Klipsch vs. Totem

[FoolForARadio]

I got some Totem Staaf several years ago, on the recommendation of a dealer, and I've been happy with them. I use a Jolida hybrid integrated for amplification, and the speakers always draw me into the music and please me.A couple of weeks ago I picked a pair of Klipsh Hersey speakers at a thrift store for $10. I've been playing them in the garage, hooked up to a T-amp, and they are magic. But loud! I decided to use them as TV speakers, with a Marantz amp and a B&W sub, but they are so big and beat up that they just didn't fit next to the TV.

So I moved the Totems into the TV spot, which they are probably too good for, but they look and sound great. And I hooked the Heresy pair to the Jolida, and that is a great combo! I listened to the jazz programming on the local public radio staton last night, and I couldn't quit listening. I have some placement issues, maybe I need to tilt them up. But they have been tested for jazz and rock and they have certainly passed. Maybe tonight I'll move on to some choral stuff, or Alison Krauss, whom everyone seems to play when one is auditioning speakers.

[jcmjrt]

Heresys are good, efficient speakers. I have a couple of pair myself but I wish that I could say that I only paid $10 for the pair. You got a good deal on them. Most 20 YO speakers will benefit from replacing the caps so you might want to give that a try and see if you can tune them up a little more. Tubes and heritage Klipsch are made for each other.

[gonzp]

I second jcmjrt's experience with Klipsch and tubes. Just like bisquits and butta :thmbsp: :thmbsp:

[Dflip]

I have heard both Klipsch and Totem with tubes and like them both, but they do sound different. In a small room at moderate volumes the Totems, Model 1 signatures are what I heard sounded absolutely wonderful. Hereseys are much more efficient and will sound louder. The Staff are: Frequency Response <39 Hz to 22 kHz ± 3 dB with a
Sensitivity of 88 dB, while the Heresys are: FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
63Hz-20kHz±3dB SENSITIVITY:97dB @ 1watt/1meter. As you can see they are different speakers, Heresy's are more efficient while the Staff go lower. It depends what you want, but both are fine speakers. The Heresy's need to be paired with a sub to make the most of their potential.

[Dflip]

I have heard both Klipsch and Totem with tubes and like them both, but they do sound different. In a small room at moderate volumes the Totems, Model 1 signatures are what I heard sounded absolutely wonderful. Hereseys are much more efficient and will sound louder. The Staff are: Frequency Response <39 Hz to 22 kHz ± 3 dB with a
Sensitivity of 88 dB, while the Heresys are: FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
63Hz-20kHz±3dB SENSITIVITY:97dB @ 1watt/1meter. As you can see they are different speakers, Heresy's are more efficient while the Staff go lower. It depends what you want, but both are fine speakers. The Heresy's need to be paired with a sub to make the most of their potential.

[ProAc_Fan]

I had a chance to audition the new Totem Winds today and they are frighteningly good. However, like most of Totems lineup they really do need more power than most tube amps can provide. Klipsch on the other hand mate very well with all but the puniest single ended amps.

Mike

[FoolForARadio]

If I ever rearrange I might freshen up the Klipsches and use them with a sub for TV audio. I am definitely going to refurbish the x-overs. But I really don't miss any bass, maybe it's because they are on the floor and against the wall. I don't think I have golden ears, but they are good to listen to.