I have purchased the YBA set and am thinking about the speakers from Totem (Model 1 Signautre). I need some guidence from someone with more experiance with similar Stereo. This is my first system and hope to finalize it for under $4k. I have a budget of $1300 for the speakers and about $1000 for cables and accesories. Anybody know how these speakers work with YBA? I mainly listen to Spanish Guitar, Flamenco, Jazz and some Pop. Suggestions and critique are welcome. I would much rather experiment with a virtual system than buying and selling different speakers. All help will be appreciated. You can also email me at [email protected] with any suggestions. Thank you all...
Outputs: One stereo analog (RCA), one digital (coaxial) Dimensions: 15.35
YBA Design YA201
Power output: 100 Wpc @ 8 Ohms Inputs: Six stereo analog (RCA) Dimensions: 15.35
Totem Acoustics 1 Signature
Frequency Response [lessthansign]50 Hz - 20 kHz ± 3 dB Impedance 4 ohms Sensitivity 87 dB/W/m. Maximum sound pressure 103 dB before dynamic compression Minimum Power 15 W at 8 ohms Maximum Power 120 W Crossover 2.7 kHz electrical and mechanical Woofer 5 1/2'. 3' voice coil Tweeter 1' aluminum dome. Chambered Dimensions 12.5 x 6.5 x 9' approx. size 313 x 167 x 227 mm Volume: 7.2 litres (internal) Weight: 4.1 kg ( approx. 9 lbs) *Recommended stand: TOTEM T4S
Thank you twoguns... I went ahead and made the stands myself (they are totem replicas, weighing in at about 25 lbs each). Got the cables from Cardas (Neutral Referrence bi-wire) and am amazed. These little speakers really blew me away. The YBA amp is really amazing, however, the forums are correct when they say that at lower volumes it sounds a bit muffled. Otherwise, my current set-up is amazing. Well, it is my first system so really after listening to sony, yamaha and jbl for years, it can really make a huge diferrence. Anyway, thanks everyone for your help. Now, off to buying music... Thanks.
I have had the Totem ones for several years, and was very happy with them, a friend of mine also had the Totem 1 Signatures. Instead of going for the Totem stands, (which are gorgeous) you might want to consider the beaks? They make wonders in sonic improvements, also with the Signatures, and they certainly fit any budgets. When comes to stands, I personally used a Cheap Atacama stand, but made sure to weight-load it with Sound-bytes (dont know if they are manufactured anymore). The weight-loading makes a huge difference with Totems, as they are small speakers but capable of reproducing really low frequencies accurately. On top of the stands I used Blutack and some type of foam pads to try and isolate the speaker. When comes to Cables, I found that Audioquest, and Kimber really works the best with Totems. And something else to consider when shopping for cable, biwire! The speaker terminal jumpers dont do a good enough job, and bi-wiring will make the sound clearer. Hope this gives you some ideas!
I used B & W for years and found them to have a strong sound, very good for a large room. Currently I use Von Schweikert and find them to be more laid back-easy to listen to which I prefer. It depends what you want to do with them... not many speakers in that range will rock out, but some will do more than others.
The Totem Model 1 uses Dynaudio drivers that will sounds its best with a dynamic high powered amp, not that others cann't be used. I know you bought your Totems so this message is for other YA201 owners to consider.
What make the Triangle(in perticular) and Focal(JM Labs) a good match? Accourding to European journals, the quickness of bass and crisp non-rolled off top end is a match to YBA' musical midrange and a bit rounded high frequency nature. YBA is detailed but the edge of the transients are rounded so a tight fast speaker should works good.
I think your room will be a bit large for Model 1s but personal taste should play a big role so you did the right thing. Experimenting to find what you like is really the only way to get the right answer.
I would leave the cable decisions till last. Get the right speakers and the sound as close to what you want as you can, and then start playing with cables.
Do not underestimate the value of experimenting with speaker placement. It costs no money and is the easiest way of getting big improvements. Try them all over the place, even in unlikely positions to see what range of sound is available to you. The distance behind the speakers to the wall is the main factor in determining bass quantity. Closer to the wall = more bass. Also try different seating positions - close to the speakers, far away, and everything in between.
You are definitely on the right path with the YBAs. I heard the set recently and found them incredibly good for the money. Enjoy them and have fun.
My room I will use for this system is 14'W 17'L and 8'H. I have read most forums / reviews on the YBA design and Totem combination (there were not many) and have found that people praise this setup. It seems that the YBA amp fulfills all struggles of the Model 1 Signature (midrange) and works very well together. I went ahead and ordered the Totems today and now can't wait to hear them. I also read that the stands from totem are not only a visual benefit. They seem to open the speakers up even more. I personally don't have the budget ($700) for these stands and will attempt to recreate them with my good friends at home depot. (for now). Any suggestions on Cables? I heared that the Cardas Neutral cables are amazing. Anyone with any other suggestions? Thanks for your time guys, this really helps me a lot.
French made YBA, and these French designed pieces in particular, have been said to mate exceptionally well with French speakers too. JM Labs and Triangle are the two most recommended and claimed to have the synergy.
I had the YA201 and felt it was the best integrated amp I have ever owned. I, however, did not use the French speakers as I had my own DIY speakers I was partial to. If I had to buy speakers these two brands would be the ones at the top of my list.
After you live with your new speakers for a while care should be taken to pick the proper cabling to compliment your system.
