Totem v/s Monitor Audio

[ken88]

I got the Totem Mite T as centre speaker.

[TheHills44060]

Not a fan of any Monitor Audio speaker whatsoever but I have heard some Totem's that i liked. The Model one, Hawk and Forest are decent but for what they are but maybe priced just a tad bit higher than similar competitors. Plus Monitor Audio speakers are so damn ugly to look at, bleh.

[Mr Peabody]

Having a Totem center is a good reason to go Totem mains, even if not a perfect timbre match with the model you get it would be closer than using Monitor Audio.I haven't seen the Silver series but the new Monitor Audio Gold looks pretty good with the piano black finish.

[mitchellin]

Have you listened to the Totem Sttaf or the Mite compacts? Those are your targets to aim in on with that Mite T center.

I took several chances to listen to the Sttaf columns and really try to decide why they would NOT work in a two channel system project. I failed at finding a reason...
-delicate highs
-rich and silky mids
-bass...yep. It's not in your face about it but the low end is surprising.
And all from a simple (diminutive) 2 way column. I just kept throwing music at these speakers to be really happy and involved with the sound.

The only drawback that I noticed was the lack of higher volume performance. These excelled at moderate levels but really did not blow me away with higher sound levels. Again, it is a small speaker and I was not trying to take quantity over quality from the package Totem has put together. All things considered, I'm sure they would never find a way into a HT system (sans a bedroom rig) but they sure fill my needs for a two channel system...YMMV.

Monitor Audio? I'm sure they are a capable company but I feel they are a bit overpriced. I auditioned some RX packages a few years back and ended up spending my money with Polk Audio...most of my audio circle choked and laughed when I made the purchase but I saved a ton of money and picked up a package of just as ugly cabs with better sound (imo).

Your Anthem will have zero problems with a Sttaf/Mite T/Mite compact package. 90 legit watts all channels driven is likely a conservative benchmark and the quality of power is something Anthem hangs a hat on.

Good luck with your hunt.

[Mr Peabody]

I wouldn't label Monitor as over priced, they have several levels Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum, comparing to other brands in the same price they do well. In fact, the Silver RS-6 gained quite a reputation as a value to performance champ. You might think the GX300 at around $5k is expensive but it held it's own very well against a more expensive Revel, each had there own presentation but the 300 did well. MA is like any other speaker, it has a particular presentation and it suits you or it doesn't. MA and Polk would certainly have different characters.

What did you drive the Totem with at high volume?

[ken88]

Mitchellin, I already have the Totem Sttaf, Mite T centre and the 2 Mite compacts as surround. I am very happy with this set of 5 speakers. The only thing I wish more with the Sttaf is to have deeper bass. When I review the Monitor Audio RX8 , I read that they have much deeper bass and I am thinking to myself if I replace the Sttaf with RX8, may be I would then have a "perfect"system. Is this a good idea? What are your thoughts?? Thanks.

[JohnMichael]

Mitchellin, I already have the Totem Sttaf, Mite T centre and the 2 Mite compacts as surround. I am very happy with this set of 5 speakers. The only thing I wish more with the Sttaf is to have deeper bass. When I review the Monitor Audio RX8 , I read that they have much deeper bass and I am thinking to myself if I replace the Sttaf with RX8, may be I would then have a "perfect"system. Is this a good idea? What are your thoughts?? Thanks.

Oh did not know you already had a Totem system.

[Mr Peabody]

Can't you set your receiver to use the sub when using 2-channel? If not, it would be a first.

Any way to listen to the RS-8? It will have more bass but will be an overall change in sound as well. If your HT is important at all you will definitely degrade the experience with mixed brands, EQ isn't going to help much there.

[mitchellin]

What did you drive the Totem with at high volume?

The amp used for my auditions was a Jolida 302BRC. I'm thinking (and as you mentioned in another post) something with a 6550 would perform better...for me enter the Jolida 801ARC.

Mitchellin, I already have the Totem Sttaf, Mite T centre and the 2 Mite compacts as surround. I am very happy with this set of 5 speakers. The only thing I wish more with the Sttaf is to have deeper bass. When I review the Monitor Audio RX8 , I read that they have much deeper bass and I am thinking to myself if I replace the Sttaf with RX8, may be I would then have a "perfect"system. Is this a good idea? What are your thoughts?? Thanks.

I auditoned the RX8. That speaker will produce some decent bass. What I found it failing at was mid, mid-bass, and the upper register. Too much sibilance for me in the mids, murky mid bass (lacking punch and definition), and the highs were WAY to bright. I moved about the room (off/on axis), changed up the discs I brought, played with tone control, moved the speakers around a bit, and nothing helped the areas that seemed unnatural to me. I moved on.

Just me, I would not sacrifice the middle and upper register of what the Sttaf can bring to my ears. Bass (or lack of here) is the issue. What sub have you employed in your system?