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Totem model 1 with svs sb13 ultra or Forest

Hi,

This is my first post on audiogon. I currently own a pair of totem model 1's (original not sig). I really like them but would like some more bass. I'm considering a couple of options. I'm thinking I could buy an SVS sb13 ultra (cost 1600) or I'm thinking I could sell the model 1's and get a used pair of totem forests (net cost after selling model 1's 1000). If I do this, I would really like to avoid buying a different amp. I currently have a Parasound 2250 which has more than enough current to drive the model 1's.

I live in a medium sized apartment but eventually (three years from now) will move to a larger place. My setup is in my living room which is 14 ft long and 12 ft wide. I listen to everything from country and indie to electronica and hip hop.

Thanks,
Zach
zhorne
zhorne OP
3 posts
 
Thanks Al. That's very helpful. I would rather not have to buy another power amp if I switch speakers (for money and sanity reasons).
kendrick2
42 posts
 
I meant to say (above) that that Totem Forest speaker is probably too much speaker for your room. You may have to place the Forest 5-6 feet from the rear wall to sound best, as indicated on the Totem Website. Do you have that much flexibility in your apartment? I would suggest contacting Totem to discuss your situation. If going for a subwoofer, I would be tempted us use one of the Totem models to better integrate the sound.

As for the Mani's, they are said to be fantastic speakers. But Manis are also very inefficient (85db sensitivity, 4 ohm load) and have a demanding impedance curve. On paper, the Parasound should work okay but the Mani's would probably sound best with a better quality amplifier.
michaelkingdom's avatar
michaelkingdom
153 posts
 
While not very familiar with Totem, the mani sigs have been highly recommended to me as on par with my other speakers. The Dynaudio based woofers are very dynamic and I would expect the mani sigs to have a very full bottom end.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
FWIW the Forests are the most efficient of the choices mentioned above. You should have no amp issues as far as power is concerned, unless, it's simply too much power (can happen). Forests are working well for me in a smaller room than yours, but I am using low powered tubes. Used to be in a huge room, an open Kitchen/living room. Same amps and also great (but different presentation) sound.
marco1's avatar
marco1
571 posts
 
Your amp should drive the Mani's as well. Keep in mind however that all three Totem options you are (now) considering thrive on good electronics. I know you don't want to and you really don't have to, but an upgrade in amplification will be very rewarding with any of these three options.

Trying to keep your sanity in an insane hobby, well all I can say is welcome aboard :-).
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