Totem model 1 signature or Dynaudio 52

Rbstehno...

Regarding your observations on the Model 1. I use to own a pair of the original Model 1s that I paired successfully with a REL sub. I later replaced the Model 1 with a pair of JMR Trentes. As much as I like the Trente I have never got them to mate quite as seamlessly as I did with the totem. I might be interested in trying the Model 1 Sig...or even the Mani. Do you think that a model 1 sig with a good subwoofer match would be as good as the Mani alone....or the mani matched with my sub?

I know you didn't address your question to me - but I'm running Mani-2's with a Rel Storm III and it's a pretty unbeatable combination. Even though the Mani's can play quite nicely with no sub, they integrate perfectly and go to a whole 'nother level with it. I cross over at 31Hz.

I have no experience with Mod 1's, but previously had Sttaf's paired with the Rel. Integration was perfect and it was a very nice setup. Before I got the Mani's I considered the Mod 1, and in discussion with Totem was told the 1's have much tighter bass than the Staff (though not as deep - 38hz vs 50hz rolloff pt), and better mid-hi, so paired with the sub . . you can do the math. I'm not sure if this gets you to the level of the Manis with a sub or without though.

Thank you Bdgregory

Do you think my ARC 100.2 (100wpc) power amp will be enough for the Mani?

Randy

the short answer is "probably" Randy. The Mani's like a lot of power, but you should be fine. Check out this thread for an extensive discussion of Mani power requirements.

it all depends on the size of your room. if you have a 13 x 13 x 8 ft room, a pair of mani's would generate enough bass. if you are talkng about a 13 x 24ft room, then you will need a sub. there is plenty of bass but the room will dictate how it will perform. as for subs, i used the rel with my model 1's and didn't use a crossover for the speakers, i let them run full range (as i do my mani's) and i used a 50hz crossover on the sub.
as for your arc driving the mani's, especially if you want a solid bottom end sound, it is too small. i had a 100 watt mcintosh amp hooked up to both my model 1's when i had them and then the mani's and it was not a good fit. my 200 watt classe does a very good job with the mani's and more would even be better. the other option is to use a sub and crossover at 40 or 50hz at the mani's so your amp doesn't need all that power to drive the woofers.
good luck!