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Totem Forest Signature -or- Spendor D7

I have my list narrowed to these two speakers, but I'm feeling conflicted. Which way do I go?? And fyi, I'm not interested in any others right now, only choice is between the two listed above please.

I know these questions will be asked so I'll answer them right now.
Room size- 11x22x7.6 feet. Highly treated with absorption and diffusion. Even the ceiling has both.
Source- Clearaudio Concept TT, MC cart
Phono pre- Jolida JD9 II, modded
Pre amp- Decware CSP3 with factory upgrades
Power amp- Moon W5
Power cables- Acoustic Zen Gargantua II's
Interconnects- Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II
Speaker cables- Acoustic Zen Hologram II Bi-wire (I know the D7's are single input)
Subs- pair of REL T5s
Power isolation- BPT 3.5 Signature
Musical taste, 70s-80s rock, Adult contemporary, some alternative stuff, a little jazz. Not into classical or blues very much. Usually lots of instruments playing at the same time. It can get congested, so need a speaker that can deliver individual instruments in a busy environment.
Another fyi, I will be changing all cabling to Acoustic Zen Absolute as I feel this system will benefit from as much silver cabling as I can give it without be harsh on the top end.

So, "Totem Forest Signatures" or "Spendor D7s"??
128x128shawnlh
zd542
5,339 posts
 
" I'm thinking your initial post was aimed at getting a comparative critique from experts that have heard both speakers; get some tips on what to listen for in comparing the two. Viewed that way, didn't seem particularly silly to me."

I understand why you would say that, but the truth is no one can do the work for you, expert or otherwise. The OP just wants everyone to pat him on the back and tell him he's making the right choice. That's why he's trying to control the answers he gets, and takes offense to the words common sense.
chayro
2,996 posts
 
IMO, as your tastes run mostly to pop music and you're letting the subs take care of the bottom octave, I would probably go with the Totems. A bit more forward than Spendor, but not in a bad way. Plus the Forests don't do a bad job of bass on their own, although they take more power than you might think. But if you're taking out that bottom octave, you'll be fine. You might also consider the Model 1 stand-mounted speakers, which have a really nice midrange.
shawnlh's avatar
shawnlh OP
37 posts
 
Thanks very much Ghosthouse and Chayro, this is the info I was after. And Ghosthouse, your assumption in regards to my original post is correct.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,312 posts
 
Shawn - haven't heard Spendors and don't own Signature Forests (Gen 1 Forests only) so take this for what it's worth...
Do the Sig's still use metal dome tweeters? If yes, can you live with the sound?? Break in time, cabling and source material will (obviously) play big roles in this.
Reviewers say the Forests aren't fussy about placement...that's as may be but in my experience clarity & bass response all benefited greatly from careful placement. If you get them, evaluate positioning closer together than might seem "normal". Also, try experimenting with elevation (e.g. using hardwood plinths). They take forever to break in. Bass will be MIA for quite a while.
I'm thinking they will like the power supplied by your Moon W5. Hope you make a decision that's good for you.
shawnlh's avatar
shawnlh OP
37 posts
 
Thanks Ghost house. I'm working on a deal for a demo set of Forest Signatures. I'll keep your advice in mind when setting up.

Thanks,
Shawn
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