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Big Step Up from Totem Hawks? 10k Speakers?

I'm looking to upgrade my Totem Hawks in a big way. Honestly,I have been extremely impressed with them. As I've moved up in electronics, the Hawks have kept up. But now, it's pretty clear they are the weak link in my system. My budget is a max of $12k, (it went up after I heard the MBL 126 at a show, they go for $12k) I generally like the small floorstander type, but I'm open to opinions. The room is 18'x15'. What will match up well with my class d Nuforce monoblocks with Modwright tube pre? (a fabulous combo, muscular yet musical) System: Clearaudio tt,Modwright LS100, Nuforce V3 SE,all Synergistic Research cabling and conditioning. Thanks for your time and opinions!
ptm
chayro
2,976 posts
 
The Magico S1 is expected out pretty soon. Projected retail is $12.6K. I intend to audition it when it comes out. If you have the space, I would definitely suggest the Rockport Miras. They go for $8-9K used and they are fantastic speakers. Only thing is, they are pretty big compared to the Hawk, although not big on an absolute scale. The Magico looks pretty slim, so it would probably fit in the same space as the Hawk. While I'm here - have you listened to the Forest? Damn good speakers if you have the power and the room for them. Same with the Mani 2's - But you really need some juice for them.
jmbatkh
103 posts
 
I second Daedalus Athena, true works of audio art, but if you want to save half the $, the Selah Audio Tempesta Extreme is very close overall, albeit a bit different tonally. Both would work well with your room size and electronics.
manitunc
795 posts
 
PSB Synchrony One or Ariel 7t or Sonus Faber Amati would be an upgrade for less than 12k and compete with much more expensive speakers.
doc77
47 posts
 
Vapor Audio Joule would be a great choice, one of the best at RMAF this year and offers the best quality of components and construction of anything in that price range. I also like the used Acoustic Zen Crescendo suggestion, those have been enjoyable everytime I've heard them.
ptm OP
15 posts
 
I wish there was a place where I could hear all these great suggestions. Even though I'm in a major metropolitan area, most of these speakers are hard to track down for a listen. Since I have totem, and like them, anyone heard the new totem element series? What makes a speaker match well with class d amps? I appreciate the feedback, please keep the suggestions coming.
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