TOTEM Tribe Tower Speakers： BIG Sound, TINY Footprint!
United States of Analog | May 24, 2025
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the Totem Tribe Tower speakers, focusing on how they solve the problem of finding speakers suitable for smaller listening spaces. The host Bob is examining these slim tower speakers as an alternative to both oversized tower speakers and bookshelf speakers for audiophiles with space constraints.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Totem Tribe Tower speakers by Totem Acoustics (Canada):
- Price: Not mentioned yet
- Dimensions: 36 inches tall, 5.25″ x 6.75″ footprint, 42 lbs each
- Drivers: Two 4-inch Torrent woofers, 1.3-inch soft dome tweeter
- Power handling: Up to 200 watts
- Sensitivity: 89 dB at 8 ohms
- Frequency response: 30 Hz to 30,000 Hz
- Features: Two 1.5-inch rear ports, dual binding posts, magnetic grilles
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Large tower speakers can be overwhelming in small spaces, causing boominess and harshness [00:00:43-00:00:56]
- Bookshelf speakers on stands may lack aesthetic appeal and spousal approval [00:01:01-00:01:12]
- The Totem Tribe Towers are “sleek, slim, stunning” and seem to “disappear visually and sonically” [00:01:20-00:02:01]
- Despite their small size, “the sound they produce is anything but small” [00:02:01-00:02:05]
- The design is “monolithically architectural” but could be “polarizing” [00:02:41-00:02:49]
- 89 dB sensitivity is “pretty amazing for a small speaker” [00:03:10-00:03:15]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- The host warns upfront that “you’re going to have to pay for it” regarding the solution these speakers provide [00:00:10-00:00:14]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- The host compares the speakers’ design to “that thing on that Led Zeppelin cover” and then gets confused whether it was Led Zeppelin or “2001 A Space Odyssey,” referring to “The Monolith” [00:02:52-00:03:00]
- Opening hook: “Are you afraid of giant tower speakers that suck the oxygen out of the room” [00:00:00-00:00:07]
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, host Bob introduces the Totem Tribe Tower speakers as a solution for audiophiles facing the common dilemma of choosing speakers for smaller listening spaces. He establishes the problem: large tower speakers can overwhelm small rooms with boominess and harshness, while bookshelf speakers on stands may lack aesthetic appeal and spousal approval. The Totem Tribe Towers, he suggests, offer the best of both worlds.
Bob provides detailed specifications for these Canadian-made speakers, emphasizing their remarkably small footprint (smaller than many bookshelf speakers) despite being 36 inches tall. He highlights their impressive specs including 89 dB sensitivity, 30 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response, and the fact that they don’t require high-powered amplification to drive effectively. The speakers feature dual 4-inch woofers and a 1.3-inch soft dome tweeter in a meticulously tuned cabinet.
The host’s initial impressions are very positive, describing the speakers as having a minimalist yet technologically sophisticated design that “disappears visually and sonically” while producing sound that is “anything but small.” He does note that the angular, monolithic design might be polarizing for some listeners, though he seems to appreciate their architectural aesthetic. The review appears to be setting up for a deeper dive into the speakers’ sound quality and performance.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
[00:03:33-00:06:59] – Totem Tribe Tower speakers (main focus)
[00:04:58-00:05:06] – Klipsch Forte 4s (comparison speaker with giant passive radiator and big woofer, rated at 38 hertz)
[00:06:42-00:06:44] – Klipsch Cornwalls (price comparison)
Key Findings, Verdicts, and Opinions
[00:03:46-00:03:50] – The Tribe Towers are designed for coherence, with no crossovers on the woofers
[00:04:09-00:04:14] – Bass is “deep and controlled and never boomy. Just correct and spot on”
[00:04:20-00:04:27] – You can “listen fearlessly for hours” and will want to
[00:04:36-00:04:41] – Host expresses skepticism about 30Hz bass extension from 4-inch drivers
[00:05:48-00:05:56] – Subwoofer is not required, especially in small listening spaces
[00:06:12-00:06:26] – Ideal for people tight on space, avoiding clutter, needing spousal approval, or wanting something architectural
[00:06:56-00:06:59] – Acknowledges they’re “a little bit boutique-y, but a lot of people want that”
Listening Tests and Sound Quality Observations
[00:03:54-00:04:05] – Makes acoustic music, vocals, and jazz trios seem “extremely, extremely realistic”
[00:04:06-00:04:09] – Can image “like top tier monitors”
[00:04:14-00:04:20] – Highs are “very airy and detailed without the harshness because of those soft dome tweeters”
[00:05:08-00:05:15] – Bass is “tighter and quicker, more defined, more controlled” compared to larger drivers
[00:05:15-00:05:19] – Doesn’t provide the same bass impact as bigger drivers
[00:05:34-00:05:37] – Host describes it as “two completely different kinds of bass”
Price/Value Assessments
[00:06:29-00:06:34] – Priced at approximately $6,500
[00:06:39-00:06:41] – Host calls this “a substantial amount”
[00:06:48-00:06:52] – Positioned as solving space problems: “These small speakers can really solve a problem in your home”
Comparisons to Other Gear
[00:04:53-00:05:08] – Compared to Klipsch Forte 4s: similar price point, Forte 4s have more bass impact but Totems have tighter, more controlled bass
[00:06:42-00:06:48] – Compared to Klipsch Cornwalls: similar price but Cornwalls won’t fit in small spaces
Music Discussed
[00:03:57-00:04:05] – Acoustic music, vocals, and jazz trios mentioned as genres that sound “extremely realistic” on these speakers
Audiophile Tips and Advice
[00:05:57-00:06:07] – If you have a subwoofer, try it to “energize the sound and bring it closer to that big speaker experience”
[00:06:07-00:06:12] – Recommends listening to the Totems alone first before adding a subwoofer
Summary
The host focuses on the sound characteristics of the Totem Tribe Tower speakers, emphasizing their design philosophy of coherence achieved through hand-assembled crossovers and no crossovers on the woofers. This results in tight timing that makes acoustic music, vocals, and jazz trios sound extremely realistic, with the ability to image like top-tier monitors. The bass is described as deep, controlled, and never boomy, while the soft dome tweeters provide airy, detailed highs without harshness, making them suitable for extended listening sessions.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the bass performance and the host’s skepticism about the claimed 30Hz extension from four-inch drivers. Through comparison with his Klipsch Forte 4s, he explains that while the Totems don’t provide the same physical bass impact as larger drivers, they offer tighter, quicker, and more controlled bass response. He characterizes this as “two completely different kinds of bass” and admits uncertainty about which approach he prefers, seeking input from his audience about the technical reasons behind this difference.
The host concludes with pricing and positioning information, revealing the $6,500 price point and comparing it to similarly priced Klipsch Cornwalls. He frames the Totems as a solution for space-constrained audiophiles who need spousal approval or prefer architectural aesthetics, acknowledging their boutique nature while suggesting this appeals to many buyers. He advises trying the speakers without a subwoofer first, particularly in small spaces, though notes that adding a sub can energize the sound for those seeking a bigger speaker experience.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- [00:07:27] Totem Tribe Tower speakers (main product being reviewed)
- [00:07:32] Technodeck turntable from Michelle (upcoming review)
- [00:07:37] Macintosh MA-252 hybrid tube solid state amp
- [00:08:02] Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense” vinyl album
- [00:09:26] Solid steel stands from Italy (mentioned in comparison)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:08:11] The host concludes that when taking everything into consideration, “for some people this price tag starts looking, well, let’s just say acceptable.” [00:09:36] He states these “may be the tower speakers you’re looking for and have been waiting for” for those who love bookshelf speakers but want more performance.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:08:34] Skip recommendation: Not suitable for homes with “really small kids and big dogs” due to tip-over risk. [00:09:49] Consider/Buy recommendation: Would be “a fantastic solution” for small bedrooms or small living rooms, though “may be too pretty for an office.”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [00:08:48] Maintenance tip: Use microfiber cloth for dust and fingerprints on glossy finish
- [00:08:54] For micro scratches: Use auto-detailing scratch remover very lightly
- [00:08:59] Safety advice: Always test cleaning products on inconspicuous areas like the speaker bottom first
- [00:09:02] Apply cleaning products without much pressure
- [00:07:56] Setup philosophy: “Don’t over-complicate it” – these are built for simple setups
How did the video wrap up?
[00:09:44] The host asked viewers for their thoughts in comments and whether they have small spaces. [00:09:56] He requested subscriptions if viewers like the content, made a self-deprecating joke about saying “we” when it’s just him. [00:10:06] He directed viewers to another video that YouTube would suggest, ending with [00:10:28] “Thanks for joining me. We’ll see you next time.”
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions
[00:07:11] “Like the big Lebowski once said, these kind of tie a room together. A small room anyway.”
[00:09:11] “Oh, and college students, you’re not going to be able to set a beer on top. Oh, it just got sad.”
Summary
In the final portion of this review, the host provides his overall assessment of the Totem Tribe Tower speakers, emphasizing their suitability for small spaces and simple setups. He describes his testing setup using a Technodeck turntable through a Macintosh MA-252 amp, noting that the speakers performed well with vinyl playback and even handled bass-heavy material like Talking Heads without requiring subwoofers. His conclusion is pragmatic – while acknowledging the speakers’ premium price point, he suggests that for the right person, the cost becomes “acceptable” given their unique combination of compact size and tower speaker performance.
The host then addresses several practical downsides that potential buyers should consider. Safety is a primary concern, as he warns that these speakers can tip over easily, making them unsuitable for homes with small children or large pets. He also notes maintenance challenges with the glossy black finish, which attracts dust and fingerprints, though he provides specific cleaning advice using microfiber cloths and automotive scratch remover. Additionally, he mentions the angular design won’t appeal to everyone and jokes about college students being unable to use the slanted tops as surfaces for drinks.
The review concludes with a targeted recommendation: these speakers are ideal for people who appreciate bookshelf speakers but want more performance without dealing with separate stands, specifically for small bedrooms or living rooms. The host wraps up by soliciting viewer feedback, encouraging subscriptions, and directing attention to additional content, maintaining the casual, conversational tone that characterizes the channel while ending on the tagline referencing “the United States of analog.”
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
