Vandersteen 1ci vs Totem Arro


About a year ago I purchased a (demo) pair of Vandersteen 1ci's. They are hooked up to my PrimaLuna Prologue 1 tube amp.

I really like the sound. If these descriptors make sense, I add that there is a texture to the sound. I love the bass and at times it can almost be felt. I swear I can hear or feel the air moving on the kick drum on certain recordings. And the tone is beautiful. I can distinguish between the flute and recorder, say, when listening to either Vivaldi's Flute and Recorder concertos.

This setup also works well with internet radio. Specifically, Sirius-xm. It is an enjoyable listening experience.

Some poorly recorded CDs sound terrible. I guess you call this "unforgiving". I can't think of an example.

Yet nothing is perfect, although I can't quite put my finger on it, and I have some regret that I didn't spend time listening to the Totem Arro. Honestly, I was put off by their marketing. After reading numerous reviews that was a mistake.

Do others find it normal to torture yourselves with "what if I bought this other brand'? Or is it worth going back to listen, and looking for a deal on the Arro's, as they do come up from time to time.

~Jim
128x128jimspov
@jetson   My Prima Luna is also the "classic" integrated amp - it was the entry level model at the time.
Given that you would seem to be recreating what I found unsatisfactory, I'd highly recommend auditioning them with your amp before using the Aro with your PL. 
For me, they were great with female vocals,  acoustic blues, some jazz, but could not keep up with rock or other more "heavy" music losing detail and sounding very muddy. 
Because it 's hard if not impossible to find the right compromise with speakers, I keep 2-3 pairs on hand, so when I get tired of a signature sound, I swap, and it never gets old...
There is no better customer support/service than Richard Vandersteen.  He takes a very active position to help all of his customers.  You'll never have a problem if you Vandersteen