Short answer: the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks #19 of 34 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $278; the Totem Kin One ranks #20 and costs $600, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Sony SS-CS5 M2 offers: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. Watch for: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
What the Totem Kin One offers: Compact two-way design with a 1” titanium-infused soft dome tweeter and 4” MHex cone woofer, available in distinctive colorways beyond the usual black/white. Watch for: Real-world sensitivity measured significantly below the manufacturer’s spec (about 83.4dB measured versus 89dB claimed).
Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Totem Kin One and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SS-CS5 M2 | Totem Kin One | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $278.00 | $600 |
| Ranked | #19 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 34 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) | 9.5"H x 5"W x 6.3"D (241 x 127 x 159 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms nominal, 4.4 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB | 83.4dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 89dB manufacturer specified) |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in | - |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter | 4" MHEX cone woofer, 1" titanium infused soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each | 6.2 lbs / 2.83 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Power Handling | - | 20-100W RMS |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 Amazon
Pros: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. A modest mid-range dip (about 1-2dB) is present but tolerable, and the reviewer would rather have this dip than a peak in that region. Slightly deeper bass than the previous version, measuring about 2dB more output around 60Hz. Distortion drops noticeably when crossed to a subwoofer around 80-120Hz, meaningfully improving midrange clarity and detail versus running full-range. Easy to drive on a standard AVR - no need for a dedicated high-power amplifier. More modern, understated waveguide look compared to the previous version’s glossy trim.
Cons: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals. Some forwardness in the midrange noticeable on certain vocal recordings. Soundstage and sense of envelopment are comparatively flat and two-dimensional, especially next to reference-quality speakers with strong 3D imaging. Marketed as a “three-way” design mainly due to an added super-tweeter that the reviewer considers largely superfluous - it engages only at very high frequencies and adds complexity without a clearly audible benefit, when that cost might have been better spent on the main crossover. Output-limited: realistic ceiling is around the mid-90s dB SPL at a few meters, with comfortable listening closer to 75-85dB at 3-4 meters before distortion and compression become audible. Bass noticeably compresses/shelves below about 120Hz as volume increases, softening kick-drum impact at higher output. Smaller drivers and a lighter motor structure than rivals like the Polk XT20, which the reviewer generally prefers for its better directivity and higher SPL capability. Still needs a subwoofer for any real bass extension.
Full Sony SS-CS5 M2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.2"H x 7"W x 8.7"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Totem Kin One: $600 Skybygramophone
Pros: Compact two-way design with a 1” titanium-infused soft dome tweeter and 4” MHex cone woofer, available in distinctive colorways beyond the usual black/white. Surprisingly spacious, wide sound for its tiny size - horizontal dispersion of about ±75° through the midrange gives real envelopment and soundstage width. Reasonably good overall directivity, meaning it takes well to EQ correction. Pairs well with an EQ-capable streaming amp (the reviewer specifically suggests something like a WiiM Amp), which can smooth out its main tonal issues with just a few bands of correction. Crossing over to a subwoofer around 80Hz measurably reduces midrange distortion and improves resolution. For a 4” woofer, distortion performance up to about 88dB is reasonable and shouldn’t be judged against larger-driver speakers.
Cons: Real-world sensitivity measured significantly below the manufacturer’s spec (about 83.4dB measured versus 89dB claimed). Treble rolls off sharply above about 8kHz, an unusually attenuated top end that the reviewer wasn’t sure was even an intentional design choice. A dip around 600Hz-1kHz paired with a nearby resonance (likely port-related) gives a combination of hollow and forward character depending on the exact frequency. Bass rolls off around 80-90Hz (F3 91Hz, F10 59Hz), typical for a compact 4” woofer, so a subwoofer is essential for any real bass. Vertical placement has a real sweet spot - going too far above or especially below the tweeter axis noticeably changes the tonal balance. Distortion rises substantially at 96dB and the port/woofer begin struggling at extreme low frequencies and volumes. Best aimed directly at the listener given how quickly the treble rolls off; toeing it out requires EQ compensation to avoid sounding dull.
Full Totem Kin One review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 91Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5"W x 6.3"D (241 x 127 x 159 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" MHEX cone woofer, 1" titanium infused soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4.4 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 20-100W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 83.4dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner; 89dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs / 2.83 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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