Nola Contender & Totem Forest comparison?

Ghost,

when I went to go see the Nola's, I told the sales guy my
budget...he said "I have just the speaker for
you," and then showed me the (less expensive) Focals. I
said, "what are those Nola speakers?" thinking
maybe his payout was better on the Focals...he said
something like, "oh those are Nolas, you want to hear
them?" So, he swapped inputs...I put my tunes on, and
in 5 seconds I was just shocked. I said, "wow, kinda
dull." And he said something like, "yep, not as
good. That's why I didn't bother to show you to begin
with."

This is EXACTLY the type of sales guy I want to do business
with..!! (he had all that reviewer hype that he could have
leveraged, too.)

Mj - hope my closing line was clear. I meant that your experience with the Nolas might mean they wouldn't be a step up from the Forests. Now you have me curious about the Focals. Appreciate your additional comments about that audition.

(1) have a peek at the SPENDOR D7s if you are looking at quality 3 way floorstander contenders.

WHAT HI-FI 5 STAR RATING:

http://www.whathifi.com/review/d7

extracted reviews comments:

• Massively detailed
• Exceptional dynamics
• Precise and articulate presentation
• Cohesive sound
• Deliver a huge sound for their size
• Unfussy nature

-- The finest Spendor speakers we’ve heard in years. When it comes to insight and precision, these floorstanders set the standard at this price

(2) higher up the food chain = REGA RS10s

I do not believe the Contenders would be a step up for you.

Akg - got it...check out Spendor.

Mg - message received.

Thanks to all.