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Totem mani 2 or Dynaudio 1.3 SE

Both of these are relatively inefficient two way mini monitors. I'm trying to decide between them. I am thinking of purchasing a used set of one of these pairs of speakers. I have heard the Contour 1.3 MkII. Have not heard the SE version but assume that the more of a good thing concept holds true. I really liked the 1.3's but I keep reading wonderful things about the Mani 2 that seem to very much to describe the sound I am looking for. Does anyone out there have experience with both of these speakers that wants to put in their two cents?
esun
hepl
147 posts
 
On the last sentence of my original sentence there is an error. What I meant was "you cannot go wrong with the Mani-2". Sorry, english is not my first language. Thanks
whknopp0713
179 posts
 
I've heard both these speakers in stores, and I think they are both good, but quite different. The Dynaudio's are more "accurate," leaner and drier, whereas the Totems are warm, earthy, lusty things. I thought the Mani 2 was great for its drive, bass and harmonic meatiness and it is the best soundstage I've ever heard (driven by Sim and Classe, with Transparent cables and Richard Gray PLC). The drawback is that you must have lots of good power and rock solid stands. It may be small, but it's a $4k speaker and needs a commensurate amp, placement well into the room and massive stands. Isobarik woofers in a small cabinet will just eat power. Hepl's Klout is no doubt a good choice. And you definitely need something like Sound Anchors' four pillar stand. I considered buying them and ended up spending a lot more to get something genuinely better.
esun OP
32 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses! It looks like most of you are in favor of the mani 2's. Looks like I am going to have to buy a pair just to audition them. I have listened to the Dynaudios, as well as the Revel M20. I liked both of them but was hoping for something with more of that "undefinable something" in it. I've never heard a any of Totem's speakers but I am now extremely intrigued. The Mani 2's may be a little too much for my CJ Premier 11a to drive though, I'll have to look into that. I'll also have to inquire about amp compatibility for the 1.3 SE's.
vikkysingh
154 posts
 
I am also in the market for some speakers and have found the Dyn 1.3 se to be as described in this thread. Extremely accurate with the best tonality of speakers at its price point and a bit above. I have not heard the mani 2.
They dyns are a little tough to drive however. Tube amps need not apply, but I think it would be a great match with your CJ pre. I love their preamps and I think the dyn would be a nice match for its warmth. I think that the mani-2, as described in this thread, would be far too slow and tubby with the CJ. Best of luck in your search!
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