Uniti Atom Speaker Upgrade suggestions

Posted by: Dramatic Tenor on 26 October 2018

Hi folks, I'm looking for some advice. I'm currently running a Naim Atom, my Thorens 165 TT that I got as a teenager for analog and my pair of Totem Mites. It's a very listenable system, but I'm wanting to fill in the frequencies that the Mites ignore and provide greater detail, sound stage and presence. I've auditioned many speakers from Sonus Faber, lots of Kefs, Paradigms. They all had something to recommend them, but the speakers that met my upgrades desires AND were the most fun and engaging were the new Totem Signature Ones. First set I fell in love with. 

Here's the question--and I am happy to audition more transducers--can the Atom actually drive the Signature Ones? (The specs say 50-200w, but I've found the Atoms have pretty high quality power per watt). And if not, for a small-medium listening room, what might be easier to drive and provide me with that deep, fun sound stage and disappearing speaker act that the Signature Ones offer?

Thanks!

Dave

Posted on: 26 October 2018 by Skip

Blumenstein Audio.   My son has the older Thrasher with the upgrade finish.   The new model is the Triton.  Designed around low power tubes, they rock with the UQ2b.   Even in a good sized room.   I feel certain they will work with the Atom.    I have a nice Naim rig at my house, and I could live happily with this little 3 box system.   They ship by UPS.   They have a return window.  What is not to like?

I am no expert.  I owe this recommendation to Peter at Venice Audio, who has used Blumenstein in his commercial solutions.   Peter knows what's up.

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Dramatic Tenor

Thanks Skip. I live in Portland, so I could arrange a trip up to Portland to audition. They don't seem to use distribution or have dealers.

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Atom/Iota/Kan Stands

I listened to a host of spearkers when I bought my Atom and the Neat Iotas were a revelation, it was flipping a switch, I just knew there and then. 

Don’t be put off by the small size they make a big sound and the bass still surprises me even now, both in terms of depth and quality. 

They may not float you boat but they are certainly worth a try - and also try the rest of the range!

Good luck,

Tony 

 

 

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Mike Sullivan

I run Totem Hawks on a UnitiCute2/NAP100 and it’s a lovely much, that may be worth trying?

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Skip

I agree about the Neat.  They sound amazing for a couple of small boxes on the floor.  Unique in the market.   Hearing the small one makes me want to hear the larger Explorer.

The Blumenstein is totally different.   It is basically a single driver low power tube speaker with an added tweeter.  It is built to order and sold customer direct.   All I know it that the UQ2b can really make it fill a room and it sounds great.  You can also buy an optional subwoofer, but I would not bother.  The price is right, too.  I bet it rocks with an Atom.   I will be forever grateful to Peter @ VeniceAudio for turning us on to these little guys.  It is an outside the box recommendation for a Naim match, but it is a nice match in my opinion.

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Dramatic Tenor

Yes, I don't know when I'll next make it to Seattle, but it is only a 3.5 hour drive. Wish I had known about the Blumensteins a few months ago, which is when I was last there. 

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Dramatic Tenor

@Mike, the Hawks are floor standers and I need bookshelves for my space.

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Mike Sullivan
Dramatic Tenor posted:

@Mike, the Hawks are floor standers and I need bookshelves for my space.

Ah, it that case I’d suggest the Sky, which is ratted 30 - 120W. Totems like power, so I think the Signatures One would want a bit more than what the Atom would give. If possible, demo both?

Posted on: 27 October 2018 by Dramatic Tenor

The Skys were nice when I auditioned them but not a big enough jump over the Mites to be worth it to me. But I should really see about taking some Signatures home for a few days to see how underpowered they are. I think the local dealer will let me do that. 

Posted on: 28 October 2018 by John L F

Listen to Dynaudio range they go well with the Atom. 

Posted on: 04 November 2018 by Dramatic Tenor

All right everyone, I found an amazing deal on a pair of lightly demoed Totem Signature Ones--not even fully broken in but close, in pristine shape. Got the full 5 year warranty and saved a bundle of cash as well. Sooooo, can the Atom drive them? Actually, no problems that I can yet detect. Do I need to turn it a bit higher than on the mites? Yes, but we are talking from 30 to 36-38, so there's been no clipping, restricted dynamics, or flat presentation. The imagine is beautiful, the bass is far more present (and controlled) that with those miniature Mites. 

I appreciate everyone's suggestions, and if I hadn't found such a killer deal on the Signatures, I would have listened to some of the speakers you guys suggested. Thanks one and all.

Posted on: 04 November 2018 by spurrier sucks

I lived with a. Pair of Sig 1’s for a year or so. Trade upbto Forest from there. I now have Mites with a Qute and actually prefer the Mites sound soubdcsugnature to Sif 1 and Forest. Mites arsxa bit warmer sounding to me and don’t have the harshness the other 2 could have at times. Like you I am missing some lie end but I added a sub and it helps. Congrats on the new speakers and enjoy. 

Posted on: 04 November 2018 by Dramatic Tenor

Hi Spurrier, the new Signature Ones only came out last year so I am a bit confused. Did you mean the Model One Signature? Totem’s nomenclature is a bit peculiar on this line. 

Posted on: 05 November 2018 by spurrier sucks
Dramatic Tenor posted:

Hi Spurrier, the new Signature Ones only came out last year so I am a bit confused. Did you mean the Model One Signature? Totem’s nomenclature is a bit peculiar on this line. 

I did mean model 1 Sigs. Didn’t know they had a new speaker other than sky and tribe tower. I’ll have to check that out.