Yes they do. It's a measurable 0.5db attenuation in treble output and a dispersal of the output in quite a different way. The Beaks cost the equivalent of $100000 of computer modelling time (courtesy of a customer who was so impressed with their Model-1 that he offerred them the time on the corporate supercomputer!) which Totem could never have afforded. The Beaks definitely take the edge off the Arros in particular.
Franks thanks for the quick response. I think I will get some for my new Forests, which I LOVE. However, everyone who knows me thinks I am crazy. I get rid of Staafs to go with bookshelf speakers because of space and turn around and buy a slightly larger pair of floor standers. At least with this speaker, I know I will keep them for a LONG LONG time.
Thats funny someone brought this up,I still have my beaks,and they do work,as strange as it might seem.They are also useful on other speakers,and not just Totems.
A phase plug cost the equivalent of $100k in computer modeling time? OK, now who's drinking KoolAid? There must be something special about this product. Yes? No?
"OK, still; this took $100k of computer time? Where's Sam Tellig's four quarters and two dimes?"
I agree completely. Then again, if they work (as Frank and Tawaun have stated) and the OP can comfortably afford them, why not?
This has got to be one of the things that need to be demoed at home.
BTW, I don't doubt Frank or Tawaun's experience with them. I've heard the same thing many times. My feable mind is just a little slow at grasping the how.
Hey I just want to know if they'll provide some sort of improvement for my speakers cause they look cool and will elicit questions from guests. You always have to love it when you try to explain the cost of your speaker cable to your house guests.
They worked on my Arro's but not as good as a larger speaker with more mass and better stability,I thought they workrd best on the Mani-2,on the Arro's they were always about to slide off the speaker,so I had to keep a close eye on them,it did tame the Arro's topend a bit although better electronics would tame them to,and yeah they do look cool.
I like them,bigtime dynamics with a huge soundstage and bass,they can be a tad bright and foward in the midrange with the wrong electronics,not as choherent as the Totem 2 ways,I've heard better in that regard in a multi driver speaker and the price for what they offer kinda bothers me,but they are a very good speaker though,I do feel you can do better for the money though.
How much power is required for the Winds, guys? TW, I run the one Classe ca200 amp into a 3ohm load now, and bottom the speakers cleanly, Psb Stratus Silver. The amp never quits. It's hot, Straight 'A'.
I have a deal to get another ca200, and a line on the Winds. I also have a line on a Classe ca300 amp, and wire stright to the Totems.
How much power should I have on hand? Yeah, I know I always say more power(and believe it) but which amp(s) would suit the Winds?
Look to Plinus,Bryston and the Musical Fidelity or even a big Mac,the Classe may be a bit bright and foward on the Winds,which have a very close sound to the old B&W 800 Signitures,and I heard those on some Classe monoblocks and my ears were ringing for about a half hour after the audition,not very pleasant.So are you getting a deal on the Winds? if so im gonna quote what Jan said not to long ago,dont buy a speaker because of the price you can get them for,get them because you like them.
TW, I dig that. The winds are just too expensive to consider, if bought new. The line I have on them would bring them into my purview as a pre-loved set. Buying because you like them is a solid bit of advise, which I agree with, and have advised myself. These Totems are worthy of my consideration only because they are something that is now within the possible. So much so that I can drive less than 2 hours to hear them.
Why dont you try out the Mini Strata Nuck,they will save you a bunch of money,and they will compete squarely with the Winds for way way cheaper,I actually think they are better,a properly designed hybrid with ribbons or planers with tubes is a amazing experiance!
Its a reason the Winds havent had much press,they are a good speaker no doubt,but way overpriced for the performance they offer in their class,they have some serious comp in their pricerange that will stomp quarters out of them.The Mini puts many more expensive speakers to shame,im not buying the Salksound HT-3's anymore,not to say that the Mini is better,but boy what you get for the money is almost unspeakable.Speakers at the Mini's price to 3k and im tempted to say their unmatched up to 4k,but from 3k on down dont have a prayer against them,its like how Labron James was in high school its just no comparison.
Although the profile of the beaks is close to that of a phase plug, closer inspection shows that the curved point is actually made up of a series of fine ridges. It was the design of the ridges which cost an awful lot of computer time I believe. The base of the beak is also hollowed out into a very specific shape, although I do not recall what this does.
