Totem speakers and others that I should consider?


I've liked the Totem speakers for a while, they image very nicely, and while somewhat laid back, not too much so...

I'm looking to put together a new system (starting from scratch), and was thinking about the Totem line (Forests, at first). I listened to Totem at RMAF, and was very impressed with the new Element line, so that has me thinking of those instead. They are a bit more forward compared to the older speakers, but not terribly so, and I think they will not be fatiguing to listen to long-term. I'll have to do a bit more listening to be sure of that.

They image better, and the bass is very deep and controlled.

Anyway, I was thinking about the Totems Fire or Earth speakers (probably the Fire), and I was wondering what other speakers people feel will match up favorably to the Fire? They must be similarly priced, and ultimately similar in size or form-factor (I don't want large cabinets).

My exposure to speakers in the last decade is somewhat limited, but I have heard Sonus Faber, and while I find them very musical, I don't think they match up at the price point, but I don't think I've heard the most recent models.

Recommendations for other speakers I should audition in the $6000 dollar range are appreciated.

---Michael
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Thanks for the comments. I'll look into the speakers mentioned.

I'm a little surprised that there isn't more discussion on the forum on the Element speakers from Totem. From my perspective, they are remarkably good speakers. I would have expected some discussion bandwidth about them here, but there is relatively little.

---Michael
Forests are IMHO the best speakers built by Totem line. There are better models than Totem Winds/Shaman at higher price ranges.
Did anyone mentioned Nola Contender? I believe that it's a value winner of the year.
I you like the Totems, then you will surely love the Quad line of dynamic speakers.