Best setup for Totem Arros...


I just purchased a new pair of Totem Arros. Now I need to buy an amp and CD player. I'm leaning towards the Rega Mira 3 and Rega Apollo. I should say I'm trying to spend about $1,000 for each item. I listen to mostly acoustic music with rock every once in a while. Room is 12X20. Anyone have some recommendations or great setups?
toadly957
If Totem recommends the Mira, then it might be a good choice provided their suggestion was not elicited by a leading question like, "What do you think of the Rega Mira?". :)

I agree with the PrimaLuna 2 suggestions, and I'd add the Rogue Cronus. You needn't be afraid of tube amps. These threads are filled with happy tube amp owners who were previous solid state owners.

I've heard the Arros and was very impressed. I think a tube amp driving them with an Apollo CD player would be a very nice system.
I use a Mccormack DNA-1 Deluxe and a Sonic frontiers tube pre with excellent success. I also have a VTL IT-85 that I use, however I think the Arros are better with the solid state amplification. Although, my Hawks sound better with the VTL.
I'm using Totem Staff match with Rega Mira 3, the only thing I complain is brass is not fast and tight enough
PrimaLuna make's a solid unit. Thats a viable option.

The Rega Mira 3 and the Apollo is a flat out horrid match with the Staff / Arro. The Mira 3 doesn't have the cajones to control either speaker, and the Apollo will sound flat and lifeless on both. This is not a complete knock to Rega... they sound fine on other pieces of electronics (eg; Spendor). I would also stay clear of Jolida (sans the SJ-202) for similar reasons.

The NAIM suggests are solid. The CD5i is a wicked player for the money. I'd consider teaming up that player (or an afforcable Arcam unit) with the Vista Audio i84 tube integrated.

Other affordable solid matches include; The Blue Circle CS integrated, Red Wine Audio Signature 30 integrated, Unison Research Unico P integrated and the Manley Labs Stingray integrated.

Good luck!
Try these combinations:

Shanling CD-T80, and
Used Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated amplifier (A3.5 if you can find it in your budget, or add used MF CDP too)
-spatial resolution will make Totem Arros disappear, among other good things

or

used Naim CD5(i), and
used Naim Nait integrated amp (any model you can find)
-boogie the night away

or

Marantz - SA8001 Super Audio CD Player
NAD C372 integrated amplifier
-plenty of resolution and power but still your friend, best all "new" gear combo within your budget