NOLA, Fritz, or used Totem Hawk - Want Drama


Looking at speakers for an 8' X 14' sun room with a large opening to the living room. Really enjoyed ProAc 2 speakers a while back. I moved to larger speakers, and want to downsize.

Most important aspect of presentation is drama - sitting on the edge of the couch, waiting for the next twist or turn in the singer's voice. Mesmerized by the music NOT minute details.

After doing some looking around, three speakers stood out in my range (1,000-1,500): NOLA Boxer, Fritz 7, and Totem Hawk (not much of a "downsize" here). Probably need a new amp (I do still have a Cairn 30 Watt integrated).

So, if you've had a moving experience with any of these, let me know what amp was being used. If I'm missing any "must" auditions, let me know.

Thanks for looking!

Michael
128x128leahy
I owned the Hawks for many years and experienced some transporting and sublime moments listening to music through them. You are correct, however, that the Cairn probably won't cut it. They really only came alive for me when I was driving them with at least 100+ WPC of solid state power mated to a tubed pre. I used McCormack, Odyssey and Simaudio amps all to good effect.
A third vote for Fritz. I own Carbon 7's and plan on upgrading to Illuminator 7's in the near future. You won't find a better value in the $2000 - $3500 range. The ScanSpeaker drivers that he uses in the Illuminator 7 are found in brand name speakers that cost upwards of $20,000. Also: no need for a subwoofer. I like impactful, noticeable bass, but the bass from the Carbon 7's is simply unbelievable. It defies their small footprint. I own two sealed Hsu Research subwoofers but I keep them off simply because the bass from the Carbon 7's is just right for my 11 x 15 room. I'd imagine it would be sufficient for bigger rooms, too, although I can't say from experience.

Here's a link where someone (username Koven) did a shootout between similarly priced models from Totem, Fritz, Joseph Audio, Usher, and Harbeth. Ultimately he chose the Carbon 7s. Fritz will let you do an in-home demo to see if you like his stuff. If you can't do a demo, try to swing by an audio show and hear his stuff. It seems like every show he goes to, his room is always considered one of the best. I've yet to go to one, but I plan on going this summer.
http://forums.audioreview.com/speakers/side-grading-b-w-n805-need-advice-32836.html

Note: I have no affiliation or obligation to help spread the word about Fritz's products. They're just that good! Also, it doesn't hurt that he's such a genuinely nice guy. I've had many hour long conversations with him about my audio setup.
Haven't heard the others, but the Fritz Carbons were the first monitors I fell in love with.