Simaudio Vs. Classe for Totem model 1s

HI Macd. I have a similar room to yours and believe or not have run both Classe separates and Simaudio I5. I am not running Model 1s. I am running Hawks.

The Classe is warmer sounding and with more power has more punch to it. I sold the amp after having some perplexing problems with it that never seemed to be resolved even though the amp made several trips to Canada.

I bought an I5 to replace it. The sound is much more transparent. Imaging and depth improved some. The bass is somewhat more limited but still very fast and tight. The overall sound of the Sim is faster.

After owning the Sim for 2 years, I do like its sound. However, sometimes I do miss the oomph of the sound with the Classe.

The I-3se pushed them just fine. In a room your size it should work quite well. My bedroom is 9x12. As I stated in yesterday's post I should be getting the I-5 tomorrow to use with the Model 1 Signatures in this room.

Yeah do know that the classe would give them more power. I am planing to add a totem storm sub so that will probably make me happy for the bottom end. Valinar update me when you hear your I-5. Meanwhile I am going to be on the outlook for one in the ads!

Macd,
I received and set up the I-5 with my Model 1's yesterday. I have not listened extensively, but what I have heard so far is very good. It has a bit more detail than the I-3se. In your sized room either the I3se or i5 should be fine.

I have Totem 1's and need to get a pre/pro and amp, but seriously cannot figure out what to get! How can one decide? I am tempted to buy 4 or 5 different combos, try it all out, keep the best combo and then resell the rest on Audiogon. I am driving 5.1 channel (all Totem 1's) about 65% of the time and 35% of the time I am listening to two channel or multichannel music. HELP!