[mcgsxr]

Not sure if anyone has owned or heard both these?

Looking to replace my Totem Sttaf, and all these can be had locally used. 

The Totem Model 1 biwire (not quite the Signature, but was an iteration of the Model 1 between the standard and the Signature) I have heard.

The Ushers I heard a long time ago in Taiwan, and I have to wonder.

The Focus Audio are $500 more but I have heard amazing things about them.

All will be limited below 50-60Hz and that is fine.

I listen nearfield (around 8 feet from speakers about 6-7 feet apart.  Looking to use my NAD C325BEE initially (50wpc to 8ohm and around 80 into 4 ohm).  Room is large (25x25x7'4 basement with a 40 square foot bathroom in one corner) but I don't listen loud at all, with peaks never above the low 90's.

The Sttaf are great, but looking to try something different.

[milford3]

Look no further than the Omega's  The Omega the imaging king.

http://omegaloudspeakers.com/home.html

[mcgsxr]

A cool suggestion and one I would consider if there was a local used option.  I enjoyed my DIY single driver creations, I know the lure well.

Will see if I can close on the Totem Model 1's.  Always wanted a set in mahogany. 

[marvda1]

is the usher the us version or the original version?
the us version had crossover upgrades by danny richie of gr research.

[asliarun]

I had the totem model 1. They require a strong amp (high current) to perform well. Some people also say that tubes go well but I have never had tubes so can't say.

[barrows]

Focus Focus Focus.  Their speakers are all very good.  The Ushers will be brighter, so if your system is warmish they may be a good choice.  I have Focus Audio FS-888 and they still impress me after 6 years of ownership.  I would have to spend a lot more money to make an upgrade (like 15K or more).  It is too bad more people here in the US do not know about these speakers.  I have heard the FS6SE, and it is very good for that type of speaker: you can do no wrong with Focus Audio.

[toocool4]

I use to have the Model 1 and they are very good, but they are power hungry. The are not very efficient they only come in at about 83.5db and 4 ohms, like asliarun said they need powerful amps to really get the best out of them.

You may want to reconsider if you are thinking of running them with your NAD, I don’t think you will get the best from it with the NAD.

[mcgsxr]

Appreciate the comments guys.

I did go with the set of Totem Model 1's today.  Closest to me, and the price is good, I can reverse my error and not lose $ if I feel it was not a good thing.

Early report would be that the 50wpc NAD struggles with the bass of the Model 1's.  They have a 3.2 ohm dip around 40Hz, so that will cause it problems.  The McIntosh gear they were demo'd on had no such problem, but I am not looking to invest that.

I will keep my eye out for the right integrated.  I might even try one of those Class D amps again, lots of good press on those, and they have power to spare.  I could run a stock Logitech SB3 as the source initially.

I would love to try the Focus Audio's in time.

[toocool4]

I did use the Totem Model 1 with NuForce 9SE V2 mono blocks, I have to say even the NuForce did not do that much of a good job with them. I changed the NuForce for Spectral Audio power amp and they worked well. I have now sold the Totems and replaced them with Peak Consult Princess.

What I am trying to say is I don’t think a class D amp will do the job too, well at least in my case the NuForce did not.

[mcgsxr]

Appreciate the insight from a former owner around your experience with Class D.

I may just add a good subwoofer.  The 50 wpc NAD struggles only with the bass, and if it did not have to deal with 70-80Hz and down, it may very well drive the speakers just fine for what I have in mind.

I am sure that 80wpc or more would be even better, regardless of subwoofer.

I will try the Totems on my receiver, though it is not supposed to like 4 ohm loads, I am sure for testing purposes around mating with my existing subwoofer it would be fine for a short test.

[toocool4]

What i meant to say before is i don't think a Class D will do the job well, but i said was Class D will.

It all depends on how much bass you are after, for me the Model 1's did not need the help of a sub-woofer. I like well defined and textured bass, not the boring 1 note bass that most people find impact-full.   

[mcgsxr]

Appreciate the clarification.

Was your room 25x25x7.5?  I have yet to hear a stand mount speaker in this room that can stand alone.  I expect a small sub will be perfect.

I tried a 140wpc power amp today.  It was better but not likely my final play.

I am impressed with what they do or I would have sold them.  I am happy to invest the time to optimize my experience with them.

[toocool4]

No my room is not that big, i wish it was 

The Model 1's a great little speakers, once you have a match for them you will enjoy it even more.

[Neil G]

I may just add a good subwoofer.  The 50 wpc NAD struggles only with the bass, and if it did not have to deal with 70-80Hz and down, it may very well drive the speakers just fine for what I have in mind.

Adding a subwoofer will not help relieve your speakers of bass unless you have bass management of some sort or use the crossover built into the sub.  I'd highly recommend not running through the cheap crossover in a sub to send the high pass outs to your amplifier.  Yes, you'll relieve your amp and speakers of some of the bass signal, but your whole signal is going through an inferior crossover.  Run the speakers full range and add a sub to extend the low frequencies.  You may need a better amp to provide the bass control you desire.