The Official Totem Acoustics Speakers Thread

[aces high]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

WOW that's a huge room! Like a 55 x 40 ft listening room.. or however it's shaped but that a nice size for the Sttafs or any speaker to fill up. Especially a treated room you would have to turn it up much more. Hope no water ever gets into that room.. not good for that outlet or the equipment on that outlet .




My HT room is exactly 10% of that dealers room at 220 sqft... close enough to 250 but my 2 ch room is gonna be smaller than that - about the size as one of my kids rooms maybe 10 x 12, 10 x13'. I would bring the Studios up and compare them to whatever I get though.. Even the Studio v4 40's too see how much different tey are from the v5 100's. That room also may be still far from now. we'll see what new speakers come out along the way.. I just saw a new ad for new KEF speaker/line either in the hometheatermag or stereophile that looks interesting.

I would love to hear some of the KEF Referance speakers but they are pricey. The 201/2 lists for $6000, that's one expensive bookshelf speaker.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

I would love to hear some of the KEF Referance speakers but they are pricey. The 201/2 lists for $6000, that's one expensive bookshelf speaker.

hey the Dynaudio Special 25 lists for $6000 also.... and its a bookshelf speaker.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Steve,

Do your homework.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/speakers/9...ml#post3608133

what did I miss...................................

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

what did I miss...................................

reading Vince Bruzzese comment on a stereophile review on Totem Speaker placement.

If you clicked on the link it will bring you to my post.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

reading Vince Bruzzese comment on a stereophile review on Totem Speaker placement.

If you clicked on the link it will bring you to my post.

I don't want you or DLS to get the wrong idea, The dealer does not think that the middle of the room is the IDEAL spot for the speakers..... NOT AT ALL. Just it lets you hear the speaker without the influence of the rooms environment, THATS ALL....

from there he will set them up properly in a room for you....

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by callas01

I don't want you or DLS to get the wrong idea, The dealer does not think that the middle of the room is the IDEAL spot for the speakers..... NOT AT ALL. Just it lets you hear the speaker without the influence of the rooms environment, THATS ALL....

from there he will set them up properly in a room for you....

I get Big Al's point though - when I last visited the shop I missed Vince by a few days. He did a full day info session for customers and Totem Reps at the store and the store was left with a Rainmaker completely taken apart for an exploded view on the table so you can see the quality of the components that goes into the speaker.. I think it was a Rainmaker but I will take pics next time I go cuz it's the stores display now.

The Totem Rep said that Vince was very specific about the placement and he gave guidelines at the info session of how he wanted them to sell his speakers. That is why he didn't let me demo them cuz he was following Vince's guidelines which was listed on Totem's website that BigAl posted earlier. He wanted the setup to be the way Vince advised them to setup the speakers. It might work well for other speakers at your dealers place but I doubt Vince would agree with the way your dealer is repping his product. I do understand that he will move the speakers afterwards..

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

I don't want you or DLS to get the wrong idea, The dealer does not think that the middle of the room is the IDEAL spot for the speakers..... NOT AT ALL. Just it lets you hear the speaker without the influence of the rooms environment, THATS ALL....

from there he will set them up properly in a room for you....

I really am pulling your leg but I hope you audition the Arro in a smaller room to really see how they will sound like, in an environment that Vince had in mind when he designed the speaker.

[BigAl87]

New Website design for Totem and new Design series for alot of the Totem Speakers available in High gloss White, Sky, Fire and Dusk.

Stay tuned for the new line of speakers that should come out in a near future that will price between the Forrest and the Wind.

http://totemacoustic.com/

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

New Website design for Totem and new Design series for alot of the Totem Speakers available in High gloss White, Sky, Fire and Dusk.

Stay tuned for the new line of speakers that should come out in a near future that will price between the Forrest and the Wind.

http://totemacoustic.com/

Was just there before I came here...you beat me to it buddy! Thanks for posting it. About time the website got updated. There is no doubt they intend to place a bigger emphasis on multi-channel sound, and I'm loving the new additional finishes too!

John

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by John72953

Was just there before I came here...you beat me to it buddy! Thanks for posting it. About time the website got updated. There is no doubt they intend to place a bigger emphasis on multi-channel sound, and I'm loving the new additional finishes too!

John

And my information about the maple finish becoming discontinued is true, I was well informed by my dealer on this one.

[Johnny Vinyl]

The Totem website has recently been updated and redesigned and now offers a much better layout and more comprehensive data.

For those of you interested in Totem speakers, the following Support page has some great information regarding break-in time, amplification, mass-loading, speaker placement, wiring, etc. Have a look as it'll answer many of your questions.

John

[-DLS-]

I read an old review of the TOTEM Sttafs and was wondering what you guys think. Are these speakers really that picky about the room they play in?

here's a link to the review - actualy 2 separate reviews so it shows how different 2 peoples opinions can be about the same speaker.. or how different the speakers can sound at different places.

I was ready to pick up a less than a year old pair of Sttafs for under $900cdn and wife OK'd it but it would be a purchase without a real audition so I'm not sure I wanted to do that. I was thinking if they don't work well with my room I could probably sell them for what I paid... or probably even more if I wanted to. Just don't want to throw down $$ if I've never really heard them yet. I've heard the Winds, Rainmakers and Tribes just never really got to hear the Sttafs since they never have them set-up and I can't always wait around since my trips to the city are usually with my wife and 4 kids.

John - did you notice a big change in the way they sound moving from your living room in your old place to the room that its is in now at your new place?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

I read an old review of the TOTEM Sttafs and was wondering what you guys think. Are these speakers really that picky about the room they play in?

here's a link to the review - actualy 2 separate reviews so it shows how different 2 peoples opinions can be about the same speaker.. or how different the speakers can sound at different places.

I was ready to pick up a less than a year old pair of Sttafs for under $900cdn and wife OK'd it but it would be a purchase without a real audition so I'm not sure I wanted to do that. I was thinking if they don't work well with my room I could probably sell them for what I paid... or probably even more if I wanted to. Just don't want to throw down $$ if I've never really heard them yet. I've heard the Winds, Rainmakers and Tribes just never really got to hear the Sttafs since they never have them set-up and I can't always wait around since my trips to the city are usually with my wife and 4 kids.

John - did you notice a big change in the way they sound moving from your living room in your old place to the room that its is in now at your new place?

Hi -DLS-,

Thanks for the review link. I am still trying to understand the opinion/conclusion of the 2nd review posted. It has to be without a doubt the strangest review I have seen on any speaker in some time.

I have a very small room (approx 9.5x11.5) and I'm still playing with placement, which is more difficult to do IMO in such a small space. There is no doubt that I can't get everything out of the Sttafs given the dimensions of the room. Room acoustics become a real issue in this space, and I am hoping to have that under control within the next few weeks.

There is no doubt that the Sttafs would benefit from a larger space, but that can be said of many, many other floorstanding loudspeakers. Once my acoustic room treatments are in place, I will follow up with somewhat of a review and a more detailed analysis.

John

[prerich]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi -DLS-,

Thanks for the review link. I am still trying to understand the opinion/conclusion of the 2nd review posted. It has to be without a doubt the strangest review I have seen on any speaker in some time.

I have a very small room (approx 9.5x11.5) and I'm still playing with placement, which is more difficult to do IMO in such a small space. There is no doubt that I can't get everything out of the Sttafs given the dimensions of the room. Room acoustics become a real issue in this space, and I am hoping to have that under control within the next few weeks.

There is no doubt that the Sttafs would benefit from a larger space, but that can be said of many, many other floorstanding loudspeakers. Once my acoustic room treatments are in place, I will follow up with somewhat of a review and a more detailed analysis.

John

If possible John, use the short throw of the room. I know that's unconventional, but due to your room measurements, you may benefit more from the Staffs if they are given more room out to the sides. They may even act like large nearfield monitors - giving you a very wide soundstage. Just a thought.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by prerich

If possible John, use the short throw of the room. I know that's unconventional, but due to your room measurements, you may benefit more from the Staffs if they are given more room out to the sides. They may even act like large nearfield monitors - giving you a very wide soundstage. Just a thought.

Perich I think you are right on this that makes alot of sense. I experienced the Rainmaker that way and OMG wow. John space is really small tho.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

I read an old review of the TOTEM Sttafs and was wondering what you guys think. Are these speakers really that picky about the room they play in?

here's a link to the review - actualy 2 separate reviews so it shows how different 2 peoples opinions can be about the same speaker.. or how different the speakers can sound at different places.

I was ready to pick up a less than a year old pair of Sttafs for under $900cdn and wife OK'd it but it would be a purchase without a real audition so I'm not sure I wanted to do that. I was thinking if they don't work well with my room I could probably sell them for what I paid... or probably even more if I wanted to. Just don't want to throw down $$ if I've never really heard them yet. I've heard the Winds, Rainmakers and Tribes just never really got to hear the Sttafs since they never have them set-up and I can't always wait around since my trips to the city are usually with my wife and 4 kids.

John - did you notice a big change in the way they sound moving from your living room in your old place to the room that its is in now at your new place?

DLS just in case you wonder about the tonal difference between the Sttaf and Rainmaker I can tell you that both sound similar theyare the 2 most versatile speakers of the Totem lineup and the Sttaf being the most of the 2. The Sttaf will sound a tiny bit deeper and also warmer than the Rainmaker but both offer tremendous details and mids and they are both well balanced in my opinion.

As for room placement I wonder how big is your room?

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi -DLS-,

Thanks for the review link. I am still trying to understand the opinion/conclusion of the 2nd review posted. It has to be without a doubt the strangest review I have seen on any speaker in some time.

I have a very small room (approx 9.5x11.5) and I'm still playing with placement, which is more difficult to do IMO in such a small space. There is no doubt that I can't get everything out of the Sttafs given the dimensions of the room. Room acoustics become a real issue in this space, and I am hoping to have that under control within the next few weeks.

There is no doubt that the Sttafs would benefit from a larger space, but that can be said of many, many other floorstanding loudspeakers. Once my acoustic room treatments are in place, I will follow up with somewhat of a review and a more detailed analysis.

John

Thanks for the info John, my future 2 ch listening room would be about the same size room you have now. Your room is looking very good by the way!! I'm thinkin twice now about using a bedroom as a listening room. might be a bit harder to work with..

I also agree with prerich to maybe at least give it a try along the other wall. Some diffusers along the sides and/or opposite side if the speakers panels might also help give the room a bigger feel.

Originally Posted by BigAl87

DLS just in case you wonder about the tonal difference between the Sttaf and Rainmaker I can tell you that both sound similar theyare the 2 most versatile speakers of the Totem lineup and the Sttaf being the most of the 2. The Sttaf will sound a tiny bit deeper and also warmer than the Rainmaker but both offer tremendous details and mids and they are both well balanced in my opinion.

As for room placement I wonder how big is your room?

Thanks for the info! I don't know when I'll ever get a chance to listen to them. I might have to wait til all the kids are a bit older and I don't have to drag them along with us all the time. I wanted a separate listening room upstairs but I'm thinkin now the size won't be so good for any speaker. We'll see what happens I guess.. I might be in a new place by that time... hopefully it'll have space for a good dedicated HT room and a separate listening room.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by -DLS-

Thanks for the info! I don't know when I'll ever get a chance to listen to them. I might have to wait til all the kids are a bit older and I don't have to drag them along with us all the time. I wanted a separate listening room upstairs but I'm thinkin now the size won't be so good for any speaker. We'll see what happens I guess.. I might be in a new place by that time... hopefully it'll have space for a good dedicated HT room and a separate listening room.

FYI the Arro is certainly well suited for this room size but may not be versatile enough to your liking depending of the type of music you like if you listen to many different type of music It's fair to say that the Sttaf and Rainmaker are your best 2 options in Totem lineup but your room size could be an issue. We'll let John finish his accoustic treatment and find the perfect balance and see what the outcome is.

Man I love the Sttaf for music my favorite speaker in the 2000$ price point so far.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by prerich

If possible John, use the short throw of the room. I know that's unconventional, but due to your room measurements, you may benefit more from the Staffs if they are given more room out to the sides. They may even act like large nearfield monitors - giving you a very wide soundstage. Just a thought.

Hi Rich,

Unfortunately I have no option but to use the present short wall/long throw configuration. In my former apartment I had then set up like you suggested (long wall/short throw) and the Sttafs benefitted considerably from open space surrounding them, so I know exactly of what you speak.

The intention, once the proper panels are in place (using acoustic foam right now....no real effect), is to have it set up in the nearfield. I've discussed this with some guys that are pretty much in the know about nearfield listening over in another forum, and I am convinced that this is the best option, given the size of the room. Before I begin however, the DIY panels must be put into place first as the room is way too live currently. There will be 8 panels in total. 4 on the side walls to catch first reflections and 4 corner units. I hope to get a diffuser for behind the listening position shortly after that.

I will also be changing the carpet as I believe it to have no significant acoustic benefit due to its relative thinness. This is a simple procedure as I already have a replacement here.

One other point of interest that should be noted. I am listening to many more audiophile pressings of late, and as such, they are bringing out the worst of the room due to their superb, crystal-clear quality.

All in all, I am very happy with the room and I know that once the room acoustics are under control, the Sttafs will shine again like they always have.

John

[BigAl87]

John question for ya, have you experience a slight toe in in this room, I know you tried a slight to out in your previous living room but considering the room size, I'd give it a try.

Just throwing ideas like that but yeah as I said in my previous post and like you mentioned also ultimately you still have to work on room treatment.