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Totem forest And Mass loading

Dose any one hay any recommendations on mass loading for totem forest?

I have just started my first stereo system, and I am running a Pair of forest's through a cary sli-80 integrated amp. Bi-wired with Kimber 12tc cable and next week a new Cary 303T SACD CD player as my new source. I love triode mode over ultra liner looking for more bass throw without wreaking the great overall image by mass loading.

I have only tried dry play sand gives great bass but wreaks the image!
So am looking for another mass loading substance or combination.

My audiophile buddy said to mix it half sand and half lead shot, but has any one used lead shot for there speakers. Also how many pounds in each speaker,
dose it give a more clear image then sand?

Just to Note Troide mode has the same volume output as Ultra Liner but cleaner! Have not bought a good power cord yet.

Dose any one have any Thoughts?
128x128jakecanada
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
When I auditioned the Totem Forest, I was under the impression that the Beaks would "tune" and clean up resonance issues.
The cabinets are very "lively" and if u decide to use lead shot, take care not to deaden the sound. It might also remove some of the soundstaging.
rockn
26 posts
 
I use to own the Forest and the Model 1 and although I'm a tube guy now, the Totems really come to life with lots of ss power. I use to run them with a Aragon 8008 amp with great results. I agree with Elsaudio about the sand & lead shot. Be careful.
jakecanada's avatar
jakecanada OP
80 posts
 
I am planing to upgrade my amp to a tube Cary cad120s which is 120wats in ultra liner mode and 60watts in triode. Paired with a Cary slp 98 preamp once I finished the system I have now. Don't know will that help much?
eslaudio
118 posts
 
I agree with Rockn that Totems sound best with a good 150WPC+ high-current solid state amp which is able to control the bass and expand the sound stage. When I owned the Forest, I got the best results using a solid state amp and a tube preamp. For less than the price of the Cary cad120s you could get an outstanding SS amp from Simaudio, Mccormack, Bryston or even Cary that would probably sound better with your speakers IMO.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Yes, Totem Forest needs some power.

Impedance: 8 ohms (6.4 minimum)
Sensitivity: 87 dB
Recommended power: 50 - 200 W

Jakecanada, you have a nice amp, maybe underpowered. Do try the Cary cad120s, but to help the imaging i hope you are using room treatments. Front wall (behind speakers) plus side walls. Look at the Virtual Systems section for ideas.
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