Do I have enough power?

Jerroot,
The main reason I am not completely sold on the Mani-2's is only because I haven't been able to listen to them (my Totem dealer doesn't sell the model). I know some will say that you shouldn't consider a speaker without auditioning it first, but I already know that I like the Totem sound and given the things I've heard about them, I can only assume that I'd probably love them. However, not having a way to hear them still creates some inherent doubt. Additionally, I have heard some people say that the Mani-2's can be a challenge, just like you said. I'm looking for something with a strong midrange + midbass that can produce a great focused image. The Hawks seemed to satisfy those desires above what my Rainmakers can do, but I'm curious to know how they would compare to the Mani-2. How would you describe the Mani-2 sound, and what challenges did it present?

Challenges with manis:

1) right amplifier for best (not just good) performance with all kinds of music at target listening volumes

2) Need distance to walls for best results that justify the investment (not an unusual thing at all)

3) THey can sound a touch hot and less laid back compared to some lines, like PSB, for example in some setups, especially with some SS amps. Addressable via many common tweaks as needed though, nothing unusual there either.

I would love to own Mani IIs as a possible step up from my current smaller Dynaudio monitors if I could justify the expenditure. Maybe someday.

What kind of distance to the wall do the Mani's need to sound decent? That might be a problem in my room.

I like them at least 2ft into the room, 4ft is better, but they are better than decent - probably great 1 ft away. They're just not their best unless well away from the wall.