kexodusc: I plan to give the Totems another listen hooked up to the NAD receiver. I'd like to hook them up to the Rotel, but that dealer doesn't carry Totems. From what I've read on both reseivers, I can't really lose. It appears as though NAD has fixed it's hiss problem (if there ever was one) as they apparently pulled a batch of 763's off the shelf and replaced them with good ones, so I'm comfortable going with either receiver.

Based solely on reviews I've read (a ton!), the Totems have the edge musically. They also have the edge in looks, IMO, and in my girlfirends opinion too (which we all know is really the limiting factor here!). However, all the reviews mean nothing if I can't tell the difference when I listen to them. If I can't hear the difference, no point paying the difference!

Unfortunately, I don't have hours and hours to test systems. Forums (and reviews) are great for helping to narrow down the choices before the 'test drive'. Based on what I've read here, I think I'll narrow my list down to Paradigm's and Totem's. Seems like I can't relly lose with either of those.

Also, isn't A&B closed now (bankrupt?)? The one by my place has been empty for some time now.