Totem v/s Monitor Audio

[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.

[ken88]

I am just toying with the idea on how to get better bass from the system. The receiver is already set up with the sub. The bass is pretty good right now but as with everything else, you always want to improve to get the "best possible sound".

[mitchellin]

I am just toying with the idea on how to get better bass from the system. The receiver is already set up with the sub. The bass is pretty good right now but as with everything else, you always want to improve to get the "best possible sound".

It is a journey for sure.

[ken88]

My sub is a Polk Audio with a 8" driver (don't remember the model #). I am very happy with the Sttaf, they produce very detailed clarity with amazing sound stage and imaging. The vocals are excellent and as you said, the mids are just incredible. I guess there is no such thing as a "perfect" speaker!!!

[Mr Peabody]

In my opinion keep your Totem and buy yourself a better sub, a 12" with a big amp. The Polk may be alright in a small application but yours requires moving more air and the more power you can afford the better, it takes power to produce bass and never hurts to have plenty of headroom.

[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?