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Pass Lab XA30.5 with Totems

Would this amp work with the Mani-2's, Forest or even Winds? In reading other posts on the Totems, they seem to want power but I have been deceved before about needing power. I have an old set of Martin Logan's Arius i speakers that "supposily" need alot of power but the Pass really make them sing without a lot of effort. Of course I am not into LOUD music either. Thanks..
alremc
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I agree with the speakers being the starting place for building a system as it defines the basic sound and then sets the parameters for the amps that can best drive the speakers. Some speakers narrow the choices considerably, especially if your preference is to use tubes, and low powered tubes at that.
fatcataudio
107 posts
 
Disclaimer: I am a dealer for Pass and Proac, however if you like Totem speakers why not go right to Proac. Similar look, sound better (I find Proac's more transparent and dyamic though) similar price and are easily driven with the XA30.5. Email me if you want more info, but I use Proacs and the XA30.5 for my main display and it is magical.

Almost all Proacs can be driven by little as 10 watts or sometimes less.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
*If you love the amp, and it doesn't quite work with the speakers, it is (still) a great SS amp. It was extraordinairy with my Merlin VSM-MXes (Pubul57)*

Merlin's are a great suggestion IMO, esp. w/a lower-power power amp. I had TSM's & loved them (w/in their limits). I love my Mani-2's now, but probably wouldn't try them w/a power amp w/o enough watts/current.

Nothing wrong with matching speakers to an amp that you really like.....I say keep the Pass amp, get speakers that work well with them.....
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>10-14-09: Steveaudio
Nothing wrong with matching speakers to an amp that you really like<<

Nothing except the limitation you've placed on speaker choice.

Speakers have a much larger impact on a system's sound than any other component so it makes no sense to build around an amp.

None.
fatcataudio
107 posts
 
I completely disagree with Audiofeil (not looking to start an argument, but just want to display a different viewpoint). There are some tangible traits that can only be had in certain amplification no matter what is hooked up before or after it. No matter what you change in the stream you sometimes cannot reach that particular sound that the amplifier can give. Just my opinion.

For example, the Totem Mani2s are relentlessly power hungry, running a Pass X250.5 or better will yield great results, but the X250.5 will never have the particular organic sonics of the XA series. Thus many folks find speakers to fit a particular amp to achieve that organic sound. Again, just want to show a different opinion.
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