Totem The One or Dynaudio Contour S1.4

I ordered the system yesterday. I chose The Naim XS and Dynaudio Contour S1.4. Additionally, I added a Naim Flatcap2x power supply and associated Naim cables. Looking forward to listening.

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses. On Saturday I'm going back to the dealers for a day of listening before I decide.

I am a HUGE fan of the Totem ones- midrange presence second to none- and The Ones would probably float my boat big time.

Totems are certainly not tipped up in the highs-- if anything a touch smooth ('backed up' if you can call it that- by most reviews of them - see Larry greenhills in S'phile for ex.)
You MUST NOT toe them in though or they will be harsh-- they are designed, like Reference 3a's, to work best when firing straight ahead.
Incidentally-- I have no clue what the man means when he says the totems 'mute' some frequencies or whatever-- I have owned arros and model ones (twice) and when set up correctly-- they are frighteningly real sounding- like a Quad ESL (which I currently own) with balls (which I also currently own).
If anything, they are a touch plumped up in the midbass (at least in head to head competition with Audio Physics I have owned and Proacs) and this may contribute to their sounding 'large and in charge' instead of like the midgets they really are.

I also love Naim. I have paired naim gear with totems previously and while the sound was engaging-- I found a more 'Naim appropriate' speaker such as Neat's more dynamic/punchy- especially alower levels.
I was using one of Naims more potent amps (a 250) so I doubt it was a power issue. I would have to agree the dynaudio sound is very ummm... natural-- for want of a better word (I am speaking of the contour 1.3's here I heard at length)-- very balanced across the frequency range-- maybe even more so than the Totems- though with a touch less presence.
Unfortunately some of them are a bitch to drive (totem aint a walk in the park either)-- and this can make them seem flat and adynamic at the lowish to medium levels at which I listen.
In fact, the reason I dont own Totem The One's right now is I am not sure they do as well as I like for the times I am listening at low levels/late at night etc. That sort of listening seems to want a more efficient speaker (Quad ESL's kick but at this as do Daedalus speakers).
As for Ayre- I owned an Ayre V3 with Ayre conditioner update etc. and I found this amp STUNNING in terms of imaging and tone, but it was too laid back for my taste-- making things sound way more distant than I liked no matter which wires I tried- way back in the sound stage-- so I sold it.
Never tried it with totems-- only with proacs-- which in some cases are a bit tipped up in the treble to be sure. The Ayre fixed THAT aspect of them anyway.
One possibility is either the totems or the dyns with one of the powerful Class D amps-- which while they have their problems- sound more dynamic than many at lower to medium levels with ineffecient speakers. The Bel Canto S300 and Ref 1000's which I have owned certainly had this kind of mojo when down low (sorry).
Dont get me wrong-- sure that the XS is a terrific and musical piece like all naim gear-- though it might be anemic for dyns-- especially if you plan to crank it. You might check the naim forum at naimaudio.com to see what people think. Many over there in the flat earth crowd use Dyns- though there are almost always discussions about 'minimum Naim amp needed to drive Dyns' or what have you. To be fair, people post there about Totems needing a fair amount of Naim watts to come alive as well.
In any case-- the naim is a great amp and both the Dyns and Totems are great speakers; it's just about listening taste and levels I think. Both amps will make those speakers 'go loud'-- that's not the issue-- it's sounding good/composed/easeful etc. while doing it!

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.

I recently went from Dynaudio Focus 140's to Totem The One's on the end of my Naim Supernait with a HiCap external power supply. I understand that the C1's and even the COntour 1.4 are a step up from the FOcus 140's so I am reporting on my experience.
The Totem The One's are a significant upgrade. More musical, detail and much more refined bass.

I would go for the Naim amp. Never met a Naim amp I didn't like. Ayre amps can sound great but the AX7 well I tried and brought it back to the shop in a hurry.
Cann't say to much about the speakers. Both Dynaudio and Totem make good products wether they are good for you, only you can decide that. But if you would give the options you mentioned I would defenetly go for option number 2.

Also naim CD players are also good I think.

I'd take 'The One' and pair it with the Naim XS. That's just me though. To these ears, if your looking at a set of Dynaudio monitors, you have to step things up to the Dynaudio C1's to give 'The One' some serious competition.

Either way you fly, I'd caste AYRE off the ballet list.

Last week I had heard the Naim 5i with Dyn Sapphires and later the super nait with the C2's. All I can say is I'm glad my dealer has carpeting or I would have had to to get stitches in my chin when my jaw hit the ground. Excellent synergy and very musical. Like Nextlevelav stated adding the P/S at a later date would only be the icing on the cake. I did listen with and without the P/S and I will say the P/S made a significant difference (for the better).
I am a Dyn C1 owner (maybe someday C2) and a Naim wanna be owner after hearing those combo's.
My vote option 2

If you go for the S1.4s, make sure you have a big enough room for them. If they are too close to the rear wall, you will get a big peak in the 40-50hz range because of the giant port in back.

I really like the S1.4s with the XS; the combination is a clear winner with excellent synergy. Plus, you can upgrade the power supply on the XS when funds permit. (Note: We are a Naim and Dynaudio dealer)

take the two best there is only one....ayre with the one would be over the top for me,,,i own naim and arro totems and love it but ones with ayre..wow...

I haven't heard the Totem's but in my opinion option 2 would provide the best sound. Naim, is crystal clear but gentle and the Dynaudios are simultaneously strong and laid-back. I think with the Ayre (can be slightly edgy on the highs but beautiful midrange) and the Totem's which I've read can be a bit harsh with the highs, option 1 wouldn't be as pleasing to the ears.