Alternatives to Totem Arros?

[Intenso]

Needs some suggestions please.

I'm running a pair of Arros via a tube amp and in my room I'm finding the Arros a little too bright.

Strange as the speakers in my friends room sound perfect but I can't seem to get along with them in my room and keep wishing for something with more warmth and depth.

I would however, hate to lose the musicality and soundstaging these offer as clearly that is where their strength's lie.

Any suggestions, perhaps something easier to drive with my Valve amp?

[walpurgis]

Needs some suggestions please.

I'm running a pair of Arros via a tube amp and in my room I'm finding the Arros a little too bright.

Strange as the speakers in my friends room sound perfect but I can't seem to get along with them in my room and keep wishing for something with more warmth and depth.

I would however, hate to lose the musicality and soundstaging these offer as clearly that is where their strength's lie.

Any suggestions, perhaps something easier to drive with my Valve amp?

The Arro is a nice sounding speaker. Have you tried alternative speaker cables? I tend to find silver plated copper cored cables can be a bit unforgiving, whereas pure pure copper seems easier on the ear. This is a generalisation though, as there are exceptions to the rule.

Could be worth experimenting with speaker positioning too. Closer to a wall will likely fill out the lower register a bit and may restore the balance.

[farflungstar]

I agree - look at interconnects and speaker cable before ditching the totems.

Also what's the difference if any between your rooms...

[Intenso]

I'm using Van Damme Hifi cables which are copper and come recommended.

My room however is a bit more bare than my friends and has some hard surfaces and two vertical radiators that no doubt resonate a bit. My room is also larger.

The Totems are right up against the wall, only new additions are a new DAC and some new caps in the amp. I guess this could have some impact on the perceived brightness in my room but overall my feeling is that I need something with more bottom end to drive my larger room?

[farflungstar]

Have you tried pulling them out a bit and away from side walls?

I hate hard surfaces - my walls and floor are covered with tapestries, oil canvas paintings etc. It sounds to me like side wall reflections.

[Intenso]

Have you tried pulling them out a bit and away from side walls?

I hate hard surfaces - my walls and floor are covered with tapestries, oil canvas paintings etc. It sounds to me like side wall reflections.

They sound worse away from the wall and need to be close to the back wall to colour the sound more. I plan to put some paintings on the wall shortly so hopefully that will make a difference.

I still wonder if I will get a fuller sound from a larger cabinet?

[farflungstar]

Ok - sidewalls? Have you got them toed in enough? Don't put glass paintings on the wall. What's the shape of your room?

[Intenso]

Ok - sidewalls? Have you got them toed in enough? Don't put glass paintings on the wall. What's the shape of your room?

Adrian thanks for trying, I've spent the last few weeks playing with speaker positioning.

Nothing much seems to make a difference and I have tried.

I'm afraid its a case of these speakers don't work well in my room, too small.

So any suggestions for alternatives?

[farflungstar]

That depends on budget....

[Intenso]

That depends on budget....

That made me smile :)

I guess up to £1K but would be looking to buy 2nd hand to get more bang for the buck...

[farflungstar]

Reflex, front ported for easier positioning, rear ported for more bass. What do you listen to? Are you looking for nuance, timbre or hard rock?

[Dynamics]

I'd agree try using different and copper only cables. The what hi fi review says the Arros have a weighter sound. Totem hawks are very good and I've heard these but I've heard they have a reputation of being hard to drive. If you want a heavier richer sound try brands like pmc, atc, and some spendor too. Depends on budget

[Intenso]

I'm afraid using alternative speaker cables is not viable as I have 11m runs and its too pricey.

I'm already using copper based ICs Audioquest Quartz which are smooth sounding.

My preference 1st and foremost is timbre, then dynamics and imaging...

[Dynamics]

Id go for stand mounters if I were you. Get more for your money.

[farflungstar]

Probably a good choice, especially if you like them close to the rear wall and timbre, staging is important would be Audio Note ANe - plain to look at but go down into the 30hz and bond with valves like a hand in glove. You just missed a pair on here at a bargain price.

[farflungstar]

You could ask if these are in fact sold...

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=49311
FS Audionote E + stands

[Intenso]

Think I may just go back to ipod and buds this game is just too much!

So, I checked my bias on the output valves and all 4 were way below the suggested range.

I guess it may have been the 150 mile journey up the M4 last week!

Adjusted them back up and the whole thing has started singing again (slaps head).

In a way I wish I didn't listen so carefully as I seem to notice every little detail.

Anyway, at least no-one was harmed...

Thanks to everyone who tried.