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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
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
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,312 posts
 
That's good news, Shawn. Nothing like a little monetary incentive to help with
decision making. Hope you enjoy the Forests in your room. (Might make sense
to get used to the Sig's sound in your space following more conventional set up
guidance before trying any of my suggestions).
chayro
2,996 posts
 
Don't forget the Beaks.
riffer
362 posts
 
Please excuse the minor thread hijac - But has anyone heard the Forest versus the Forest Signature? I am considering both for an upgrade to my Arro's and the Forest is a lot easier to come by and, of course, considerably less expensive.
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