Totem Forest or Mani-2 signature?

Hi ckung, looking at your room photo, you sit way too near-field for the mani's, imo, unless you play at mid to low volumes. Having said that, it all depends on how they play in your room. Looking at your setup, the hawks are what came to my mind.

Thanks Chashas1, I was thinking the same thing and just needed a reality check. Much appreciated.

I've heard mani 2 running off good McIntosh SS amplification and CD source.

I really liked the Mani's as a whole with the reservation that I found the top end just a bit hot. That surprised me with the Mc gear. My concern with the mani's would be potential for listening fatigue over teh long term if not well matched to teh amp.

I would really like to hear the Mani's running off teh Bel Canto ref100m's I run in my system. I think that could be a very impressive pairing.

It may have been handled, I haven't read all of the threads.
The Forest used a HiVi D6.8. I have built with it a few times and am using it now in an mtm with a Scan Speak tweeter. It is a very well built 6.8 inch driver capable of great bass and a smooth midrange. It does have a bump and dip, but that can be dealt with in the crossover. I have used alot of Seas, Focal, Audax, Vifa and Peerless building in the past. This HiVi Piece has a build quality that stands up to any of these. I have found that it takes extensive break in time before the bass comes to life, but this little driver, depending on cabinet design is capable of a 3db down point of 36HZ while handling power quite well. Tim

I don't think the mani's tweeter runs hot, it's just revealing. I would think with the bel canto they would be able to peel paint, just guessing, wouldn't know till actually tried--it all depends on the room and the wall they're on. So Ckung, lesson here is you wouldn't know till you tried. If you like the arros, then the hawks would definitely fit right in, and give you a little more of everything, and you may not need your sub. If you were to get the hawks, be sure to get the totem beaks, can add a little touch of greatness to the speaker.