus the sub will not be as refined as the bass from the Mani-2 for the bass frequencies which they have in common. The Model 1 plus the sub will give you lower bass frequencies than the Mani 2 alone, but the trade-off is lesser quality bass in the mid and upper bass (and other frequencies for that matter). If you would like deeper bass than the Mani 2 can provide, why not add a sub to the Mani 2 rather than drop down to the Model 1?

Keep in mind that this is relative. The Model 1 is still a very good speaker.

Personally, I've never found a sub/monitor combination to be as well integregrated as a larger speaker in the same manufacturer's line without a sub.

I'm using a Rel Storm III with my Mani-2s - just to get that last little bit. It's arguably overkill, and in fact for a lot of music the sub isn't even noticeable (ie I can turn it off and not miss it).

Given you already have the Manis, why not buy a sub and pair it with them first? That is, why do you think you have to trade in the Mani-2s if all you seek is deeper bass?

OTOH, one thing I noticed is it's easier to integrate a sub if the crossover is at a little higher point. I had Totem Sttafs prior to the Manis. It took a few nanoseconds to get the Sub set up with the Sttafs (x-over at 38Hz), but a fair amount of effort to do so with the Manis(x-over at 30Hz). I guess the other reason may be a little bit of cash you may net in the exchange, but I still don't think I'd do it if it were me.