Totem Acoustic, a well-established Canadian audio manufacturer known for its high-end loudspeakers, has introduced the KIN ONE, a newly redesigned 2-way monitor loudspeaker that expands their KIN companion-brand lineup. Positioned as an entry-level option, the KIN ONE incorporates advanced technology typically reserved for Totem’s more premium offerings, making it a notable addition for those seeking quality sound without a hefty price tag.

Totem Acoustic has been in the audio industry for nearly 38 years, with a strong reputation for producing loudspeakers that excel in musicality, accuracy, and phase coherency, often defying expectations given their compact size. The KIN brand, established in 2014, was Totem’s response to the growing demand for affordable yet high-performance audio products.

Over the past decade, the KIN lineup has expanded to include a variety of audio solutions such as powered Bluetooth and passive loudspeakers, soundbars, subwoofers, and an integrated amplifier/DAC, catering to a broader audience without compromising on quality.

The KIN ONE represents the latest evolution in this series, leveraging Totem’s extensive experience in loudspeaker design. The speaker is designed with a younger demographic in mind, serving as a gateway into the world of high-end audio with a price point that is accessible to many.

The KIN ONE employs several technological advancements derived from Totem’s flagship models, such as the Model One and Element FIRE v2. A key feature is its use of proprietary drivers, including the MHEX woofer. This woofer, characterized by its Multiple Strata Hex Cone design, combines the rigidity of metal with the fast responsiveness typically associated with paper cones, contributing to a dynamic sound profile.

Complementing the woofer is a titanium-infused soft dome tweeter, which has been matched to the woofer and cabinet design to ensure a cohesive sound with precise phase response. This harmonious driver integration is a hallmark of Totem’s approach, aiming to deliver a balanced and expansive audio experience.

The cabinet design of the KIN ONE, which draws visual inspiration from the Element Fire v2 but in a more compact form, plays a crucial role in its acoustic performance. The specific geometry of the cabinet aids in bass tuning, and an innovative L-shaped port is used to manage internal resonances. This design allows the KIN ONE to reproduce low frequencies extending down to 40Hz at -12dB, which is impressive for its size and helps the speaker deliver a full-bodied sound.

Totem Acoustic has employed a minimalist approach with the KIN ONE’s crossover design, utilizing just seven high-quality precision components in a 2nd order configuration. This simplicity is aimed at maximizing the performance of the speaker by minimizing signal degradation and phase issues, thereby maintaining the integrity of the audio signal as it passes through the crossover.

The KIN ONE’s performance is further enhanced by its ability to produce frequencies below 65Hz, with an extended response that reaches down to 40Hz. This makes the KIN ONE particularly suitable for smaller rooms or desktop setups where space constraints often necessitate compact speakers that do not compromise on sound quality.

With a suggested retail price of $599 per pair, the KIN ONE is competitively priced within the entry-level segment of the market, offering a cost-effective option for those seeking to enter the realm of high-fidelity audio. The KIN ONE is available in five satin finishes, providing aesthetic versatility that can complement various interior designs and personal styles.

Key Features:

• Ported 2-way design
• 1” Titanium Infused Soft Dome tweeter
• 4” MHEX Cone Woofer
• Nominal Impedance: 6 ohms
• Sensitivity: 89 dB @ 1watt
• Crossover Frequency: 2.5 kHz (second order)
• Frequency Response: 65 Hz to 22 kHz ± 3 dB
• Recommended power: 20 – 100 watts
• Dimensions (W x H x D):
  • 5” x 9.5” x 6.25” (bottom) x 5.25” (top)
  • 12.7 x 24.3 x 15.9 cm (bottom) x 13.3 cm (top)
• Weight: 6.25 lbs each
• Available satin finishes: Pink, Blue, Orange, Black and White
• Matching magnetic grills included
• Recommended placement: 3” – 2’ from rear wall / 3’ – 12’ apart
• Wallmount Thread: ¼”–20 allowing the speakers to be mounted directly on the wall

The speakers are now shipping and will be showcased at the ongoing CEDIA Expo 2024, allowing potential buyers to experience the KIN ONE firsthand.