2. speakers
  3. 1140998264

Upgrading to Totem Mani 2's

I’m considering upgrading from the Model 1’s to Mani 2’s. I’ve read most of the forums here on A’gon regarding the Mani’s and the one thing that they all pretty much have in common is that you need a lot of power (and current) to drive them. I’m currently running a Plinius 9100 for my Model 1’s which is rated at 120 W per side (around 200 W @ 4ohms). I’m also running the Plinius on 220v which has opened it up considerably and gives the bass a lot more punch (something I know I'll need for the Mani's). My room size is approx. 15 x 22 and my listening position is about 16 feet from the speakers. I normally listen at a moderate volume (10 o’clock is loud for me and 12 o’clock pretty much drives me out of the room). I know the old adage that you can always get a bigger amp, but if I’m going to spend several thousand on a speaker upgrade I’d rather not turn around and spend several thousand more on upgrading the amplifier as well (at least not right away). In addition I'm very pleased with the 9100 and like the Plinius sound very much. So what do you think Mani 2 owners? Am I living in a bubble thinking that the 9100 has the juice or based on my room size and listening habits will the 9100 do the job for me?
jaffeassc
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
I use the Plateau 4 pillar stands for my Mani’s. They’re actually carryovers from my Model 1’s so I can’t comment on the virtues of any other stands with the Mani’s. The Plateau stands did however make a big difference with the Model 1’s as compared to some other lighter weight single post stands. The Plateau’s are also close to the stands that Totem sold/recommends (or sells if you can still get them) for use with their speakers. Generally speaking I think a heavy 4 pillar stand filled with sand or shot will be much better sonically than the single post metal (or wood) stands that depending on your taste may be aesthetically more appealing. Regarding the Velcro for the speaker grills, I used grills for a while on my Model 1’s and then took them off. No problem at all removing the glue residue from the speaker cabinet and a little teak oil and they look as good as new. I think you’ll find that the speakers sound better with the grills off but you’ll have to be the judge of that.

Congrat’s on the Mani’s. They are really great speakers.
raduray
14 posts
 
Thanks Jaffeassc. I scored a pair of Osiri stands on A'gon last night. They may not be as heavy as some of the massive four pillar stands, but I'm hoping, based on what I've been reading, that they'll do fine. They certainly are better looking.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Raduray, I have the Totem (4-pillar) stands with my Mani-2's. Personally, I think they look great, & match perfectly with the look of the speakers. I also have a pair of Osiris stands--they are excellent stands too, but the Mani's are larger than the top plates of the Osiris stands, so I didn't feel the speakers were as secure on them.

But the Osiris stands are sought after; & I keep mine to use with whatever smaller bookshelf speakers I own. Just my 2 cents,
glukeman
6 posts
 
Hey...Another late response...sorry. Mani Signature's have a better top end than the straight Mani. When I bought them right from Totem, Vince felt that he had taken the design about as far as it could go, at least in this box. Indeed, they are the best stand-mount speaker I have ever heard. Remember...the stability of your amp is as important as power; my 100 watt PS Audio doubles to 200 with great stability into the Mani...plenty of power for a medium-sized room. The preamp is even more crucial. I upgraded from an AES-Signature to a DeHavilland UltraVerve. Sound is a bit better, yes....but it is the 6sn7 tubes that really do it. The best home sound I have heard. I cannot say enough about what 6sn7's can do for these speakers. Mind-blowing. The Mani's exploit everything that is amazing about Octal tubes....the big tone, eye-opening detail, bass...holy shoot. A complete experience. Go solid-state amp, tube preamp and you will be amazed. I promise. Buy good NOS tubes and do some tube rolling...the Mani's will reward what great tube sound is all about. Do I sound excited? Cool.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Hey Glukeman:

Thanks for the comments. It’s good to be excited about something you’re passionate about. Your post was actually very timely in that I was in the market for a new preamp to replace my Audio Research SP16. I considered DeHavilland but never had an opportunity to listen to one. I ended up buying the Conrad Johnson CT 6. It’s still in transit but I’m looking forward to hearing it in my set-up. I have to tell you though that in my medium size room (about 15’x22’) my Mani’s driven by Music Reference RM10 tube amps sound glorious!!
More to discover