A lot of changes recently to my system. I sold my KAB modded Technics table and replaced it with the VPI w/Audioquest PT-8 arm. I also changed my speakers, my wife was fed up with the floorstanders and protecting them from her dog, so stand mounts were the compromise. My problem was how to replace the bottom end that the Alon's deliver in spades. Welcome Totem Mani 2's. Although they were more money than i intended to spend ($1700- w/Totem R-4 stands) it was money well spent. My initial impressions of the Mani's better than I expected. Although I have heard them several times at shows and dealers, I have never had them at my home with my system. A Bryston power amp with these speakers is not a bad thing, in fact I could feel bass guitar in Heartbreaker by Zep in the pit of my stomach. More time with these speakers will give me a better perspective of how good they are. So far I am very happy.
Now I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the VPI TT, arm, etc. and then I will have to plow through (insert smiling face anywhere here) all my favorite records, and then some
When you get a chance, please tell us your impressions of the Mani2. I know they're fabulous speakers, but I'm particularly interested in how they compare to your Alon I's. When I heard the Mani2's at a dealer a few years ago, I was blown away.
You have a nice solid foundation here. I'd like to make a suggestion in terms of system synergy. I own a pair of Model I's (although they're in the closet). I think they're one of the best speakers you can find for under $1000. They disappear like few others in their price range and they have a better bottom end than most monitors and small columns like Totem Sttaf. I was bi-amping with a pair of DNA-1's which was overkill. The sound was fantastic, but it wasn't until I introduced a pair of 50 watt tube amps (Quicksilver Mid Mono's) that I really heard them sing. There's something about tube amps that brings a certain magic to the picture. It's hard to describe, but I'd say the midrange sounds more natural and realistic and the highs are less harsh. I haven't found the same kind of synergy with a tube preamp mated to SS amp, despite what some people claim. Carl Marchisoto is a big advocate of powering his speakers with tubes. Don't underestimate that. If you have the chance to do an in-home audition, I encourage you to check it out.
