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Totem or B&W?

I am new to this audio craze and am still trying to learn as much as possible before I make my first big purchase. I am a classical musician and mostly listen to classical music although I enjoy listening to pop, rap, alternative, jazz etc. I am close to purchasing a Rotel RC-1070 preamp and the RB-1080 amp. I have visited many audio stores and have narrowed down the speakers I like to B&W and Totem. I originally was comparing the B&W 602 series to the Totem Mites but recently made the mistake of listening to the Totem Mani2s. Anyone know which speakers will work best with the Rotel setup? I would prefer to stay under $1,000 for speakers but if I do decide to go with the Totem Model-1 or Mani-2 (used) will I have to step up to a better pre-amp and amp?
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
mattmusic
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,117 posts
 
This is for Aram.

How can you be so sure VMPS will beat both Totem and B&W? Have you even heard any of their speakers, or are you just speculating? My guess is the latter.

Oz
bmd
3 posts
 
I recently audiotioned the Totem Model-1 signature speakers, and instantly regretted having paid over twice their price for a pair of Revel F-30s...

Admittedly, this is like comparing apples to oranges. The Model 1 is still just a monitor, and cannot fill a large room the way the F-30 does. Despite this, I'd still go for the Model-1, it just seems to make more beautiful music.
golfrok's avatar
golfrok
17 posts
 
I am more familiar with the Totem line, and would concur
with what a couple others posters mentioned: yes they can really sing, and they shine if mated with good
gear upstream. I have the Forests, and love them. And, as someone else said, Vince Bruzzese, the designer, often
will take calls. The craftsmanship in their product is first-rate.
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