There are so many speakers out there, it’s easy to get lost in the mess. However, when it comes to creating a high-quality home theater experience, the importance of quality speakers cannot be overstated. Whether you’re watching movies, playing video games, or simply enjoying your favorite music, the right speakers can make all the difference in the world. That’s why it’s essential to invest in speakers that are designed to deliver the best possible sound.
Two of the most popular speaker brands on the market today are Totem Hawk and Forest. Both of these brands are known for producing high-quality speakers that offer exceptional sound quality, design, and features. But which brand is the best choice for your home theater system? That’s a question that can be difficult to answer, which is why we’ve created this post to help you compare and contrast the Totem Hawk and Forest speakers.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the design, sound quality, and features of both Totem Hawk and Forest speakers. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the differences between these two popular speaker brands, and you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which brand is the best choice for your home theater system. So, let’s dive in and see what these speakers have to offer!
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Totem Hawk vs Totem Forest: Head to Head
Totem Hawk vs Totem Forest: Head to Head Comparison
To get a better understanding of the differences between the Totem Hawk and Forest speakers, we’ve created a head-to-head comparison table of their specifications. Let’s take a look:
Parameters |
Totem Hawk |
Totem Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | <32 Hz – 21 kHz ± 3 dB | 30 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3 dB |
| Recommended Power | 30 – 120 W | 50-200w |
| Woofer | 5.5″ / 14 cm patented magnet system, dynamic linear suspension, non-resonant cone, dust cap | 6.5″ / 16.51 cm 3″ / 7.62 cm voice coil |
| Tweeter | 1″ / 2.54 cm alloy dome, low resonance chambered unit, flexible suspension | 1″ / 2.54 cm aluminum dome, chambered |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms (6.4 minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 87dB |
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 6.8″ x 34.3″ x 9.6″ / 17.27 x 87.37 x 24.38cm | 7.7″ x 34.3″ x 10.6″ / 19.558 x 87.122 x 26.924 cm |
| Placement from rear wall | 1′ – 6′ / 30.48 – 182.88 cm | 1′ – 6′ / 30.48 – 182.88 cm |
| Placement distance apart | 3′ – 8′ / 91.44 – 243.84 cm | 4′ – 12′ / 121.92 – 365.76 cm |
| Break-in Time | 60 – 80 hours | 100-150 hours |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5 kHz, 1st order compensated | 2.5 kHz compensated, 2nd order |
| Speaker Terminals | Bi-wireable, Gold WBT connectors | Bi-wireable, Gold WBT connectors |
| Weight | 33.1lb / 15.06kg | 45.2lb / 20.53kg |
Based on these specifications, we can see some key differences between the Totem Hawk and Forest speakers. Here’s an analysis of some of the main differences:
- Better Bass: The Totem Forest has more bass than the Hawk, which means that it can play louder and deeper without distortion. The fact that it has more bass also means that your bass will be more accurate and detailed.
- Wider Frequency Response: The Totem Forest has a wider frequency response than the Hawk, which means that you’ll hear more subtle details in your music. It also means that your music will sound more balanced and clear (even if you’re listening to something that isn’t balanced).
- Rhythm: The Totem Forest is more accurate in terms of rhythm, especially at low frequencies. The Totem Hawk has a faster decay time for bass notes, which means that it sounds slower than its competitors. Also, the Hawk tends to distort bass notes when you listen at high volumes. This can be annoying if you like listening to rock music or electronic music with deep bass lines.
- Harmonics: The Totem Hawk has an excessive amount of harmonics, which makes some instruments sound metallic or unnatural compared to the Totem Forest.
In terms of design, the Totem Hawk features a Monocoque cross-braced cabinet with double-sided wood veneer, while the Totem Forest has a Lock mitered monocoque chassis design. Both designs offer benefits in reducing cabinet vibrations and distortion, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Overall, the Totem Hawk and Forest are both high-quality speakers that offer excellent sound quality and technical features. However, the differences in their specifications and design may make one more suitable for your home theater or music system than the other. Consider your own preferences and needs when making your decision.
Technical Features of Totem Hawk
When it comes to speakers, the technical features are just as important as the aesthetics. The Totem Hawk is an ultra-high-quality audio reproduction speaker that incorporates advanced technologies and components to produce exceptional sound quality. Here are some of the technical features of the Totem Hawk that make it stand out:
The Totem Hawk features dedicated proprietary drivers that are specially modified to Totem’s exacting specifications. This allows for great bass extension and phase correctness, ensuring that the speaker delivers smooth and natural-sounding low frequencies. Whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie, the Totem Hawk will give you a full and immersive sound experience.
The Totem Hawk is available in exotic veneer or design multicoated polyester finishes, making it a beautiful addition to any home. The monocoque cross-braced cabinet with double-sided wood veneer provides great rigidity and reduces cabinet vibrations that can cause distortion. This, in turn, ensures that you get the most accurate and detailed sound possible.
The Totem Hawk also features a hard-wired crossover with silvered stranded OFC wiring, which helps to reduce signal loss and provide a more accurate sound. The gold-plated WBT terminals ensure a secure connection with your amplifier, further enhancing the overall sound quality.
Overall, the Totem Hawk is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality speaker that delivers exceptional sound. Its advanced technologies and components, combined with its beautiful design options, make it a standout in its class. Whether you’re a music lover or a movie buff, the Totem Hawk is sure to provide you with an immersive and engaging audio experience.
Technical Features of Totem Forest
The Totem Forest speaker is a fine example of how beautiful and functional design can be married. With its elegantly designed compact chassis, it offers great sound in a very small package. It is a reference-grade floor-standing loudspeaker that is perfect for those who want to enjoy high-quality audio in their home theater or music system.
One of the most impressive features of the Totem Forest is its innovative drivers and veneers that bring realism to your home theater and music-listening experience. The Forest uses a special chassis with an exclusive, hardwired crossover and silvered OFC wiring. This design ensures that the audio signal is delivered with the highest possible fidelity, resulting in a clear and accurate sound.
The Totem Forest is extensively cross-braced, making it one of the most heavily built speakers in the Totem range. This design ensures that the speaker is rigid and free from unwanted vibrations, which can cause distortion and reduce sound quality. The Forest also features a flush-mounted midrange driver and a dynamic woofer that delivers full bass response.
The curved baffle of the Totem Forest reduces standing waves and provides further reduction in cabinet diffraction. This design helps to ensure that the sound produced by the speaker is accurate and clear, with minimal distortion.
Overall, the Totem Forest is a high-performance speaker that is perfect for those who demand the very best in audio quality. Its innovative drivers, veneers, and design features make it one of the most impressive speakers in its class. If you’re looking for a speaker that delivers stunning audio quality in a compact and elegant package, then the Totem Forest is definitely worth considering.
Differences Between Totem Hawk and Forest
Users of both products have said the same things when they compared the two speakers by Totem. Their reviews were centered on:
1. Better Bass
The Forest has more bass than the Hawk, which means that it can play louder and deeper without distortion. The fact that it has more bass also means that your bass will be more accurate and detailed. A speaker with a better bass response can make all types of music sound better because the bass is less muddy and distorted.
2. Wider Frequency Response
The Totem Forest has a wider frequency response than the Hawk, which means that you’ll hear more subtle details in your music. It also means that your music will sound more balanced and clear (even if you’re listening to something that isn’t balanced).
3. Rhythm
The Totem Forest is more accurate in terms of rhythm, especially at low frequencies. The Totem Hawk has a faster decay time for bass notes, which means that it sounds slower than its competitors. Also, the Hawk tends to distort bass notes when you listen at high volumes. This can be annoying if you like listening to rock music or electronic music with deep bass lines.
4. Harmonics
This is not a big issue but should be mentioned anyway. The Totem Hawk has an excessive amount of harmonics and this makes some instruments sound metallic or unnatural.
FAQs About Totem Forest vs Hawk
Are Totem speakers suitable for home theater systems?
Yes, both Totem Hawk and Forest speakers are suitable for home theater systems. They deliver high-quality audio with great clarity and accuracy, making them ideal for movies, TV shows, and music. Their compact design also makes them perfect for smaller spaces, while their elegant appearance adds a touch of style to any room.
What is the quality of Totem speakers?
Totem speakers are renowned for their clear dynamics, soundstage, harmonics, and detailed, snappy response. Whether you choose the most affordable or the most expensive top-of-the-line speakers, Totem delivers exceptional sound quality. While higher-priced Totem speakers offer even more premium features, Totem does not compromise on quality with its lower-priced products.
How long does it take for Totem speakers to break in?
Both Totem Hawk and Forest speakers require a break-in period to achieve their full potential. The Totem Hawk requires 60 – 80 hours of break-in time, while the Totem Forest requires 100-150 hours. During this time, the speaker drivers loosen up and the sound quality improves. It is recommended that you play a variety of music at moderate volume levels during this period to help break in the speakers.
Final Thoughts on Totem Hawk vs Forest
The comparison between Totem Hawk and Forest speakers has shown that both models offer unique features and design elements that cater to different preferences. While the Totem Hawk boasts an ultra-high-quality audio reproduction with excellent bass extension and phase correctness, the Totem Forest offers an elegant and compact design with innovative drivers and veneers that bring realism to your music-listening experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Totem Hawk and Forest speakers comes down to personal taste and preferences. Both models are excellent choices for a home theater or music system, and choosing the right one depends on factors such as the room size, music taste, and budget. Regardless of which model you choose, you can rest assured that you are investing in a high-quality speaker that will enhance your audio experience for years to come.
