TOTeM KIN Play Tower II Speaker Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: TOTEM

OWNERS MANUAL

CONGRATULATIONS

We sincerely thank you for having granted Totem’s KIN Play Tower a special place in your living environment. These speakers are designed to redefine your musical understanding and open corridors of new experiences. We hope you not only enjoy but experience Totem as your guide to a new and rewarding listening environment! You will without a doubt experience a Totem moment.

OUR VISION

Created in 1987, Totem’s mission is to develop loudspeakers capable of producing an involving performance that is true to the artist’s intention. Our goal is to provide designs that are affordable, cosmetically timeless, and invoke an emotional response. Music, movies, TV, and video games are accurately rendered with a powerful focus that is yet soul-stirring. Discover yours today.
Each speaker is a ‘piece de resistance’ that attests to the profound sound staging that can be reproduced by adaptable and innovative engineering. Listen and believe…

DISCOVERING THE KIN PLAY TOWER

Designed by Totem Acoustic in Montreal, Canada, the KIN Play Tower was created to provide a simple yet remarkable audio solution. Integrated amplification relieves the need to be tethered to a separate amplifier. Bluetooth technology allows high resolution, wireless streaming from your favorite device. A wide selection of inputs allows the connection of all your other sources, from your gaming system to your turntable, and everything in between. You have discovered KIN Play, and all the acoustic pleasure it provides.
Totem Acoustic keeps to a strict quality control regimen and all factory- sealed products leave our facility in perfect condition. If there are any damages visible or concealed that has occurred in handling it must be reported immediately to your Authorized Totem Dealer. Carefully remove the speakers from the box and save all interior and exterior packaging for future use.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read instructions
Retain these instructions
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified b the manufacturer.
use only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
An appliance input coupler is used as the disconnect device-the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

WARNING
Do not ingest the battery, Chemical burn hazard
(The remote control supplied with) This product contains a coin/button cell battery. If the coin/button cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in just 2 hours and can lead to death.
Keep new and used batteries away from children.
If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children.
If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
FCC Warnings
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference; and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE 1: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
NOTE 2 : Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IC WARNING
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSS. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED

Speaker wire
Optical cable
3.5mm cable
Remote
Power Cord
2 magnetic grilles

FRONT CONTROLS

1. LED Indicator
This is the round window on the front bottom left of the active speaker. It captures the signal from the remote, indicates power status, and which source has been selected with different color LEDs. The light will disappear roughly a minute after the last feature was activated.
Standby=Red
Power On=Green
Mute=Flickering Red
Bluetooth Connected=Solid Blue
Bluetooth Disconnected/Pairing Mode=Flickering Blue
When the other sources (Optical, RCA, 3.5mm), volume, or bass/treble is changed, the green LED flashes once.

2. Multi-Control
Located on the bottom right of the active speaker, this multipurpose control can be used for adjusting volume, Bluetooth pairing, and changing input.
It can be turned to the right to increase the volume, left to lower the volume. A short push on the control activates the input select function and allows you to scroll through the sources. A long push on the control activates the Bluetooth pairing function, and the blue light in the LED Indicator will flash indicating you are in pairing mode.

REAR CONNECTIONS

AMP IN
This input bypasses the internal preamplifier to facilitate connecting external streaming components.
Aux 1
You can connect this analog input to the analog output of your TV, cable box, satellite, game, tumtable, or whatever device you’d like to connect.
Aux 2
This 3.5mm input can be used with many portable devices and computers.
Sub out
This allows you to connect a Totem Acoustic-powered subwoofer to your speaker to add thunderous bass and enhance the low-frequency effect.
Digital In Optical 1 and 2
Sometimes referred to as Toslink or SPDIF, these digital inputs allow the use of an optical wire from your TV, cable box, satellite, game, or whatever source you’d like to connect.
Phono/Line
For all modem electronics, this should be left in the “Line” position. When connecting a turntable equipped only with a Phono output, set this to Phono.
Ground
This is used only with turntables equipped with a ground cable.
HDMI ARC
The digital connection allows a similarly equipped TV to fully control the KIN Play Tower volume.
Right Speaker Output
Connect the supplied speaker wire from here to the right speaker’s input. Be sure to maintain the polarity of the wire, keeping the positive and negative signals consistent to ensure best performance.
Only for Service Update Port
Used exclusively for service updates, not a traditional input for sources.
Main Power
This will turn the speaker on and off. Make sure to make all your connections before turning the speaker on. You only need to turn this switch on once, it will then go into standby mode when it is not in use.
Voltage Selector
This selector can be manually switched between 115v and 230v, based on the voltage of where you live. The KIN PLAY will be set to the country’s voltage where it is sold. DO NOT CHANGE THE SETTING OR YOU WILL DAMAGE THE SPEAKERS!
AC Input
The supplied power cord connects here, plug the other side into a wall receptacle or power bar.

REMOTE

Remove the transparent tab located at the bottom of the remote to activate the battery.
Functions are listed below.

1. Power/Standby
2. Previous Track (Bluetooth operation only)
3. Play/Pause (Bluetooth operation only)
4. Bluetooth Input Select
5. Bluetooth Pairing
6. Aux 1 : RCA Input Select
7. Aux 2: Mini Jack Input Select
8. Raise and lower bass| 9. Raise and lower treble
10. HDMI ARC
11. Mute
12. Next Track (Bluetooth operation only)
13. Optical Input Select, press to toggle between inputs 1 and 2
14. Reset: All tone settings are reset to original factory settings15. Raise and lower volume
---|---

The Totem remote uses a CR2025 battery.
Do not ingest the battery.
Chemical burn hazard.

PLACEMENT

Totem generally recommends that speakers be positioned 12 in (30.5 cm) from the back wall and sidewall to allow a better energy flow and cleaner bass response. KIN Play Tower should be positioned from 1’ to 4’ or more from the back wall. Placing them 6-10 feet (180-300 cm) apart will generally ensure a proper stereo image. A popular guideline is for the listening position distance to be 1.5 times the space between the speakers, so if speakers are 6 feet (180cms) apart you would be 9 feet (270cms) from them. But, all rooms and listening positions are different, so we encourage you to experiment with finding their ideal position.

SETTING UP THE KIN PLAY TOWER

Always ensure that the power switch is off before making any connections. Connect the two speakers together using the supplied speaker wire. Be sure to respect the polarity of the wire, connecting the RED (+) and BLACK () terminals from the active speaker to those on the passive speaker. The supplied wire uses WHITE for the positive side. It is very good quality but for even better performance, or if you need a longer run, try Totem Tress speaker wire. Totem Tress wire, at any length, can demonstrably enhance bass, clarity, and imaging. Use the supplied power cord to connect the powered speaker to the wall receptacle. You are now ready to connect your sources. When you have completed all your connections, set the master power switch to ON.

BLUETOOTH PAIRING

Select the BLUETOOTH Input with the remote. The Blue LED will flash. Push Pairing on the remote. The Blue LED will blink faster, indicating pairing mode. This can also be done manually with the Multi Control on the speaker. Use a quick push to scroll to the Bluetooth input. The Blue LED will flash. Push and hold the control. The LED will blink faster, indicating pairing mode.
Turn on your Bluetooth device, go to the Bluetooth settings, and let it find “TOTEM KIN PLAY TOWER”.

Select the TOTEM KIN PLAY TOWER option and wait for your device to say connected. The LED will turn solid Blue and the speaker will beep, indicating the pairing has been successful. You are ready to enjoy music wirelessly streamed via Bluetooth.

CONNECTIONS AND SETUP to TV

The KIN Play Tower does not decode surround effects so your TV, source, or app must be set to PCM output in their respective audio menus. Consult their manuals to ensure this important step is performed properly.

HDMI ARC from TV to KIN Play Tower

This simple connection in many cases also allows the TV remote to control the volume of the KIN Play Tower. Connect all sources to the TV, then connect the HDMI ARC from the TV to the HDMI ARC on the KIN Play Tower.
All TVs, sources, apps, and manufacturers have their own designations and terms for their audio settings. The following instructions may not use the identical terms of your components, but they should be similar and help you get through the setup process.

Enter the SETTINGS section of your TV (or source or app).
Find and select the AUDIO section.

Enter the AUDIO section and look for a setting often labeled as HDMI AUDIO FORMAT, AUDIO FORMAT, or something similar.
Select the AUDIO FORMAT option.

Enter HDMI AUDIO FORMAT. It should give you the option of BITSTREAM OR PCM.
Select the PCM option.
The TV/Source/App should be ready to send sound to the KIN Play Tower.

The KIN Play Tower does not decode surround effects so your TV, source, or app must be set to PCM output in their respective audio menus. Consult their manuals to ensure this important step is performed properly.

OPTICAL AUDIO OUTPUT from TV to KIN Play Tower

This is the best setup option for TVs equipped with an OPTICAL AUDIO OUTPUT. All sources such as a cable box, DVD/Blu-Ray, media streamer, etc. are connected directly to the TV. The OPTICAL AUDIO OUTPUT from the TV is then connected to the OPTICAL INPUT on the KIN Play Tower.

All TV and source manufacturers have their own designations and terms for their audio settings. The following instructions may not use the identical terms of your components, but they should be similar and help you get through the setup process.

Enter the SETTINGS section of your TV (or source or app).
Find and select the AUDIO section.

Enter the AUDIO section and look for a setting often labeled as HDMI AUDIO FORMAT, AUDIO FORMAT, or something similar.
Select the AUDIO FORMAT option.

Enter HDMI AUDIO FORMAT. It should give you the option of BITSTREAM OR PCM.
Select the OPTICAL option.
The TV/Source/App should be ready to send sound to the KIN Play Tower.

The KIN Play Tower does not decode surround effects so your TV, source, or
app must be set to PCM output in their respective audio menus. Consult their
manuals to ensure this important step is performed properly.

BLUETOOTH AUDIO OUTPUT from TV to KIN Play Tower

This wireless connection option connects your Bluetooth-equipped TV to the KIN Play Tower. Your TV must be equipped with Bluetooth output to use this method. Select the Bluetooth output of the TV, select Bluetooth on the KIN Play Tower, and engage the KIN Play Tower’s pairing mode. See the Bluetooth pairing instructions in this manual for more detailed instructions.

All TV and source manufacturers have their own designations and terms for their audio settings. The following instructions may not use the identical terms of your components, but they should be similar and help you get through the setup process.

Enter the SETTINGS section of your TV (or source or app).
Find and select the AUDIO section.

Enter the AUDIO section and look for a setting often labeled as HDMI AUDIO FORMAT, AUDIO FORMAT, or something similar.
Select the AUDIO FORMAT option.

Enter HDMI AUDIO FORMAT. It should give you the option of BITSTREAM OR PCM.
Select the BLUETOOTH AUDIO option.
The TV/Source/App should be ready to send sound to the KIN Play Tower.

AUDIO SOURCE CONNECTIONS AND SETUP

Use the appropriate audio cable to then connect your other sources. Totem has supplied an Optical and Mini jack cable to cover most requirements.
If you are connecting a turntable, use the RCA inputs of Aux 1. If your turntable is equipped with a ground wire as well, connect it to the grounding post on the speaker. If the turntable has a built-in Phono Pre-Amp, set the switch located below the input to Line. If it does not, set it to Phono.
ATTENTION: Be sure to use the right setting and consult your turntable’s manual. Using the wrong setting can damage your speakers and void the warranty.

AMP IN / CONNECTING A STREAMER

The AMP IN input bypasses the internal preamplifier so features like volume and source selection will not function. This facilitates connecting and the functionality of external streaming components. It is a 3.5mm jack so if the streamer is not equipped with the same output, use the proper adaptor as required. Once connected, the amp will be controlled by the connected device.

CONNECTING A SUBWOOFER

A powered subwoofer can be easily added by connecting a single RCA cable from the Sub Out on the KIN Play Tower to the Input on the subwoofer. Or, add the Totem LINK wireless transmitter to add the KIN SUB 10 or Tribe Solution Sub without the need for wires. Adding a Totem subwoofer will substantially add to the bass capabilities of the system.

STANDBY AND AUTO ON

When no audio input has been detected for 30 minutes, the KIN Play Tower will go into Standby mode. It can automatically turn back on by playing the last source that was used. KIN Play Tower can be “woken” by pressing the standby button on the remote.

DECOUPLING

KIN Play Towers come with acoustic isolation feet already installed to ensure optimum performance. These feet isolate the cabinet to prevent resonance from being transferred to the floor and improve bass and midrange response.

VOLUME

Distortion is inevitable when the amplifier is pushed above its rated output level, which may result in speaker damage. This type of damage constitutes abuse and may not be covered by warranty. Be attentive to the instant distortion commences, turning the volume control down to prevent speaker and/or amplifier damage.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

No Sound

Sources must be set to stereo or PCM, not bitstream or a surround effect like Dolby or DTS.
Check to see if the MUTE setting has been engaged.
Make sure the correct source has been selected.
Verify that the system is powered up and properly connected.

No Power/No light in the LED:

Verify the main power switch on the amp has been turned on.
Verify that the wall AC outlet is functional.
Check to see the power cord is securely connected.

Cannot connect to Bluetooth

Ensure the Bluetooth input has been selected, signified by a solid blue light.
Confirm the speakers are in pairing mode, signified by a flickering blue light.
On the Bluetooth device, turn the Bluetooth function on and off.
If the device doesn’t find the speakers in pairing mode, turn the speakers off and then on again.

Sound from one speaker only

Verify the speaker wire is securely attached.
Check the interconnects of the attached sources.
Try a different source to see if the issue is common to all sources.

Remote Control Issues

Verify the transparent film separating the battery from the connections has been removed.
Be sure that you are within range (approximately 30ft). Aim the remote at the active speaker.
Replace the battery.

Low Output

Some sources can play louder than others, verify if all sources have the same output.
Sources like phones have their own volume controls. Ensure their volumes are set to higher levels.
See if both speakers are playing.

Distortion, Poor Quality

Verify the polarity of speaker connections. Incorrect connections can cause a lack of bass or image.
Bass and treble setting might be misadjusted, push the reset button on the remote.
Sources must be set to stereo, not a surround effect like Dolby or DTS.

No Subwoofer Output

Verify that the wire is securely connected.
Make sure that the proper input is being used on the subwoofer.
If the subwoofer is on and properly connected, increase its volume.

Poor Turntable output

Determine if you are using the proper Line or Phono selection.
Separate the speakers farther away for the turntable.
Try further isolating the turntable, preferably on a separate shelf.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tweeter:	1” Titanium Infused Soft Dome Tweeter
Woofer:	Dual 5 ¼ ” Natural Hybrid Woofers
Power:	2 x 200w RMS
Frequency response:	30Hz – 22kHz
Wireless Connectivity:	Bluetooth 5.0
Analog Inputs:	Stereo RCA switchable between Phono and Line Level Mini-jack

(3.5mm)
Digital Inputs:| 2 x Optical, HDMI ARC
Outputs:| Subwoofer Out
Accessories:| Remote Control, speaker wire, interconnects
Dimensions (HxWxD) :| 40 3/16″ x 7 1/16″ x 10 3/8″ / 1020 x 180 x 265mm
Dimensions of Base:| 1/2” x 8 11/16” x 11 1/2” / 20 x 220 x 292mm
Weight:| Active: 17kg / 37.5lbs Passive: 16.2kg / 35.7lbs
Bluetooth Sampling Rate:| 8kHz, 11.025 kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 24kHz, 32kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48kHz
Optical In Sampling Rate:| 192kHz/24bit
Decoding:| MP2/MP3, WMA, FLAC(8/16/24bit), AAC/MP4/M4A, WAV (IMA-ADPCM and raw PCM), AIF, AIFC

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Totem Acoustic Inc. is under license. Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission.
This appliance is labeled in accordance with European Directive 2002/96/ EC concerning waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This label indicates that this product should not be disposed of with household waste. It should be deposited at an appropriate facility to enable recovery and recycling.
The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

TOTEM LIMITED WARRANTY

Please register online at www.totemacoustic.com within two weeks of the purchase date. The Totem speakers must be purchased from a TOTEM AUTHORIZED DEALER.
Keep your original bill or receipt obtained from your Totem Authorized Dealer.
Retain the sturdy carton and all packing material; all warranty repairs are required to be shipped in their original packaging. This ensures no damage during transportation.
All Totem products are created with the utmost care and quality in mind. If ever a problem should arise, Totem’s speakers are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty on the amplifier and 5 years on the drivers, starting from the date of purchase. Remotes are covered for one year. The Totem limited
warranty applies to products in normal home use only. The warranty is void if serial numbers have been altered or removed. The warranty is void if products show signs of abuse. The warranty is void if the speakers have been tampered with.
Totem KIN Play Tower speakers require 75-100 hours of actual music playing time as a minimal break-in period. During this time, refrain from playing them at very loud levels. You will notice a definite gradual improvement in the cohesiveness of the music reproduction as this occurs.
We reserve the right to any future change or modification without notice.
For further assistance, contact your TOTEM AUTHORIZED DEALER or visit the Warranty section of the Totem website at https://totemacoustic.com/warranty/

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

We very much would appreciate if you took the time to register your product online. Product registration leads to quicker assistance and more efficient support in the rare case that your speaker should have a problem. This can be done quickly and easily in the support section of our site: https://totemacoustic.com/register-your-product/
Follow and Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totemacoustic/

totemacoustic.com