MxWizard,
Thanks for providing us with a bit of insight on how you intend on using the Sttaf. First things first; the room you describe is not the most ideal space for the Sttaf. What this particular speaker needs to sound its best is a small room that is completely closed off. Unless you plan on sitting 6ft or so away from the loudspeakers and will have the space to experiment with precise placement - I would recommend you go with the Rainmakers instead.
The Rainmakers are less critical on room and associated electronics, and are, subsequently, can be a more viable option. If you wish to support your dealer, I'd ask him to show you the Sim Audio MOON CD-1 cd-player, and the accompanying MOON I-1 integrated. Or, if you have a bit more cash to burn, the NAIM CD5v2 CD player and the matching Nait5i v2 integrated.
As said many times above; Totem loudspeakers can sounds real good on tube gear. I've run through the gamut of goods on Totem.. ranging from Prima Luna, Jolida, Antique Sound Labs, etc.. so far, the best match I've found is the Vista Audio I-84. This little $730 15wpc integrated has a lot of kick, and makes for a superb match with Totem's - the Sttaf in particular.
Moving up the money chain a bit; The Unison Research Unico and the Blue Circle Audio NSCS (no longer in production) hybrid integrated amplifiers also make for a superb match.
Good luck !
Thanks for providing us with a bit of insight on how you intend on using the Sttaf. First things first; the room you describe is not the most ideal space for the Sttaf. What this particular speaker needs to sound its best is a small room that is completely closed off. Unless you plan on sitting 6ft or so away from the loudspeakers and will have the space to experiment with precise placement - I would recommend you go with the Rainmakers instead.
The Rainmakers are less critical on room and associated electronics, and are, subsequently, can be a more viable option. If you wish to support your dealer, I'd ask him to show you the Sim Audio MOON CD-1 cd-player, and the accompanying MOON I-1 integrated. Or, if you have a bit more cash to burn, the NAIM CD5v2 CD player and the matching Nait5i v2 integrated.
As said many times above; Totem loudspeakers can sounds real good on tube gear. I've run through the gamut of goods on Totem.. ranging from Prima Luna, Jolida, Antique Sound Labs, etc.. so far, the best match I've found is the Vista Audio I-84. This little $730 15wpc integrated has a lot of kick, and makes for a superb match with Totem's - the Sttaf in particular.
Moving up the money chain a bit; The Unison Research Unico and the Blue Circle Audio NSCS (no longer in production) hybrid integrated amplifiers also make for a superb match.
Good luck !