Интегральные усилители — KIN BY TOTEM KIN AMP GEN1

The KIN AMP GEN1 is the first version of the compact stereo amplifier in the KIN by Totem line, introduced on 12 September 2019 as the first integrated amplifier from Totem Acoustic of Montreal. Its MSRP was USD 699, and the maker describes it as intended for Totem monitor and tower speakers. The KIN brand was built around compact powered speakers, and this unit extended it to a separate amplifier for passive designs. On the KIN site the GEN1 is still listed at a regular price of CAD 799.

Key specs that matter

A proprietary class D circuit delivers 2 x 100 W RMS, or 200 W in total, measured at 1% THD. Distortion at 1 kHz and 1 W is below 0.1%, the signal-to-noise ratio is over 86 dB and the frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 3 dB. The chassis is 255 mm wide, 60 mm high and 235 mm deep, and weighs 2.4 kg. It was offered in black and white finishes.

Engineering and use context

Analogue sources connect through stereo RCA sockets, which can be set either to line level or to an MM phono stage with RIAA equalisation, and through a 3.5 mm mini-jack. A Toslink optical input takes digital signals up to 24-bit and 192 kHz. The Bluetooth receiver supports aptX HD at sampling rates up to 48 kHz, and the decoder handles MP2, MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC, MP4 and M4A, WAV, AIF and AIFC files. A subwoofer output on RCA covers 20 to 220 Hz. The front uses a glass display with a blue capacitive touch panel for the main functions, and bass and treble are adjusted from the 17-key aluminium remote that comes with the amplifier. The class D topology runs with little heat, which suits a shelf or cabinet with limited ventilation, and the slim chassis lets the amplifier sit under a TV or beside a laptop. The THD figure is measured with a 30 kHz filter, and the supplied accessories are limited to the remote and a power cord.

Pairing

Totem sold the amplifier in sets with its passive KIN ONE bookshelf speakers, and passive monitors or towers of normal sensitivity match the output rating. A turntable with an MM cartridge can connect straight to the phono input, a TV to the optical socket, and the RCA sub output hands the lowest octaves to an active subwoofer. In such a system the one compact box handles analogue, digital and wireless sources together.

Alternatives

The newer KIN AMP keeps the same class D power rating and adds auto-on, automatic input sensing, a headphone jack and an AMP IN socket for an external streamer.