Totem Acoustic Forest Signatures

Hi Ghosthouse,

Thanks so much for your input! I'm running Tidal/Roon through a Lumin D1 streamer with an upgraded power supply. It's connected to my Hegel with a Tellurium Q Black XLR cable. I have recent model Shunyata power cables with an older model Hydra 6. My speaker cables may be a weak link. They are Analysis Plus Oval Nines which are about 10 years old. I really liked the improvement when I added them to my system but they may be due for an upgrade. I've considered moving up to the Big Silver Ovals, bit was unsure about the synergy of the silver wire with the metal tweeter. Reviews say that they don't sound like a typical silver cable.

Thanks for the suggestion about the Cardas Parsecs, they were not on my radar. I may see if I can borrow a pair from the Cable Company.

Finally, I did remove the rear balls to change the rake of the speaker and I like the result. It seems to expand the sound stage.That's something that never occurred to me.
Thanks again for your suggestions.

Hello again scthom - 
Just to be clear, the Parsecs were only mentioned by way of full disclosure.  They might or might not contribute to the sound you are looking for.  They are part of the new "generation" of Cardas wire...not as warm - a little more neutral - than "vintage" Cardas wire but still very much a Cardas house sound (or so i think).  

Paul Laudati's Clear Day Double Shotgun (all silver) speaker cable was what I wanted to suggest.  Paul did offer a 30 day in-home/money back trial on them.  I write "did" because he has recently experienced some very serious health issues.  I don't know if he's back making cables.  If not, but you can find some of his used, well worth trying out.  

Taking advantage of borrowing from The Cable Co. is definitely a good way to go.  If you call, the sales guy can consult their database (customer derived info) and make recommendations for you to try based on your gear, budget and sound preference.  Maybe the newer Black Mesh Oval 9 is something to try out?  I've not heard Analysis Plus wire at all but they enjoy a good reputation.

One thing you can try right now (assuming you are using a single run of cable with jumpers and the Forests aren't bi-wired) is use the Nordost diagonal speaker connection method.  That is, attach Red (+) to the low frequency + post and Black (-) to the upper frequency - post.  See if you hear any increase in upper frequency information using this approach.  [Just fyi, Audioquest recommends the opposite when single-wiring bi-wireable speakers...Red to upper + post; Black to lower - post.]
If you're interested, I should be able to find a link(s) to relevant info.  

Removing the rear balls from the Totem claws would be another easy thing to try.  See if it gets you more detail.  

Good luck.

This morning, Peter Gabriel, "Salsbury Hill"
And "SO", Special Edition

I'm still experimenting with speaker placement after adding the Mapleshade 18"x15"x2" blocks under my Signatures.

Do tell Nutty...please?  First impressions??

Hi Ghosthouse,

I’m going to borrow some speaker cables from the Cable Company. That seems like the best way to go.

Thanks