Totem Acoustic Element Ember:Stay or go?

[@jazzlouise]

I'm looking forward to hearing the Pure Audio Project speakers if they are at the next Pacific Nortwest Audio show in September.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

very nice indeed!

[@jpkool5722]

Thanks!

[@greatlookinglandscap]

Thank you so very much!

[@dajikbatarang1]

Ive heard the fire before and was extremely impressed. Always been a fan of Totem, I owned “The One” limited edition speaker which was great but just sounded too small. I would love to try the Ember.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

I owned the one.These are superior to the one especially in scale.

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@greatlookinglandscap thats good to know. I may keep my out for a pair of these or the fire.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

@@dajikbatarang1fire pretty expensive.They are a bigger speaker but for me when something is so expensive My expectations go way up.I feel this was a sweet spot and think it may of been a strategic move remove them from lineup too sell fire

[@jimdalto6254]

I had the Fires for a short time before moving up to the Metal V2’s.

[@stephencosta6814]

Can you please elaborate on the way they sound? I know the way they make you feel which is fantastic. I love that.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

a very smooth speaker remaining composed even at high volume.The top end is never shouty or in your face but not the most detail which some may want a more analytical presentation not me.Nice meat on the bones in the mids.The bass and dynamics superb.Very powerful for its size with a punch you can feel

[@stephencosta6814]

@@greatlookinglandscap great explanation👍

[@firebladeclements]

40+ year's ago, I bought a couple of boutique brands, naim and b&w. Funny I still consider them that after all this time. Got my current speakers for well under half price and were my dream speakers. So thankful I got em too! No matter how many years go by, you never forget that mucic going right through ya and make ya loyal for life!

[@greatlookinglandscap]

I hear you

[@MDchaz]

Totem made some monitor speakers, Model 1 and Mani 2, back in the day with the Dynaudio Esotar Tweeter, best tweeter I ever heard.

[@connorduke4619]

Dynaudio are still the kings of tweeters imo.

[@bdmcn]

Love Totem. Had the Forests years ago. Regretted moving on from them for awhile.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

ya I know the feeling

[@NickP333]

I hear ya, Dave. I try and buy from small companies I can call up and speak to the owner / designer / CEO if possible. When I bought my Tekton speakers, Eric took the time to make sure I was buying speakers that’d work in my room and with my existing electronics. In fact, instead of trying to upsell me, he recommended a pair of speakers that were almost $1K less than what I was looking at originally, and I couldn’t be happier. That was 5 years ago or so, still no desire to upgrade. Same with my Tavish phono stage. I called up and spoke directly with the owner and designer, Scott Reynolds. It’s just he and his son who build them, and they do beautiful work. Nice and clean using quality parts.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

very intelligent way to purchase

[@michaelmityok1001]

Great speaker, apparently that is the consensus. The new Bison is also supposed to be great for the money. Just wish they'd build something 90db plus efficient and 8ohms benign load.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

I have come to realize any specs are irrelevant when it comes to synergy and amp speaker pairing regardless of specs.It is just crazy what I have discovered lately

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Dear Audio Shrink, should you ever want to sell the Embers PLEASE let me know. It is sheer impossible to buy the in Germany. Of course I would pay the shipping.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

Hmmm🤔I am a pro seller and could attain exact shipping cost which would be costly from Vancouver Canada.Please know these are dear to me and I paid a pretty penny.Curious if I were to decide to let them go.What would be the offer?

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@greatlookinglandscap I am looking for a pair for up to 2K USD. There was a pair on ebay US for 1.6K as good as new but in black (no WAF)

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I‘m sorry for my late response. I can pay up to 2000 USD. Unfortunately there is only one pair of black Embers on ebay for 1.600. But black has no WAF at my house 😊

[@greatlookinglandscap]

@@DigitalPhilosophers just let me think about it.The offer is pretty fair and accurate as to what I would want if I were too let them go.Thanks

[@soulfunkjazz]

@@DigitalPhilosophers Do you have the totems now? If yes, how is the performance at low volumes?

[@Expedition18]

Good to hear love canadian success stories

[@greatlookinglandscap]

Thanks! they are fantastic here ❤

[@philrob4468]

im currently thinking what should i do... tribe tower... or fire v2... i just cant make up my mind...

[@greatlookinglandscap]

I owned tribe tower they were like toys in build for the 6-7k and was disappointed bring a totem fan.I just felt they are overpriced one can do much better the ember were a way better value.I would not get the tribes but thats me

[@silversynergy]

Dave, this is the first I heard of Totem and trust what you say. I am now looking into picking up a pair of used Totem element embers. A review I read on the Embers was very impressive! I know reviews aren't the way to go; however, when they and forums essentially repeat what you report based on your emotional experience, then I believe them. Because you are the trusted reference for integrity! They wont replace my others but are worth adding to the band and call it an end game bookshelf! Thank you again!!!

[@greatlookinglandscap]

they are fantastic in every way for me in build,sound,aesthetic and emotional engagement to the music

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Yep I just can't do stand mount without Subs

[@bdmcn]

Some say you can’t do any speakers without a sub. I tend to agree.

[@Jack96993]

Count me in 😅

[@greatlookinglandscap]

ok

[@soulfunkjazz]

1000$ for binding posts is totally out proportion for 5k speakers.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

Aghhh I sure wasnt complaining as wbt are my favorites. all versions.Love the red and black ones on my Spatial and belcanto which are not near as costly but not cheap either.Obviously Totem was able to buy alot and maybe WBT give great deals on manufacturers that feature there product

[@bengleason508]

What are championships at low level?

[@greatlookinglandscap]

champions just relating to listening at low levels

[@bengleason508]

@@greatlookinglandscap I meant Champions (spell check) what are your favorite speakers for low level listening?

[@greatlookinglandscap]

@@bengleason508my spatial m3 triode masters open baffle speakers

[@ofir5000]

Why don't you buy real end game speakers like Focal Sopra 1 or KEF Blade Meta and be done for life ?

[@greatlookinglandscap]

You named two speakers in the entire world and there end game?Money does not guarantee end game either sir.Also they are out of my price and I do not even entertain nor care at all about them.You can alway take your own advice though

[@dajikbatarang1]

Sopra 1 is an over priced speaker, you can do so much better for less. Blades require a huge room.

[@greatlookinglandscap]

@@dajikbatarang1and money.There expensive

[@silversynergy]

The speaker or any component doesn't define the "end game" as there never is one for an audioholic. Not to mimic or rephrase our teacher and counselor, the Audio Shrink; however, the Audio Shrink imo sends a clear message out to us, if I understand correctly, explaining that an "end game" component isn't the component so much, but rather is the wisdom and common sense of the individual to truly know and accept what is satisfying to the individual, based upon numerous aspects (not just sound quality) , to the degree the individual can comfortably and with confidence be pleased calling it quits; and just enjoy what he/she has, and not continue a never ending pursuit for something out there that "must be better", because there always will be (so no end game this way if the component rules). A very happy "end game" speaker for some folks can be a $30 blue tooth speaker. So one individual's "end game" component is very subjective to that individual and the "end game" component choice therefore varies individual to individual. One component cannot be an "end game" component for all. Impossible. It's a subjective individual call by each of us which can be made only if we are not an audioholic. It is addiction that wants more and in that state, an "end game" component for that individual will never be found. Transitioning from an audioholic to an audio hobbyist or enthusiast is vital to reaching the "end game" and will decide the end game for the individual, not the component. This is at least in part my perception of what "end game" is about from everything the audio shrink has been telling us, and I believe he is right on. Dave, if I misinterpreted anything please set us straight and/or let me know and I will correct or remove my reply. Thanks, joe

[@ofir5000]

@@sidesup8286 He didn't even review them