A Comprehensive Look at Totem Acoustic Speakers

Despite being one of those memorable, two-syllable words that rolls right off the tongue, Totem is largely unknown to the casual audiophile, much less the average consumer. Depending on who you ask, that’s either sad or just fine, as Totem Acoustics has been happily supplying its niche with a reliably clean and detailed sound for over 25 years.

The Craftsmanship Behind Totem

Unlike bigger companies, Totem Acoustics is still overseen every day by one person: its chief designer. In 1987, Vince Bruzzese founded the company and took a two-year path of unconventional research to arrive at the simply named gamechanger he called the Model-1.

As the line expanded, the names became a little more creative and appropriately evocative of First Nations imagery drawn from the past and present of Totem’s Montreal surroundings.

Unique and Individual Product Lines

Names like Hawk, Arro, and Tribe might be marketing-speak at another company, but for Totem, these designations reflect the individuality of each of their products. Not merely content to stuff the same tweeters into upsized enclosures whose only real difference is in wood finish and ascending price, Totem treats each model as an opportunity to tread new sonic ground.

To this day, Totem’s design is the result of careful listening by its golden-eared engineers, rather than number-crunching by computers (or beancounters).

Handcrafted Excellence

In fact, Vince Bruzzese once bragged to a reviewer that it took his best technician 80 minutes to assemble one crossover! Totem retains that handcrafted feel with the Forest Signature hi-fi columns, whose woofers and tweeters are all individually inspected, measured, and tested to exceptional standards.

Combined with an uncommon borosilicate material (similar to that used in the space shuttle) lining the inner cabinets, that attention to detail leads to some of the only speakers capable of replicating the vibrant punch of live music while still holding onto a neutral timbre.

Totem’s Signature Sound and Versatility

The result is an unmistakable house sound which is still filtered to different needs and applications across the product line.

From the most affordable to the most dazzling of the “ultra-sophisticated, ultra-expensive” top-of-the-line, all Totem speakers are renowned for:

• Clear dynamics
• Soundstage
• Harmonics
• Detailed, snappy response

You get more when you pay more, but Totem doesn’t save all the magic for its high-margin products.

Compact Size, Big Sound

Aside from sound quality, Totem is best known for its size (or lack thereof). Some buyers feel better about buying speakers that look big, but Totem consistently surprises new listeners with the incredible sound that comes from such small speakers, even in the high-end sector. Despite their size, they perform on par with much bigger speakers. 

If space is at a premium, Totem’s speakers are something you absolutely must consider and, preferably, audition for yourself with your favorite music. 

Importance of Proper Amplification

The one caveat with Totem Acoustics? Don’t forget to build amplification into your budget. As with other manufacturers with a “custom” vibe, you’ll need a good amp to really make any Totem speaker sing. You really can’t make any judgments on any Totem products that aren’t properly amplified.

Why Totem Isn’t as Well-Known

Why is Totem Acoustics not as well known as some of our other brands like Marantz? A Totem Kool-Aid drinker might say it’s because the company has always put marketing behind QC and R&D. Unbelievers might say it’s because other brands offer a better bang-for-buck, especially at the high and low ends of the product line. Even the most skeptical listener will agree that Totem Acoustics speakers offer a recognizably unique and even “emotional” sound that’s both clear and lively.

SEE ALSO: Quick Guide: Finding the Right Speakers for Your Home Audio System

Explore Totem Acoustic Today

Totem Acoustics stands out in the crowded speaker market due to its commitment to handcrafted quality, unique designs, and exceptional sound. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, Totem speakers offer a distinctive audio experience that’s worth considering.

Contact AV Specialists today to explore a wide range of audio-video solutions and discover the perfect setup for your home.