Opinion on my surround choice upgrade.

[moves]

Hi - I am interested in upgrading my current system from 5.1 to 7.1

Current system is as follows:

POWER AMP + AVR

1. Pioneer Elite SC 27 140 watts X 7 channels
2. MC302 external power amp for my front two speakers

SPEAKERS

1. Totem Forest for mains: https://totemacoustic.com/en/forest
2. Totem Tribe 5 for centre: https://totemacoustic.com/en/tribe-v

Upgrade from these: PSB Alphas that handle the two rear channels:

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/648989102-like_new_psb_alpha_av_bookshelf_speakers_for_sale_/

to 4 of these in white:

https://totemacoustic.com/en/tribe-i


SUBWOOFER: PSB subsonic 5i: (Also want to upgrade but I feel it is not worth it yet as i still live in a town house.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0604/psbsubsonic5i.htm


It would run me about 4k plus tax for all 4. But I am looking to keep this system for a while if not until they break. A reference system. I figure there is not much point getting anything larger than the tribe 1s as it only handles the rear and side speakers.

My future theatre will be something like 20 X 30 feet or so. I think that is when I will be looking for a couple of new subs. Not much point at the moment.

Thoughts? Worth it?

Thanks,

Attila

 

[lovinthehd]

So is this just for the future room or the current one or both? More details about your current room setup would be helpful if that's the goal to work in, may not be worth 7ch in your current space. Better subs likely would have more impact than a change from 5ch to 7ch just with what I see here.

 

[everettT]

Seems like your set on your selection. Are you in the US or Canada?

 

[KenM10759]

Looks like Canada if the OP is selling off the PSB speakers on the Canuck Audiomart website.

BTW, those Totem Forest speakers appear to have Dynaudio woofers. They have that unmistakable signature look to the dustcap. Interesting.

 

[moves]

Looks like Canada if the OP is selling off the PSB speakers on the Canuck Audiomart website.

BTW, those Totem Forest speakers appear to have Dynaudio woofers. They have that unmistakable signature look to the dustcap. Interesting.

Yes I am from Canada. We all have different speakers in the area. Unfortunately, I don't have a chance to try out anything much more than PSB, Totem, Paradigm, B&W, some others that I haven't heard. I know that in Toronto, about 5 hrs from me, carry Legacy Audio and would love to give them a listen. I've seen some Wilson audio in the used market as well.

Anyway, I'll post some pics of my room shortly.

Is the Dynaudio woofer a good thing? It seems to output some tight clean bass.

A

 

[KenM10759]

The Dynaudio woofers are highly rated for exactly what you describe, accurate, clean and tight bass. Never booming or flatulent. Totems are a little weak in midrange compared to some others, but it depends upon which model because those with midrange drivers (Wind) seem to have a fuller range.

Most Totem use drivers made by Totem rather than that one model which does appear to use a Dynaudio made woofer. You'll see a very similar looking woofer on the discontinued Dynaudio Contour 1.3, 1.3 MkII and 1.3SE, though may not be the exact same as Dynaudio classifies theirs as a 170mm and the Totem Forest specs state 165mm. Could be just a difference of opinion is measuring, or could be made special for Totem (which I doubt.) Noting that the Dynaudio Contour 1.3 series is a highly respected two-way bookshelf, I'm sure it sounds great in the Totem Forest. Also a possibility is the more current Dynaudio Excite X18. Better pictures of the mid-woofer.

http://www.dynaudio.com/discontinued-models/contour/
http://www.dynaudio.com/home-audio/excite/

You have to scroll down on those pages and click on the model number to see them.