Totem Model 1

Totem Model 1 sigs are awesome...I 2nd! They need a good sounding 100w per channel amp to make them really sing. Also, stands will be important, to make the most of this speaker.

I think I've narrowed it down to these Totem model 1's (not the Signature edition, unfortunately) and a pair of mid 1990's Monitor Audio Gold 2.5's...

The Monitor Audio's are $400. The Totems are $600. I'm on a somewhat tight budget but if the Totems are going to be $200 better, I'd go for those.

The Totems and Monitor Audio's are probably close to the same age (15-18 years old, which kind of scares me). The woofers surround on the Totems looks to be some type of foam (?) but I could be wrong. They are the original dynaudio (?) drivers.

The Totems look like they are living in a little bit dustier, messier home, where as the Monitor Audios look like they are living in an ocd dudes home (no disrespect because thats actually how I live and prefer to buy stereo gear from people like this)

Just to be clear, associated equipment I'm thinking about going with is either wyred 4 sound mint or possibly a peachtree nova 125.

I like all kinds of music, but I listen to bass heavy house (techno) music. My room is only 13x11 though.

For Techno just buy the MA's.

Well I dont only listen to techno. I listen to everything. Jazz, classical, female vocals, rock...I'm big on imaging, tight well defined bass, airy extended highs. I don't like a lean sound. I prefer sweet, musical and warm with some meat on the bones.

I haven't really auditioned any Monitor Audio speakers but I did listen to some Totem Arros for awhile and really kind of liked them...

Why do you recommend the Monitor Audio's?

Both of those speakers have lively and somewhat elevated top ends, not warm and sweet. I've owned model 1 sigs and several MAs, but not that model. I'm not sure either are your cup of tea, but I love the imaging on the totems.