Here is my 2c if you want to hear it:
- Totem response is +-3 db, while Forest have a -+2 db--> advantage Forest, as at the edge of the spectrum, Forest should sound "louder"...- Totem sensitivity is 88 db while Forest is 87 db --> advantage Totem: again, at the same volume Totem should sound "louder"- and then is the room, the way you have them positioned in the room, the component speakers used and so on ...It is hard to compare stuff w/o making sure you have them at the same sound level, same music track, same place, same situation ...etc.I would say - and this is what i do - always go for what / how you hear and like it. Nothing is perfect, so the beauty is in the eye of the beholder .. ;)