Totem KINPlay Tower User manual

P
l
a
y
TOWER
2022
OWNERS MANUAL

Congratulations
Our Vision
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We sincerely thank you for having granted Totem’s KIN Play Tower the
special place in your living environment. These speakers are designed
to redefine your musical understanding and open corridors of new
experiences. We hope that you not only enjoy but experience Totem
as your guide to a new and rewarding listening environment! You will
without a doubt attain a Totem moment.
Created in 1987, Totem’s mission is to develop loudspeakers
capable of producing an involving performance that is true to the
artist’s intention. Totem Acoustic’s KIN “sub brand” was introduced
in 2014, born from a desire to engage a wider audience by
offering affordable solutions for today’s audio capable devices.
Fast forward eight years and KIN has evolved into a full-fledged
loudspeaker series, featuring both powered Bluetooth and passive
loudspeakers, a soundbar,subwoofers, and an integrated amplifier/
DAC with both aptx™ HD Bluetooth and phono stage. Totem’s DNA
abounds throughout KIN, allowing for ease of placement while
providing a lifelike sonic experience in any application, be it for
music, movies or gaming, etc. Ultimately, Totem and KIN models
can seamlessly integrate in virtually any setting.

DISCOVER the
KIN PLAY TOWER
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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.
Totem 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.
The KIN Play Tower packs a powerful punch and can be paired or
connected directly to any of your sources. Say goodbye to the old school
receiver or complicating wiring. Proprietary drivers ensure for a dynamic
performance, phase linearity and enormous spatial presentation.

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Important Safety Instructions
1. Read instructions
2 Retain these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. Follow all instructions
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. 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 are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified b the manufacturer.
12. 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.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14. 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.
15. Apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection.
16. An appliance input coupler is used as the disconnect device-the disconnect
device shall remain readily operable.

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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 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 o 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 dierent from that to which the receiver is
connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
NOTE 2: Any changes or modications 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 RSSs. 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.

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Accessories Included
SPEAKER WIRE
OPTICAL CABLE
3.5 MM CABLE
REMOTE CONTROL
POWER CORD
MAGNETIC GRILLS

STANDBY = RED
POWER ON = GREEN
MUTE = FLICKERING RED
Controls on Active Speaker
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07
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 dierent color LEDs. The light will disappear roughly a
minute after the last feature was activated.
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 ashes 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 ash indicating
you are in pairing mode.

REAR
CONNECTIONS
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1. AMP IN
This input bypasses the internal preamplifier to facilitate connecting external
streaming components.
2. Aux 1
You can connect this analog input to the analog output of your TV, cable box, satel-
lite, game, turntable, or whatever device you’d like to connect.
3. Aux 2
This 3.5mm input can be used with many portable devices and computers.
4. Sub out
This allows you to connect a Totem Acoustic powered sub woofer to your speaker
to add thunderous bass and enhance the low frequency eect.
5. Digital In Optical 1 and 2
Sometimes referred to as Toslink or SPDIF, these digital inputs allows the use of an
optical wire from your TV, cable box, satellite, game, or whatever source you’d like
to connect.
6. Phono/Line
For all modern electronics this should be le in the “Line” position. When connect-
ing a turntable equipped only with a Phono output, set this to Phono.
7. Ground
This is used only with turntables equipped with a ground cable.
8. 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 consis-
tent to ensure best performance.
9. Power
This will turn the speaker on and o. Make sure to make all your connections be-
fore 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.
10. Voltage Selector
This selector can be manually switched between 115v and 230v, based on the volt-
age 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!
11. AC Input
The supplied power cord connects here, plug the other side into a wall receptacle
or power bar.

REMOTE
CONTROL
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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. Mute
11. Next Track (Bluetooth operation only)
12. Optical Input Select, press to toggle between
inputs 1 and 2
13. Reset: All tone settings are reset to original
factory settings
14. Raise and lower volume
The Totem remote uses a CR2025 battery.
Do not ingest the battery.
Chemical burn hazard.

Seing up
Always ensure that the power switch is o 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 ash. 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 ash. 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 nd
‘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.
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Placement
Totem generally recommends that speakers be positioned 12 in (30.5 cm)
from the back wall and side wall to allow a better energy ow 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 dierent, so we
encourage you to experiment with nding their ideal position.

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 oen labeled as AUDIO OUTPUT, or
something similar.
Select the AUDIO OUTPUT option.
ENTER THE AUDIO OUTPUT SETTING.
Select the OPTICAL option.
The TV/Source 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.
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Optical Audio Input 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 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 oen labeled as AUDIO OUTPUT, or
something similar.
Select the AUDIO OUTPUT option.
ENTER THE AUDIO OUTPUT SETTING.
Select the BLUETOOTH option.
The TV/Source 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.
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Bluetooth Audio Input 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 detail instructions.

Amp In / Connecting a Streamer
The AMP IN input bypasses the internal preamplier so
features like volume and source select 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 adapter as required. Once connected, the
amp will be controlled by the connected device.
Connecting Sub woofer
A powered sub woofer can be easily added by connecting a single RCA
cable from the Sub Out on the KIN Play Tower to the Input on the sub
woofer. 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 sub woofer 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 or the far left or right
sections of display.
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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.

Volume
Be attentive to the instant distortion commences, turning the volume
control down to prevent speaker and/or amplier damage.
Troubleshooting Guide
No Sound
•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, signied by a solid blue light.
•Conrm the speakers are in pairing mode, signied by a ickering blue light.
•On the Bluetooth device, turn the Bluetooth function on and o.
•If the device doesn’t nd the speakers in pairing mode, turn the speakers o 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 dierent source to see if the issue is common to all sources.
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Decoupling
KIN Play Tower come with acoustic isolation feet already installed to ensure
optimum performance. These feet isolate the cabinet to prevent resonance
from being transferred to the oor and improve bass and midrange
response.
Distortion is inevitable when the amplier 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.

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://kinbytotem.totemacoustic.com/register-your-product/
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Remote Control Issues
•Check to see if the transparent lm 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.
•Many sources, like phones or tablets, 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 mis adjusted, push the reset button on the remote.
•Sources must be set to stereo, not a surround eect like Dolby or DTS.
No Sub woofer Output
•Verify that the wire is securely connected.
•Make sure that the proper input is being used on the sub woofer.
•If the sub woofer 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.
Troubleshooting Guide

Bluetooth 5.0 aptx HD allows high resolution, simultaneous streaming from one
device to two pairs of KIN Play Towers, or a KIN Play Sound Bar. You can choose
the same audio to thoroughly fill a house for party mode, or completely different
tracks to create distinct sound zones.
Switchable Phono/Line stereo RCA, 3.5mm, and two optical inputs ensure your
favorite source can be connected. An amp bypass input, coupled with auto
on/input sensing, enable KIN Play Tower to be easily controlled by streaming
components like Sonos and custom installation systems.
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Description • Active Speaker
Frequency Response • 30Hz - 22kHz +- 3dB
Tweeter • Customized 1-inch Infused Soft Dome
Woofer • Customized Natural Hybrid 2 x 5”
High Resolution Internal Dac Provided
Amplifier Power • 2 x 200w RMS
Wireless Connectivity • Bluetooth 5.0
Analog Inputs • Stereo RCA switchable between Phono and Line Level Mini
jack (3.5 mm)
Digital Inputs • 2 x Optical
Outputs • Sub woofer Out
Dimensions • (WxHxD): 40.1875 x 7.0625 x 10.375”/ 1020 x 180 x 265 mm
Weight • Active-37.5 lbs/ 17 kg / Passive-35.7 lbs/ 16.2 kg
Bluetooth Sampling Rate:
8kHz, 11.025kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz, 22.05kHz, 24kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz,48kHz
Optical Insampling Rate: 24bit / 192kHz
Decoding:
MP2 / MP3, WMA, FLAC(8/16/24bit), AAC/MP4/M4A, WAV(IMA/ADPCM and
raw PCM),AIF,AIFC
Specifications

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.
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KIN BY TOTEM
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 amplier 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 denite
gradual improvement in the cohesiveness of the music reproduction
as this occurs.
We reserve the right to any future change or modication without
notice.
For further assistance, contact your TOTEM AUTHORIZED DEALER
or visit the Warranty section of the Totem website at https://
kinbytotem.totemacoustic.com/support/warranty/
Totem Limited Warranty
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