Totem The One or Dynaudio Contour S1.4


I am buying a new system and have narrowed the choice two:

1. Ayre AX7E + Totem the ONE
2. Naim Nait XS+ Dynaudio Contour S1.4

My source will be a Bel Canto Dac 3 and apple lossless.

Both sytems can be listened to, but at different shops. I'm sure both are excellent, so no bad choice.

I would appreciate input from those with experience with these combinations or at least the components. How would you choose? Many thanks in advance for your thoughts.
tetoncraig

Showing 1 response by lush

Much like Totem's other offering I simply don't understand the Ones.

Yes they are laid back.

Yes they are musical.

Yes they are small and cute.

What they are not is dynamic, sustaining any punch, and like all Totem's speakers they color sound with certain frequency's while almost muting others. It's this coloration that is musical to some but if you're not into it then I'd look elsewhere. I love the company of Totem, I just simply don't understand their design.

Dynaudio's to me offer more of the foundations of much. They perform well with all types of music, they offer dynamics and are gentle enough to be used exclusively with Jazz or acoustic.

I'm not making a recommendation to you either way, what I'm suggesting is that there is a big difference between the design approach and you should listen for yourself.