This is basically a complete redo of my system. I changed from Unico Unison to all Rega amplification, upgraded from Planet 2000 to Apollo. Speaker wise, I went from Meadowlark Kestrel II's to GMA Europa'a and now finally to Rega Ela. For the most part I like this system better than previous iterations but I'm still not "there" yet. I'm looking to upgrade speakers to expand soundstage, improve bass and vocals. The Ela's do alot well but my main complaint with them is vocals seem too recessed. Anyone else have any experience with the Ela's. Suggestions welcome.
System edited: System update: I moved the Totem Rainmakers to a bedroom system (320 BEE + Rainmakers sound great), sold the SF Concertos and purchased the Kestrel IIs. The SFs were nice, very good with vocals and midrange but to me were not as refined in the treble and bass as the Kestrels. The Kestrels are smooth/even from top to bottom. They also do a little bit better with the soundstage/stage depth/image thing. This may be because they are a better match to the Unico.
It is a very simple, straight forward but musical system and all I need for right now. I changed out the stock tubes (replaced with mullard cv4003) in the unico and added a sub to the mix. The top end has smoothed out nicely. I think I will still try some different cables though. As far as the lows are concerned, even before I put the sub in the lows were good (outstanding for the the size of the Totems). Check out the Dec TAS review of the Rainmakers. That should help you out. This system is in small office (20X20). I hope this helps.
Sounds like a great system. What are the dimensions of your room? I am interested in the Rainmaker for my system. However, I am used to having small towers in my listening room (Paradigm Studio Reference 60v2s). I am wondering whether I would miss the bass. I am also considering the Hawks.
For speaker cables you may want to try LAT International Biwires. They are relatively mellow cables, they should be able to mellow out the tweeters on the Rainmakers.
Well the system I really want is currently not in the budget. Ever since I heard the Plinius 9200 integrated pushing some meadowlark Kestral 2s I've been trying to move toward that sound. This set up is the closest yet. I would like to smooth out the treble of the Totems a little. Maybe I'll experiment with cables next, any suggestions? I haven't read the Unico CD review. A tube CD player sounds intriguing though.
Thanks Ray. This system just draws me into the music and the Rainmakers do everything you can ask from a $1000 mini monmitor. The system has a good midrange with the right amount of detail. Instruments have good timbre and textures and are believable. The best part is it throws a fantastic soundstage/image with lots of air and space around the instruments. The stage is spread out just behind the plan of the speakers. Highs are clear and extended definitely not rolled off at all. Maybe a touch too forward on some recordings. Bass is a bit lacking (I'm not a bass freak) but there is enough and the bass lines don't disappear in the music. I listen to jazz, folk, R&B some classical. Basically, anything where real musicians are playing real instruments.
hello Gham707,looks like a really nice system,could you decribe how it sounds and what kinds of music you listen too,i just read a nice review of the rainmakers!
