June 26, 2014

  • Totem Element Fire, Part 1

    The March 1993 Stereophile show in San Francisco was the first time I ever saw a Totem product. Back then, they were working on other models, but pretty much featured just the original Model 1. Regardless of size, the Totem Model 1 was one of the few speakers which could rock. And how did it do that? By not gumming up the rhythms. And by preserving the snare drum's sense of "pop" and snap.
    Totem Model 1 Brochure Photo
    Throughout the mid-90s, I lusted after the Model 1, especially in the "Aboriginal" light cherry finish (above). In their brochures and product literature, Totem continued to use the photo of the Aborginal cherry, even though it sadly went out of production during the mid-90s, and was replaced with a darker and uglier cherry stain. In the mid-90s heyday, I just couldn't afford the $1595 Model 1, regardless of color/finish.

    "You mean like scrotum?" blurted out ACS, as we spied the demo Totem Model 1 at San Francisco's Ultimate Sound. Despite ACS rhyming Totem with scrotum, she, other audiophiles, and I still liked the Model 1. I wouldn't actually acquire the Model 1 Signature until 2000 or so. And hey, as my readers know, I have also lived with Totem's Mite, Rokk, Arro, Hawk, Forest, The One, Element Ember, and Mani-2 Signature.

    That Element Ember you have seen in my reviews comes from my audio friend in the Heartland. He and I both have medium-sized rooms. Thus, we can accommodate speakers which are a little bigger than the Ember. Versus other brands, Totem appeal to me and him. Perhaps a year ago, he and I agreed to narrow it down to Totem's floorstanding Forest Signature or stand-mounted Element Fire. Both retail for US$6000. Problem is, no one has a Forest Signature for us to check out and review. And the rare times we've seen the Element Fire, it's been in Dusk black, not the more fashionable Ice white. Well, look what just showed up:
    IMG_0591.jpg
    The Ember is small enough for a pair to fit into one box. Sounds kinky, but isn't. However, the Fire (above) comes separately, in individual boxes.
    IMG_0592
    The packaging basically relies on styrofoam end caps. There are no vertical supports. Where's the protection? Sounds kinky, but isn't.
    IMG_0593
    Unlike the gross, rough, and dirty cloths found on, for example, the Sonus Faber Toys, the Totem Element Fire comes with a sleek cloth, reminiscent of ACS' sheets and sports bras.
    IMG_0594
    Remove the underwear (I mean, cloth bag) and let the naked body (I mean, Totem Element Fire) appear.