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Vince's Blog


Montréal, November 25, 2009

Good Vibrations

I reflect on the obvious but nonetheless I feel I have to comment after such a whirlwind of travel and activities about this obvious Totem reality.

The last three months have been the most grueling, tempestuous, interminable, emotionally moving and, yet quite frankly, scandalously rewarding of any period that I can remember. I love meeting our distributors, retailers and advocates because it’s not only about the business at hand and the obligations that have to be met, but also the immensely great feeling of friendship, sharing and communing with everyone about how we feel about life, music and sharing good will: the “raison d’être,” in my opinion, of a successful and complete existence.

Whatever happened economically in the last year, of what will or will not happen in the future, is intermeshed with people’s lives and businesses. Our partners and friends are doing very well overall, are healing and most are outright bucking the global trend and actually doing record business in a way that gives reason to the adage that what you sow is what you reap. Totem and our partners have always sown the best in “seeds” that germinate and further blossom into repetitive crops that are fit for everyone’s picking. This harvesting is the result of determination, very hard work and a meritorious farsightedness that supersedes normal intuition.

We never panic and this calm reassurance is shared by many who come into contact with us. When times look rather tough, we redouble our efforts and never precipitously re-act but ACT: at shows, presentations, dealer events and meetings in a way that is totemic and far-reaching.

Just “some” of the travelling highlights...

Those of you who saw/heard our fabulous 7.3 Surround Sound “only” presentation in Atlanta at Cedia (September 09), with the magical Wind Designs centered by a Tribe III Design center and flanked by Tribe In Walls and bolstered by the new Tribe In Wall (Super Slim yet PHAT sounding) Subs, noticed that, when we move in a direction, it is with class, distinction and originality. Our 18 ft. tall walls with the great graphics (compliments of our VP sales/marketing phenom Lucy Lentini , garnered a unique visual presentation meshed with a fantastic sounding room playing full tilt in an environment where none would venture. That’s complete confidence!

I travelled to Europe, where we were part of a major show (VAD) in Eindhoven, Holland. It was a runaway success and incredibly well attended by all the consumers, along with the full regalia of retailers from European countries (see pictures). Our very large room WAS ALWAYS PACKED. The music, presentation atmosphere and good sense prevailed. We highlighted the astonishing Wind Design in a stereo setup and, then, also highlighted the Mites right next to them to show that Totem gives equal measure to the least expensive of our products. Different poles yet the same fabulous musical result. The Hawk speakers in White also played beautifully in an adjoining alcove, showing their sophistication and class.

Here again some samples of music played in the events and travels:


Thanks to all
Vince

1 comments



Montréal, May 4, 2009

Blowing in the Wind

Spring is here and there’s nothing better after an incredible trip to sunny southern California than to highlight some of the music played at the dealer events and during the visits there.

Our dealers (new and old) in that area are fantastic. It was a totemic enclave with wonderful company, great people and soul-linked new friends. I can’t wait to get back there!

We also finished two incredible shows in Montreal, highlighting the new DESIGN SERIES with the WIND FIRE at centre stage.

Danu from Bay Bloor Radio helped immensely and played great music during the Son & Image Show in Montreal, highlighting the incredible 7.2 surround sound (no video, though) and Wind stereo set-up we had there.

The Beatles’ “Love” and Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” multichannel tracks were simply amazing through the Wind Design/Tribe/Storm.
http://www.canadahifi.com/comments.php?id_entry=679

The ADISC show in Montreal was equally successful. Music professionals from the Quebec/Canada music trade were shown Totem’s Design units.

Here is a sample of music played in the above events and travels. Can’t say all the following stereo music tracks will be easy to find, but here goes.

More to come on future blogs...

This is just a sampling of some of the music played in sunny California and Montreal.

Enjoy listening, wherever you might be.

Your soul brother in music,
Vince

6 comments



Montréal, October 29, 2008

Past, present and future

It has been a while since the last Blog outing as we at Totem have been extremely busy with upcoming products, and I wish to share some internal news with you.

For the last few years we have been working on other architectural applications for our compact designs. Before we get to these new products, I’ll digress and give you some little known historical background. You might not be aware of this but Totem’s initial forays into speakers were slim, shallow, wall mounted designs. Back in the mid 80s, before the launch of our Model-1, we had produced some avant-garde, full range speakers that were 3.5 inches deep and 40 to 72 inches tall.

I thought at that time that TV’s would, in no time, be fairly shallow and flat and that people would want excellent on-wall / in-wall products. This would also free up floor space and create, at the time, a totally unique and high-end application.

Of course, being neophyte and totally naive, we brought this product around to major distributors and stores. It was extremely well appreciated and received, but, companies such as Sequence and others took advantage of our trust. Our concepts and ideas were seen and shamefully stolen, yet even worse than that, these companies made poor copies of our designs!

Once these terrible copies polluted the audio scene, they left a very sour taste in everyone’s mouth - and ears. Heroically, we decided to make a complete reversal and discontinued the planned wall speakers. We turned our expertise toward "small internal volume" technology and created a great "small volume" speaker, the legendary yet diminutive Model-1. History progressed smoothly after this and obviously our Totem family has grown.

The reason why the Tribes are acknowledged by friends and foes alike as "the" world leaders in the on-wall speaker application is in no small part due to our history, and Totem’s recognized expertise in extreme performance, small volume designs. The musicality, ease of use and total synergistic properties of the Tribes are legendary.

The Tribe III woofer, which we machine, produce and assemble completely by hand, utilize no crossover parts in its path, and can play smoothly and totally dynamically with incredible phase accuracy. The Tribe III is simply one of the world’s best loudspeakers which just happen to be an on-wall.

The trick was to convey "All" that we have learned in the last 25 years and intelligently and beautifully combine it all together in an in-wall, in-ceiling speaker system. The fabulous result is the upcoming Tribe In-Wall and Tribe In-Ceiling.

Forget "All" pre-conceptions and ideas about in-wall and in-ceiling designs. They are musically and aesthetically awesome. At the last Cedia in Denver, we showed just how formidable they are.

Playing just one In-Ceiling unit and one Center-Side in an open 16 by 30 ft space, people and competitors alike were witness to beautiful detail, phase coherent and truly amazing sound and sonic imaging. Close by or even 25 ft. away, the music played was delicious, inviting and mesmerizing to say the least. The Tribe In-Wall Left/Right (L/R’s) did the same, projecting Eric Bibb’s incredible baritone voice everywhere with gusto and soul.

All this from In-Ceiling and In-Walls?
We can justifiably and proudly say yes on all counts.

Our past cycles ahead with our future.

Especially in these difficult times, people are looking for maximum value, quality and affordability in carefully chosen, unsurpassed products that will give decades of usage and pleasure.

There is nothing more comforting than to hunker down with friends and family and enjoy music and films with all their sonic aplomb and message; gratified in spirit and sound in mind.

All the best / Vince

9 comments



Montréal, February 1, 2008

Walk the talk

My last sequence of traveling included the 2008 Las Vegas CES, where North America and the world’s finest ply their trade and show everyone what is new, improved and important. We had a great room set-up on the Venetian main floor. Not easy rooms, as most exhibitors found out, but we were flying sky high as usual. Our room was inviting, beautifully decorated and the TWO SOUND SYSTEMS operating in it were nothing short of extraordinary. Congratulations to Lucy and our team for the décor.

The reason we highlighted this show with our superlative anniversary monitor, The ONE, was to purposely counter-act as well as to bring a little logic to the ever exaggerated pricing from certain companies on supposed top-end performance monitors and speakers that is beginning to dominate the market. How can one charge from $25,000 to $150,000 for a pair of monitors or full range speaker systems if they cannot "DO" sonically and musically what "The ONE" can DO? Our Anniversary The One, I am extremely pleased to say, garnered the prize for best sound as well as accolades from an incredible variety of qualified people. (Among numerous others you can read Mark Fleischmann’s show report and comments on The ONE in Ultimate AV).

Now, to re-emphasize the point, this praise for best sound was not an isolated affair, but widespread among everyone who visited our room/booth. In addition, let me point out that this was in comparison to the absolute MEGA dollar systems. It simply went from amazing to even more amazing when we lit up the room with the TRIBE IIIs. We used these in Stereo to show off their magical voicing, bass extension and perfect phase coherence. We allowed and even encouraged people to walk around the room while these were being played, in order to show their magical dispersion and intense musicality even way, way, way, way off-axis from the sweet spot. The Totem Torrent woofer in the TRIBE III line is a sonic gem. It is majestic and has been perfected for use with the TRIBE III line that there is absolutely no need for crossover parts in the woofer section. Imagine, a speaker with delicacy and power, not to mention beautiful timbre and expressiveness to not only rival but surpass any of the absolute best freestanding speaker systems.

Additionally, we would slip naturally in the Arro, Mite and Forest speakers when people wished to hear these. The speakers do get jealous, just waiting on the sidelines. They certainly showed their mettle with more outstanding performances. People would come in and be surprised that the only units playing and producing that incredible staging were the Arro speakers (with no sub support), or that the Forest units were playing in SUPERSPEAKER mode. At no time during the show was the sub connected to any speaker system for any demonstration.

This brings us back to the top, where we profess to be exhibiting real-world, affordable super-speaker systems that out-qualify the incredibly costly juggernauts . People are astounded that Totem speakers don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. We go to the extreme because that is what is need to obtain the most from our speakers. It would shame many out there to know the Arro speakers MSRP

The ONE actually uses the most expensive and effective jewelry (WBT platinum, pure silver interlinks) and crossover parts that can be manufactured today. Along with superlative cabinets and engineering, they set a new standard at any price, and the $3595/pair retail price sets them truly apart. Now, remember that we are ONLY building 2000 pairs of these limited edition masterpieces. No more, no less.

I’m so glad that I got that off my chest. Let’s keep this industry, which we cherish, wholesome, vibrant and value-oriented for people who recognize quality, craftsmanship and real North American product and value. To boot, we offer speaker systems that defy sonic description because these are Totem products. Only Totem products have that Totem sound and involvement in the listening environment both on and off axis. Chop those mushrooms and listen to your system, yell at the pet and the kids and keep listening. They’re great anywhere that you are.

7 comments



Montréal, November 16, 2007

Unleashing the soul

In the last couple of months, I must admit that I had Hermes tied to one foot and Mercury on the other... the result was travel galore meeting some of our veteran, newer and also future supporters. I can’t begin to list the extraordinary people we met. To try to list all would almost be an injustice since I might miss one or two personages. I would need a couple of pages for each locale and a few paragraphs on each unique and sometimes spectacular individual encountered. It would be as long as any Stephen King novel, but definitely not as predictable.

Suffice to say that Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Milano, Edmonton, Toronto et al showed me how truly blessed we are to be among such a crowd of wonderful, supportive friends, associates and fans. I was blown away by the reception of enthusiastic real professionals who really try to counsel correctly and therefore thrive with their proper sales advice on everything they stand behind. They accomplish almost the impossible giving proper combinations, purpose, value and insightful direction. I was also honestly abashed and taken aback by the adulation that ordinary (I should say extraordinary) consumers show when given the opportunity of being supplied with something that excites their natural intrinsic need for great soulful sound. It’s even better when the background, history and dedication behind the product are put forth. It’s great that they feel treated and respected properly as real people that know the difference between marketing fluff, magic promises and true, easy artful value. It’s good and worthwhile to know that people will stand up and strike courageously forward against "THE GREAT HOMOGINIZATION" prevalent everywhere. Yes, absolutely EVERYONE can still tell what great sound is and can tell that emotions, thoughts and lives can be stirred up by even the simplest of sounds, melodies and sights. I’m proud as a fellow human to say that this trait is present in every one of us from all cultures, gender and class. It’s most probably a universal thing beyond the simple orbit we follow.

The trend towards the camouflage installation of pertinent musical speakers and electronic units remains very strong. Granted, in today’s age and world, people want a symbiotic type of approach with their objects and surroundings. It seems, justly so, that incorporating them into their lifestyle in a logical and aesthetically pleasing fashion is "de rigueur". However to fall prey to those who claim that "any" in-wall/in-ceiling is as good and satisfying as anything out there is definitely misleading. A minuscule priced pair of Totem Mites or Dreamcatchers are beautifully "Integra table" anywhere and top value for visual aesthetic beauty and most definitely sound. The Arros are total defenders on all fronts against all aspects of this whitewashing. The Tribe I, II , III make it painfully obvious that there are compromises in installing whitewash product. The Totem associate/retailer can and will at least show all sides of the equation and counsel equitably on the just merits and long term viability so that consumers can come to a comfortable decision of what is correct for their needs.

Some of you have bought Totem in-ceilings and in-walls and have been greatly satisfied. The Inner Spirits are great! Yes, our impact in this camouflage scheme is purposely varied so that the equilibrium between sound and comfortable integration can be realized with great solutions and little compromise. We know of no other manufacturer that has category leaders in such a varied domain. It is important for us to recognize these new challenges in our industry and embrace this interesting trend toward the sonic/decorative integration. We wish to facilitate with the help of the professionals selling our product the interior conciliation and apparent preparatory mental calisthenics that some of you go through in choosing something that satisfies on all fronts.

All the best
Vince

8 comments



Montréal, September 25, 2007

Totem 20’th anniversary

I was just about shocked when Lucy Lentini, our VP came to me a few months ago and told me what she was proposing for Totem’s 20’th anniversary. While she was unfolding the wide new tapestry of celebratory events and things planned for Totem’s new decade, there I was, internally slack-jawed and thinking to myself... "What is she talking about...20 YEARS !!!!"... Am I in some sort of time/space continuum and suddenly appeared here in this place intact and listening to this my most trusted associate tell me that we are to celebrate a milestone that very few companies reach with aplomb and grace.

WoW...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here I am about to be surrounded by dear friends and collaborators, all who have contributed and made this possible and somehow I know that the mortal part of me, judging from the wear and tear, truly saw, felt and experienced every meticulous frame by frame section of Totem history, but an otherwise important part of me was hovering over along; joyful, young and untouched, full of energy and vision. This part that is forever open, unscathed and not willing to be assailed by the trivialities and ups and downs of life.

After much reminiscing and reflection, I still have trouble sensing which part of me has the reins and control in the faceted dimensions that really matter in this world. I guess I need both sides of this leaf to see both forward and backward with impunity. Now, back to reality and it still strikes me as WOW!!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! We are doing most things right.

An example which some of you know, but might not be common knowledge is that before Totem actually came out with small, extreme performance, soul moving musical speakers in the late 80’s, we had garnered a great experience and expertise in this small internal volume field in the mid 80’s by creating shallow architectural products that were too avant-garde for the time. Who in the mid 80’s actually wanted shallow, full range speakers that were only 3.5 inches deep and did not dominate a room? Actually they could also have been put in-wall... how totally ridiculous for the time. It was not a dominion for most. In a time of the 9 meter long Cadillac Biarritz and when most were predisposed to flaunt it if you had it; small size (volume), high quality and stealthy luxury was not sought out by most. (Actually they could also have been put in-wall... how totally ridiculous for the time.) We thought that flat panel displays were just around the corner... how preposterous. Its seems like the cadence of the seer and the walker were not in synchronism.

A great result from this thinking was actually transmorphed to an incredible extreme high performance unit which started this Totem ascendancy... the Model 1. Flexible, honest, true, musically involving off-axis performance with soul... who could ask for more? The first in a line of soul-moving individual speakers, full of character, integrity and individuality that were created all in their own time to satisfy and fill experiences within my and our lives here at Totem. You know how I mentioned that things are cyclical... Behold for our new decade a CELEBRATORY and extreme Model 1 is being crafted... "THE ONE". Pure, affordable and full of promise for the next 20 years, it will I believe set honest new standards in our industry that sometimes is full of misdirection. Even better Totem is presently making and offering models such as the Tribes and "Inner Spirit" which fall back on our previous wealth/experience in the flat architectural field to offer real music lovers a branching of product that retains all the life giving essential of a pure musical reproduction that entertain, enlighten and heal (I love L.L.’s quote from a few years back).

I know that the above seems like sales jargon, but my "one part of leaf" screams for people to know the effort that we put, minds and soul into a totally hand North American built product that defies the total trends of today. Eight hours of meticulous work go into a pair of slim, simple looking, elegant Arros that retail at mass produced pricing. Along with that countless hours of making sure that it fulfills that magical funneling work that it has to accomplish as a Totem stalwart. Our Tribe III woofer took three years to create so it could go musically where no small woofer went before: Total magic and full extension from an on-wall. ABSOLUTELY WORLD UNIQUE.

The cycle continues in life and work. I’m still wondering whose in control and flipping my leafs... As a matter of fact, I’d rather not know.

Thanks to all
Vince

27 comments



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