Building your own high performance speaker, CSS Criton 2TD-X tower kit.
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#audio #hifi #speakers #audiophile #stereo
Non-affiliated Link to the speaker kit: www.css-audio....
Mine might be more than $1400, please confirm with them.
Patreon account : / thomasandstereo
In the interest of being transparent, after I published the video, I had to send the speakers back and CSS sent me a gift to thank me for taking the time to make the video. I had no idea about this until 2 days after the video was published.
Gear used in this evaluation
Creative sound solutions Criton 2TD-X speakers
Aune S8 DAC
Exasound E28 DAC
Jcat Initio 3 linear power supply
Starkaudio LINK II
Starkaudio linear power supply
Doge 10 tube integrated amp
Mcintosh MAC 6700 integrated amp
Willsenton R800i
Moon 340i integrated amp
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I built a lot of hifi systems at a fraction of the cost of factory systems...sometimes we even modify and reinforced brand name cabinets. Building your own really gives it character.
I have two pair of Critons and the CSS smaller P215 speaker. I built the X and standard 1TD model with upgraded crossovers. I partner them with Schiit Gungnir, Freya + and two mono Aegirs. I owned Dynaudio Evoke 20 speakers and a pair of JBL HDI 1600 speakers when I built the kits. I have since sold the Evokes and kept the JBLs for some listening variety. I am very sensitive to overly "topppy" speakers and found the Critons with REL 5Ti subs to be wonderful for a non fatiguing musical experience. Very true to the music and tonally pleasing. I just finished my X models and put them on streaming music to break them in. My listening room is in my garage/shop which is about 25 feet from the house. I was in the back of my house that morning and heard some rhythmic thumping. "What in the hell is that?" Then I realized I was hearing the muted bass from my Critons (No subs). The bass and mids are really amazing on these speaker. I am limited to high end hearing because of big guns in the military so sparkly speaker are lost on me. I can listen to these for hours with no fatigue. I built the kits for something to do. Soldering the crossovers is easy if you can solder (TH-cam video). Super easy if you watch what you are doing. Clamping and gluing the prepared cabinets agains is an easy task. Adding veneer is the most difficult task but I watched several TH-cam videos and managed to do a credible job. If you are at all inclined to fix things I would say go ahead and build a kit. If you want to avoid the work of adding veneer, turn them over to someone to put a nice paint job on them. A friend had a local auto body shop paint his. I also wonder if the people who apply wraps to automobiles could wrap them. You will need some tools to complete the speakers but in he end the tools will pay for themselves.
Hello Stagger, can you see much difference between the standard vs upgraded crossovers? and between 1TD Vs 1TDX? thx
@@kirkaparty4143 Its hard to tell the differences on the Critons because memory fads, and it is a pain in the butt to change crossovers and install the four mounting screws. I loved the Critons in their stock configuration and I also believe the new crossover add new layer of nuance and delicacy. The stock ones are very good as made. I can tell the difference between the stock crossovers in the P215 speaker and the Criton with the enhanced crossovers. Is it worth $350 or $400 to upgrade? I can't say, that is a personal choice. I know for me, the idea that there is a better crossover out there that would improve a speaker that I already like would drive me crazy until I got it and that's what happened. I started out with a stock pair of Critons, upgraded the crossovers, the got the X upgrade. I had the old tweeters, crossovers and a half sheet of oak veneer left over so i got another wood pack, some woofers, binding posts and ports and built a second pair. Stock Critons with the upgraded crossovers are more rolled off on top than the X version. I believe most people would prefer the X version unless they had quit a bright system.
Your most anticipated video of mine, I can't wait to watch it! While I genuinely enjoy your reviews and thoughts (and stories) on high-end gear, the bitterly-poor audiophile in me really appreciates your attention to "budget" gear. Thanks for what you do Thomas!
Hope you enjoy it!
@@ThomasAndStereo I thoroughly did! Always appreciate your insightful and honest opinions. Keep up the great work 👍
You are the best Hifi-guide and reviewer on the Tube! I have followed you channel a long time and your logical and analytical way of describing sound signature, equipment has learnt me so much. One can follow your journey via point to point references among your gear and your Hifi bodies. I had (and still have) the Wharfedale Dimond 225 and could connect them to your vast network of experience and comparing.
In order of appearance
Wharfedale D 225 (easy going and tone)
Wharfedale Linton 3 (vintage, seal box and paper speed and mid range beautiful)
Triangle Borea BR03 (amazing tone, a lot of bass and detailed enough)
Triangle Esprit Antal Ez (forward, sparkle, sensitive, fast bass, good at intensive and dynamic music.)
Rather different bunch of speakers and a move towards upper and forward kind of presentation. The Borea BR08 will probably be the next move and the sweet spot for my taste and wallet. Silk dome tweeter is what I prefer even thou the Antal metal dome horns are surprisingly easy on my ears.
Only these high-level narrative skills in evidence can express your penetrating observations, always thoughtful, always expertly communicated.
The speaker kit biz has always been there, even if somewhat in the shadows, and the companies come and go. Everyone of them I've been familiar with over the years has offered great value for the money. Besides CSS there are several others with which you simply can't go wrong. a TH-cam search puts you on the right track. There's something for every skill level, whether you take basic recipes from folks like Parts Express and do your own thing, or buy a kit that's fully loaded.
The biggest drawback for many of us is the cabinet and its finishing. Lots of products out there that provide a good basic attractive finish without the need for practiced skill sets. You can sometimes get away cheaply when the local auto body shop is about to use that metallic black (or whatever) you covet on a vehicle and fitting you in would be a breeze. Even better if you've got a cabinet flatpack where everything fits nicely and won't require too much prep before painting.
Right now I've got a project for which I want to use a familiar metallic blue common in the Opel car line, and which gets used a lot in my area where the car is built. My body shop guy gets one of these jobs every 3 or 4 weeks, and the price to paint my stand mount MTM's will be very easy on the wallet.
Same for wood veneers. Talk to a local carpentry shop, where their down time could be your money saver.
have ya fooled around with *EXCITER-style or *INFINITE-baffle Speaker set-ups? Boxes are dandy, and Transmissions are best. But these* may be BETTER!!
@@antoniiocaluso1071 No, I have not, but I will look into them. Thanks for the tip.
Now, since I first posted I have jumped on the Linkwitz bandwagon. Always wanted to try his LX521 but my room just doesn't have the recommended volume, which left me with the LXmini. Bought the kit. Very easy build. With them I use the Nelson Pass ASP crossover, an excellent choice for these speakers because it gives them infinite flexibility. Much needed in my case since my room is small, AND, a concrete bunker that's a shared space I cannot ad a lot of room treatment to.
Not long ago I added the subwoofers that go with this system. So now I have an active system using 4 channels of Neurochrome diy amplification, and 2 channels of Hypex diy amplification for the woofers.
Recently I turned to Thierry at Home Audio Fidelity to design filters for room correction and crosstalk cancellation. I did the measurements and submitted them. He asked if I had already done some room treatment because the highs and mids were very smooth for a concrete box. No, I replied. It was wonderful testament to the amazing ability of the Pass xover.
The HAF filters I got worked mostly on taming the awful bass boom, giving me tight, clear and articulate bass.
While I'm starting to feel comfortable with the way the system is sounding I know I'll die with a soldering iron in my hand.😆
I went the DIY route for my speakers and built a pair of Troels Gravesen designed Scanspeak Illuminator Monitors. I've yet to test a pair of speakers that beats them for my use.
Mr Gravesen is my hero 👍
Good for you! I'm building an Ekta mk2 right now
Those Scanspeak drivers are great.
@@RennieAsh Totally agree, the speakers cost me about £3k to build but that was with full Baltic Birch rather than MDF. But for the money, its great value. I'd like to get some seriously expensive (7-10k) speakers in to demo against them at some point.
Good on you, takes some skill to do , I couldn`t build a Troels or similar if my life depended on it , I bet those 7751 model sounds great , would love them in my system im sure, enjoy your great Illuminators.
I've seen this video twice, very fascinating. I'm getting more into "Musical" speakers with rolled off treble. I must be getting old too! I built my own ProAc 2.5 Response speakers clones with Scanspeak drivers. I used Miflex and Jantzen Superior and Silver capacitors, coils and resistors. It is a life time speaker, the most musical and transparent piece of gear I've heard that will out do B&W speakers and more that I've heard. DIY is not for everyone, if you are not patient, willing to tune by simple measurements and mostly by listening and adjusting - or working with tools... Forget it. No point in making a speaker that sounds like trash because no effort was made. You just have to put the effort until it's fully tuned to YOUR room and proper impedances to amplifiers and baffle corrections are made. To make a great speaker, you can't make short cuts, or use crappy materials. You need time, effort, patience and a reasonable ear. You should also put effort in understanding how the drivers will behave with the electronics, etc etc etc. And listen, listen and listen! 👍
You can also build a design by an experienced designer
Or just use DSP EQ
I am good with tools, but do not have the proper tools for the project. The overall technical needs sound scary. Congrats to you. You should be proud of your accomplishment.
I rarely comment on your videos but for DIY route I have to... I heard when I was vacationing in Europe Troels Gravesen Discovery 861 speaker at my friends place and I was very surprised. I ask him if we can bring his Discovery 681 to my house (in Europe) and try them there with my electronics and he agreed. When we tried I was speechless how they sound at my place. I was using T+A power amp paired with T+A pre-amp (using balanced interconnects) if you are wondering, and those speakers just sing. Here in Canada, since I am in a condo unit I use bookshelf speakers but I am planning to order one day the same exact kit (ScanSpeak Discovery 861). Try to find who has them and just listen to those as well.
BTW It looks like that we have same hobbies, photography and HiFi... love it!
Thanks for commenting. Nice, I am in Montreal.
Had all kinds of diy speakers, mostly build with Scan Speak units, Focal units and a self build Kef LS3/5a. Now I settled with a nice set of Kef LS50 Meta’s and a MJ acoustics ref 100 mk2 subwoofer. It’s a great combo with a big Arcam amp. Maybe not the best set for everyone, but it’s the best set in my living room so far. And that’s my point, the listening room is very important in choosing your setup.
For me, DIY speakers are the only way to go. One has total control over construction, components and xovers builds, etc. I built the Solstice kit from PE. It uses Morel woofers and tweeters and I am very happy with it's performance. With a little elbow grease one can have speakers that compete with manufactured at a fraction of the price and customized to ones preferences. A rewarding project.
I agree. I don't know anyone who uses the materials I use in my multi layer cabinets.
@@BostonMike68 Exactly. Manufacturers are going to cut corners wherever they believe than can get away it.
@@buzzcrushtrendkill I can't believe how cheap they are made and how much that they charge and people pay it.
Only one pair: 27 yr. old B&W Matrix 805s, updated with Jantzen caps. They are one of the best bookshelf speakers ever made. I’ve been through a ton of DACs, preamps and amps, but the 805s will always stay with me.
I have a pair of DM5s from the ‘70s that still sound amazing
@@thomascunningham2919 Yes, the DM5s are excellent. I have a close audio buddy who owns a beautiful pair of 1979 DM6s. They were ground-breaking at the time they were introduced and can still hold their own against modern-day offerings.
I had a pair of 2002 B&W 805.... the one speaker pair i regret selling. They sounded perfect... only sold because they did not match new decor... bad mistake.
Thanks Thomas, now I know what I am going to do during our long and cold winter, DIY speakers. Since I have Focal speakers it could be a good combo.
Awesome speakers. Listening to my CSS Criton 2TD x floorstander (MTM version however) right now. 😁
And I can confirm the excellent customer support from CSS. They are awesome.
I build these before they were available and they helped me out all the way!
Currently using B&W 805 for dynamic classical, Magnepan LRS for small acoustic ensemble playback and modified RtR G-40 speakers for rock
Only ever bought one set of speakers in my life, back in the 80's.
Ever since then I have built my own.
That's how I feel about my Elac UniFi UF5 tower speakers... Smooth, easy listening, but full of imaging detail, soundstage, full holographic. Need to sit with them for a while to really get it. Also need good power to appreciate capabilities. Brighter amps\preamps and DACs really balance them out... I use a Marantz Model 30 (New version) and a Topping D90SE DAC. - Crazy good!
In the 70's and 80's it would've been very difficult to compete with high end production loudspeakers. Today there's an abundance of quality parts available for DIY people. I built a pair of open baffle speakers utilizing a 12 inch paper cone woofer mated with a BG neo tweeter. I used KZK, Solen and Cornell Dubilier capacitors in the networks. The speakers were paired with two 15 inch open baffle subs utilizing
heavy dsp. The end result was jaw dropping. Very dynamic and lifelike. However, altogether way too big for my listening area. But it was a rewarding experience.
Busted!. I have four. CSS Criton 1TD-X, HSU HB-1 MK2, Elac Unifi 2.0 and Encore X-SLS
How do the Critons compare to the Uni-fi 2.0?
How do the Encore xls compare to your CSS?
@@JC-lk3oy see my criton video
@@galessi1226 see my criton video
@@JC-lk3oy criton all all about the bass show but for sure a more refined treble and midrange. Elacs while detailed and presice are more forward. Both play at at volume which is my thing might not be yours. Also see my encore x-sls review for opinions
I once tried to DIY my own speakers. It turned out to be the most expensive firewood I ever had.
My css critons suck. Tooooooo boomy.
@@davidgonzales-ec8bo pull them away from the walls especially out of a corner.
@@davidgonzales-ec8bo If you want to go all out, dive into the box and put a bit more dampening in the box and even replace the largest inductor with the next size up. And if the box knocks bonky, place 1/4" dowel wood across the inside of the box (touching each internal wall). Do them front to back and side to side, 3 times up a floorstanding speaker and once or twice on a bookshelf speaker (depending on size). Also place speakers nearly a meter from any wall and try holding and raising the speakers from the floor by a tiny bit. Like a centimetre or two. Hear the sound while picking up the speaker just a bit and noting the gap. I don't think it would be boomy then. If it's still booming, experiment with your bass vent (make it longer) or/and buy a better woofer and do something about your room acoustics. But try that first and the best position of your speakers. If still boomy then dive into the box. If still boomy after all that buy another amp.
Not me I have had really good luck with all my diy designs. I don't buy kits I would rather save money and design everything myself. But for the money they blow away everything I have heard out there. I laugh when I see how much people pay for speakers
Hi Thomas, well, well presented and 100% agree. I switched last year to start over with DIY full range speakers and DIY tube amps. It is night and day if you spent some passion on it, yes of course certains skills and a lot of tools are necessary! It shows me clearly, that for majority of commercial speakers and tube amps you pay 2-third on research & marketing. I own 3 different speakers, one quite expensive commercial one (hyper analytic) and two DIY full range (long, long term listening). Thanks for sharing!! Germany has a quite strong DIY community, with some brilliant engineers sharing their knowlegde, this helps tremendeously for beginners like myself...
I haven't followed you lately but now we are in a change of seasons and will have more time to catch up. I like your presentation and found that you have a good way of explaining this speaker . Different personalities of listeners and I like how you have expressed this with other audio gear.
Welcome back!
Thank you
I love when speakers/system sounds in that way that you can hear recording, and every recording/production is new world of sound balance and other stuff. I own and love my modified ATC scm19v2 speakers, they change with every recording. Other components in system trace that with ease.
when i first got into DIY I built some beautiful cabinets that sounded terrible lol.
Getting it right is a journey
I have the Criton 1TD and share all the impressions. Very smooth warm lush sound. I have the Yamaha NS1000 as every one seems to highly regard it as one of the best vintage speakers to have. It is just way too bright. Yes its very detailed and has amazing soundstage etc but everything sounds “tiring” to my ears on that speakers. Whenever I switch to my Criton, i have a big smile as I can enjoy music again. I wish CSS uses a better tweeter for clearer high but the bass and mid coming put of the Wavecore woofer are amazing.
I purchased and built the Criton 1TD and at first I was happy but the sound was just lacking. Sounded good but did not wow me from my Swan 3.1 DYI kit I build previously. However, after playing for several weeks they just needed to break in. Now the bass is wider, deeper and the sound stage more open and airy. The top end seemed to just be cleaner. Very happy now and better than teh Swans. I wonder if Thomas's impression would change after a 200 hours of break in time?
Hello - You called me out when when you asked who out there has two pairs of speakers! Hah! I have a pair of Focal Mezzo Utopias, and a pair of Von Schweikert VR-4 SR MkIII, which has some characteristics of the Mezzos, but they are more musical and atmospheric as you say. I really like both. My audio mania has spread to amplifiers also. I have a pair of custom modified made tube amps making 260 wpc using four matched pairs of KT 120s per mono amp, next is an Esoteric 400 wpc stereo amp, and lastly, a pair of Audio Research Class D mono amps knocking out 650 wpc. Each combo offers a very different presentation. I like them all!
Thanks for such a thoughtful and balanced review Thomas. So refreshing. It occurs to me that paired with a great tweeter well integrated might put this speaker in and entirely different league.
Keep up the great work.
My pleasure!
I'll say again I love the story telling approach
Man Thomas, your description is outstanding. Pace and rhythm is easy to the brain, not too fast and not too slow. The amount of content is... a tad bit too much. Still, all the critical information are present. And the pairing recommendation is so helpful. I love your insight on pairing it with better amps, especially analytical amps. And the most powerful comment is, DONT BUY IT BECAUSE EVERY REVIEWER SAYS ITS GOOD, this is so so so true! But actually, it takes awhile for us to know--what you and I like. We have to experience what we don't like, in order to get to what we like, there's no way around it. Thank you so much for your dedication.
Wow what you said nailed it. I recently purchased a set of another company diy speakers and sprung for all the upgrades.
At first I thought what did I do just throw away my money? But the more I listened the more I liked them. They are very very good sounding but a different sound than what I was used to hearing every day and grew accustomed to. But the lows are very good as you said and the clarity is out of this world. Before deciding to do the diy I was looing to buy some Focal but not the upper tier models. I like the details like a players fingers squeaking on the guitar strings or a a sax player taking a inhale of breath.
I am a photographer/videographer who loves home audio and car audio. I prefer DIY setups. I have my own DIY home audio. Nothing extravagant but a little something to rock the house.
I just finished the build of a pair CSS Criton 1-TDX last week and added them to my setup with the Doge 10 MK3. Amazing!!!
Yesssss! Amazing with the Doge 10 MK3 with KT120. KT120 will make it sound more forward and for me, I love the combo.
I've just bought the pullman 2.0. And they are absolutely superb.
I have Toy stand mount one years and still love them so much. Currently I have ATC 19, Grande Avant Grade, Evoke 10 and mod Dyna C1😄
Audio engineer here, right now im using Adam Audio T7V’s with M-Audio BX5s as a secondary reference monitor.
I bought a set of Omega Super 3i (4") full range speakers six months ago and fell in love with the sound and the price. Added two matching subs from Definitive Technology and finally concluded I like the Omegas better without the subs because they cover up too much detail. Then I found a Fostex 3" full range kit at Madisound and was shocked how close they were sound-wise to the Omegas. Super easy to build too with no gluing, soldering or crossover to fiddle with. And less than US $200 for the full kit. They won't replace your mains, especially if you like it loud and thumping, but they are the best desktop speakers I've heard. Perfect for a condo or apartment and a great way to try out full range speakers on a small budget. Despite their tiny size they produce immersive sound, especially acoustic music, strings and voice. Now I'm looking into 8" full range drivers to replace my mains. He he he.😉
Nice, thanks for sharing and letting us know.
Great review Thomas. Very insightful. I only get an hour of personal time a day, but I manage to watch you and the Cheapaudio man and sometimes the British Audiophile. Each channel is different. I do prefer your channel as it mixes both fun with critical analysis of why our perceptions differ when conversing on audiophile topics. Your workflow helps to informed us as to what devices are worth researching and why in our pursuit of audio perfection; the unicorn that it is.
Wow busy man if you only have an hour of personal time. I like to have a busy schedule.
Two speakers here Dali 4 and my a25 dynaco from the last century it's a true sleeper and a big surprise test one.thanks.
A huge thank you for this review - it has really helped me. I’m currently using Gallo Strada 2s (stand mount) with my Doge 10. I’m looking for floor standers for a bigger sound, and CSS offer great value. I really like the idea of a musical, non-fatiguing presentation.
Yes diy can be good .
I have built speakers, but my best surprise was actually an amplifier.
The image was amazing.
Still use it.
one more thing. CSS customer service is incredible. I have probably sent 30+ emails to them asking questions and advise. Each one was totally answered within 24 hours. This company deserves a lot of attention as they are assuredly in a different league! Oh, and I am in no way connected to them other than being a customer.
Couldn't agree more!
On of the things I appreciate about my cheap home made OBs is that you can hear the detail and have the in the room with you experience without the in your face or sterile sound. Not every trumpet is a Trompette en Chamade.
Beautiful video, Thomas! I must admit to being a bit of a audio bigamist... 😬 I like different speakers for different purposes. In total I got five pairs.
My main system has the Marten Design Django XL-speakers. A true high-end sound, that can be quite revealing, but can be driven to insane voloumes without loosing composure or clarity.
My second setup is with Tekton Design Double Impacts. Uuuge! 😜 “Natural sounding” as you said yourself. I use a tube amp and turntable in this setup.
In my living room I’ve got the Magnepan LRSs, and they are so clear and relaxing with my mosfet/class D amp, the Gato 400 DIA. Voices are incredably clear and airy.
My stereo hometheater has a pair of Piega T50 speakers. These speakers go deep, but doesn’t take up much space. They are definitly analytical, but paired with warmsounding Electrocompaniet amplification they are perfect for both movies and music, as they are capable of drawing up a huge soundstage and can easily make you forget any thoughts of surroundsound.
My fifth speakers are the Warfedale Diamond 10s. Very relaxing speakers for my bedroom. Paired with a vintage Tandberg 3012a integrated amp they are buttery smooth.
So being an “audio bigamist” is quite the life for me. I love some budget systems, and vintage systems are also a passion. But I really need the high-end stuff too - that control, that effortless finesse that follows is quite addictive.
Current speaker lineup:
- Martin Logan 60XTI
- Wharfedale Evo 4.2
- Emotiva B2+
- JBL 4309
- Dali Oberon 5s
Favorites are the Martin Logan’s and the JBL’s. They all bring something special to the table, though.
Man Thomas, your videos are on another level! you have really made your channel something special with production value like the other "infomercial" type channels but you still give your real opinion. Great job! BTW, I live in the next town over from CSS and was looking at the MTM version of these. I think your video sealed the deal. Just have to sell some speakers to fund the CSS's LOL!
Really appreciate your comment. Interesting videos you have, seems like you have not post for a while though.
@@ThomasAndStereo i know I know. I have been in the process of redoing my setup. I will be starting to crank out new videos very shortly.
Thomas, I recently had an opportunity to audition ATC SCM40 and was very impressed. Fantastic mid-range, revealing / detailed but not fatiguing is how I will summarize my experience. Be great to get your thoughts on how it stacks up against your favorite Focals when you get a chance.
Sold my beloved Focal 1028 BE 2’s which I had owned for 7 years, to buy a pair of SCM40A’s, And they are absolutely wonderful. Such an amazing speaker, so much so, that an audiophile buddy of mine purchased a passive pair a few weeks later.
DIY the way to go. When your setup 2TD-X uses different types of drivers they will sound totally different even if your freq . curve is similar to that from the original drivers. That's the nature of DIY one can tinker around to get different sound and presentation(your term) at a fraction of the new speaker prices. Furthermore sound reproduction are determined by many other factors, anyway too long to mention here. Enjoy your new set of speakers.
Fantastic review - this would have on my top 5 wish-list for review subjects; CSS Audio makes very good products. In my experience, 2 1/2 way tower speakers may not be quite the last word in terms of design in 2021 - three way designs are superior in general, a dedicated midrange is really the way to go. But - for the price, I think this is an outstanding speaker - I love the measurements, they look very good.
Congrats on the ad! I hope this means that this channel becomes a bigger part of your time. I’ve been a subscriber for a while, so it’s awesome to see your channel continue to grow!
Was honestly surprised to hear that you have never soldered ever! 😮
More like I suck so bad at it.
Another great video ! I am a maniac! I own 7 pair of bookshelf speakers, 3 subwoofers and a micro-components system in my study. Sometimes I will sell a pair or two and buy another one. I modified most of them to step up the performance because they are budget speakers save one. Even if I like hearing details, I wanted to be wrapped up in the performance rather than concentrating on one aspect of the performance.
Another excellent review that also includes your sincerest assessment of the product as well as who should and perhaps more importantly who shouldn’t buy the product.
You suggested we list what speakers we have at home, surmising that we may have a variety of sound signatures on hand. That is, indeed the case with my small collection.
I have:
Klipsch Cornwall IV
Ohm Walsh 2
Thiel CS 3.5
NHT 1.5
Jamo C103
Keep bringing us your wonderful stories and insights! Thomas and Stereo is, far and away, my favorite audio channel on TH-cam.
Like your list,,, especially the Thiel 3.5's.
Magnepan LRS, Klipsch RF-5, TAD803 single driver, JBL Control1 are the speakers I currently own. Another great video Thomas! Keep them coming.
Excellent review. To me there's a sweet spot between analytical and musical. My favorite "just right" speaker was the Alon 1 (Carl Marchisotto). It's a hybrid dipole that is extremely holographic and revealing, but it's tuned musically. I could and did listen to them for hours and hours. I sold it to free up some cash about 10 years ago and wish I never did.
I have the smaller 1TD-x In my bedroom, they are end-game for me in that space (not the greatest setup). Topping Pre-90 and Belles 150A Hot Rod.
In my main system, replacing Magnepan 1.7i (in nearly the same position), they sound about as good as the Maggies. Parasound JC2 and big old Adcom GFA-565 mono-blocs
FWIW, IMHO they like a lot of power.
I've built GR research speakers I can tell you if I had to build a set for someone I'd charge at least a grand.
Some speakers are beautiful and you pay for it but when it comes down to it , what's in a driver, a component that needs to cost tens of thousands of dollars. There is a point you are paying for a name and a beautiful piece of art.
I have to say you are right. I have one pair of Yamaha NS-690ii speakers (very analytical) and one pair of Definitive Technologies BP-2002 speakers (musical for sure...and just plain fun).
Such a great approach and lesson connected to this review. Thank you for reminding us of the need for the "palate" to adjust, before making any decisions.
Sonus Faber Lumina V, Revel F226Be, Revel M105, Tekton Pendragons, and Klipsch setup for in laws. You called it that I don't have one set of speakers. It's an addiction 😫. I need a pair of Focal Kantas still.
Currently I own ADS L1590 Tower speakers, ADS M1290 Towers, and ads L570 bookshelf speakers. I think I want Warfdale sound next, maybe some Lintons. These kit towers you reviewed have a sound like warfdale it seems, smooth and rolled off. ADS is more like Focal, bright, dynamic sound but oh so powerful, efficient , and can be smooth with correct amp /preamp matching. Love you videos!
I absolutely love my Criton 2 TD-X. I have the original stand mount version. I built my cabinets from scratch based on plans Kerry from CSS Audio sent me. He was very helpful through the process with answering some questions I had. I am using these in our living room a a secondary system used for music but also for TV/Movies. I am driving my Critons with a Unison Research Unico Primo with the stock pre-amp tube replaced by a Gold Lion (I prefer the UR amp to my Naim Supernait 3 with these speakers). I just love the sound. They are not as good as the Martin Logan Montis I have in my primary system but I prefer them to my Harbeth M30.1`s...which cost 3X as much! I`m pondering wether I should build new tower cabinets to replace the standmounts to get the added bass extension... Would realy like to try out a good, powerfull tube amp with these. As mentionned by Thomas, they do need solid power to drive them.
That was a really outstanding review. I bought a pair of nice Elac tower speakers recently on sale and they are musical speakers. Not as nice as those but I totally relate to what you were describing
I have polish great loudspeakers - Pylon Audio Diamond 28. 🎉 These speakers are build on drivers from Seas and Scan Speak 😊
Best regards from Poland ❤
Very cool!
Great distinction between analytical and musical, fantastic advice!
I myself is a hobbyist photographer as well. And most of the audio buddies I know are photography enthusiasts too. This can't just be a co-incident.. These two hobbies seem to go hand in hand.
Yup, maybe it is the character of having attention to details.
I enjoy your reviews. Keep up the good work. I finally purchased the Schitt Modi 3 and arrives tomorrow. This is my first purchase of a DAC. I have a few others I am looking at, but funds are needed. Anyway, keep it up.
A friend and I were kicked out of a high-end audio store in Washington DC. A Salesman agreed to let me bring in my DIY speakers to compare with magicos 90 something thousand dollar speakers. My speakers had $4,000 in parts in them total including the Baltic birch plywood. When two separate customers came in and claimed whatever those speakers are sitting their sounds way better than the magicos, we were asked to pack up and leave and now! This is completely true. That salesmen called me back and ordered a pair of speakers from me.
Amazing story, thanks for sharing.
At the risk of asking the obvious question, what were they?
@@stereotyper7375 A three way tower, with AE woofers, Accuton mids, and RAAL XR20 amorphous core ribbons. Mundorf Supreme, Mills, foil inductor, etc. In very proper 1.5" BB plywood enclosures.
Thanks.
Pics!
@@cdgee6399 would be interested in you plan to build a pair of my own. Can you share more detail/build plan
I built a pair of AOS studio 85TL, with Scan Speak drivers. I never heard better speakers and I have worked as sound designer in quite a few sound studio's.
You are correct on multiple systems. I use the Kef LS50 Wireless Nocturne Edition for desktop speakers, the Dynaudio Focus XD 200 for living room, and Gallo CL2 for bedroom. I prefer the soft dome tweeter in the Dynaudios for just enjoying music, the detailed Kefs for gaming, and the wide-dispersion of the Gallos for the bedroom where I’m not sitting in a specific location.
I have a pair of John Bowers Active 1 speakers that I bought in about 1992. Even earlier in 1974, I had bought one of the earliest Linn Sondek turntables. The combo was brilliant. Unfortunately, I gave away the Linn (and my records) some years ago thinking it was time to go all digital. Big mistake. I still have the John Bowers Actives but rarely use them as I mostly watch TH-cam with a pair of Audioengine computer speakers these days. Digital sound is ok but never matches the best analog.
I go back and forth between klipsch and ELAC. Opposite ends of the presentation spectrum and I regularly appreciate both after going through a short adjustment period.
I'm a musician so I've known for years you won't ever find that one perfect sounding instrument. You'll have a bevy of gear that you mix and match and play for different music styles and moods you may be in. The beauty of hifi is that these are, in a way, musical instruments themselves!
For me, the Klipsh 600 bookshelves were exciting but fatiguing. If you don't want to build a kit or go into the $2000 range probably you could look into the reviews of the ElAC Unifi Reference that just came out. $1200 but it sounds like it's worth it. Other than that in the $1000 rang I liked the Warfdale 4.2 speakers.
@@fletchermunson6225 I can see how the 600m can be fatiguing. I also have rp280f floorstanders. Those I'm not sure about in my small room. They make the 600m seem rolled off on the highs lol. When they are played loud they balance out better and they got slam which is fun. I have the ELAC unifi 2.0 ub52 or whatever. I would like to check the unifi reference but I have it on good authority that the ub52 I got aren't improved by the unifi reference to justify the money. I'm into the ub52 for $470 when they were on sale. At the time the unifi were $999 and even then at double the price... tough to justify. But speaking of justifying costs. Next bookies probably ls50 meta. Only if because I have to experience them at some point in my life. Running stereo subs so not worried about lack of bass with any of these. Now I just need 2k for some metas and stands lol
@@fletchermunson6225 have you done one of the kits? I'm curious there too. Either the css or the xls encore on the short list. I'm going through a phase where I like really bright speakers but have a feeling it won't last but a few more months and I'll be craving some warm buttery rolled off goodness
@@erics.4113 I have both the standard Criton and the X model. It sounds like you would prefer the X model with more high end detail. I know someone who just sold their Critons because they are addicted to the detail provided by the Encores. That said th Encores do not have the bass authority of the Critons. Sounds like you might like Encores backed up by a subwoofer providing a foundation.
@@erics.4113 It all depends on your hearing and preferences. I think Encores and a subwoofer would be to your liking from what I've read but I have not heard the Encores. The crossover in the Encores is more difficult to build than the Critons BUT GR Research makes assembled veneered cabinets available for $500. All you need to do is apply your top finish, oil or whatever. That compensates for a lot of work. Trust me, $500 is worth it. If I bought a pair of Encores I'd buy the completed cabinets and the better crossover components. Three kinds of wood are available.
Correct Thomas. Magnepan LRS, KEF LS50, and JBL Studio 580s in my three setups are all different and enjoyable in their own ways.
True Thomas: I have a pair of Focal Onyx (tweaked), a pair of Elac’s 433 and a pair of GR-Research X-ls encore speaker with extended fitltersection.
Thomas, I put in an order for the bookshelf's an hour before I saw your video.....great minds my friend!
Hope you enjoy it, you mean you put an order in after 1 min you saw my video...😁😁😁
Building dream speaker... So fascinating. Thanks for your great video.
Great review... I currently have JBL 4312, klipsch Forte ii and ESS ps4a. These CSS are pretty cool speakers and I like the idea of building them!
Yep, multiple speakers here. Two DIY speakers a bookshelf and tower as well as Rega RS1 and vintage Kef Reference 101
I feel like you could give excellently wordsmithed reviews of toasters :) I mean this in a very positive way. Your use of analogies and ability to describe, compare, and contrast is outstanding. As for liking more musical speakers as we age...well that's good because almost all the "analytical" details are in the upper frequency range that starts to roll off for all of our hearing as we age. I have some former hi-fi enthusiast and musician friends who are in their 70s and they comment that simply a decent $500ish pair of speakers is all they need anymore.
Wow, thanks!
Demo! Nice surprise. I broke out my planars and dac/amp.
My speakers: Magico A3 and Sony SSCS5. These are paired with a pair of REL T/9i subs and a pair of Aperion AMT super tweeters.
I just ordered 1TDX, and if they are great, I will add the 3 way bass module and have full range to 20hz. Pretty excited!
How do you like them?
Bowers and Wilkins 702 S2 (floor standing = main use) , RTL TDL3 (a reflex transmission line floor standing design = main use spare), Dali Zensor 1 (bookshelf = office), Mission M70 (bookshelf = bedroom) and Denon speakers in work shed. I have not counted the 5.1 TV speakers.
Now you mention it..... this is crazy.... must get rationalise soon.
I built some inexpensive diy speakers some years ago and still use them, because i never had the room to justify better speakers. I now have a better listening room and did some acoustic treatment and the speakers could deliver an even better performance. Now with the more appropriate room, i will most likely upgrade. I would like to build my own speakers again, but the market for great and inexpensive studio monitors has really grown. The Adam t8v for example would most likely outperform any diy speaker at this price point. I see this growing market and the rising material cost for wood as a problem for diy. I always had one pair of speakers, but also a headphone setup as well.
The pro-sumer studio monitor market has phenomenal performance/price ratio... that segment offers the greatest value out there ... then add subs to taste.
I have Elacs and the Sony SS-CS5 and I want something better now. I also made the C-Notes from parts Express
response goes down to 20hz? HOLY CRAP YOU DON'T NEED A SUB WITH THESE!!!
I’ve designed and built the finest speakers I own (and have heard in most cases). I also own focals, Neumann’s, high end Swans I upgraded and custom built, and many others. I prefer precision and full range mastering level systems. :)
Interesting review. I am interested in building a set. I do have several speakers. Most recently a set of JBL 100s, Main speakers are modified magna pan 1.6’s. The JBL‘s sound so different from what I’m used to that I have had to spend a lot of time with them to appreciate what they do. I can’t agree more that you do have to time with a speaker to explore its capabilities.
I have sold all my speakers in lieu of speakers I have built from scratch.
Im not a master and have basic woodworking skills, but Ive made some very nice ones and many are better to me than my favorites from Big Companies.
Soon Ill build a set that just arrived from a kit and that is something new for me, but wanted to compared diy kit to diy by me.
Most of my speakers are smoother long listening sessions over hyper detailed.
The Focal type for me I use for new music to see what it can show me or old music to see what I may have missed in the past.
I have several cans as well with different sounds. Why buy several headphones if they all sound similar?
I do have two different speakers paradigm studio 100 and I just picked up the the Cornwall 4's. They both do different things really well. I'm really enjoying these horns in the Cornwalls.
Thanks as always for another quality video. With a 20 watt Decware MKV on the way I’ve been considering a DIY speaker project to replace my Emotiva T1s. I love the idea of long listening sessions.
Great video! Thanks Thomas! I have a pair of Zu Omens, ATC SCM 19's, and Von Schweikert VR-33's and I've built a pair of Cain and Cain Abbey's.
Very cool!
Great review!...honest and very descriptive to the sound signature of the product in hand!
Thank you kindly!
Skillshare free 1 month trial skl.sh/thomasstereo11211
Non-affiliated Link to the speaker kit: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-2TD-X-Tower-Kit-Pair-p388751139
Mine might be more than $1400, please confirm with them.
In the interest of being transparent, after I published the video, I had to send the speakers back and CSS sent me a gift to thank me for taking the time to make the video. I had no idea about this until 2 days after the video was published.**Updated Oct 29
So after I made the video, I shared it with the subscriber who owns the Wilson Sabrina. See below for his reply.
Hi Thomas, feel honored to be featured in your video :-). Now that the video is done, but still let me share with your my thoughts and I will try to express it with what I know best, ‘food’, as I am a world traveler and food manufacturer.
Willson Sabrina: Thai food, with lots of spices, fresh, strong, explosion of senses and hot/spicy food … in all directions. Wonderful and one of my preferred food in the Asia-pacific region, but at times, it is too much.
CSS: Italian food. (maybe a bit French cuisine too) Based on high-quality ingredients focusing on key ingredients (e.g. tomato, oil, salami, cheese, fresh pasta). One can taste the quality oil, tomato, cheese, and truffles. My first impression with the CSS, the spices of the Thai food are missing but with the right focus ( right volume for the CSS & the right amp … see below) one starts to focus on ‘each quality natural ingredient’. Fresh tomato, high-quality olive oil, fresh pasta, the details are subtle but very pure when one discovers them.
Interesting you came to a similar analogy in your video (I had this analogy in my mind since the beginning :-). It was Important for me component matching and you are totally right. CSS is just ok with the Naim but when paired with the Lyngdorf with the possibility to cut the off lower frequency (6moons is currently also picking this up), and extend the bass with two subs while transforming the highs, this matching is it! Amazing performance!
The Wilsons with the Lyngdorf is the opposite, It sounds ‘broken’ compared to the Naim. I cannot stand the sound longer than 2 songs and have to change back. Too harsh, too ‘electronic’, artificial.
Thanks again for telling our story! The kids will love to see “their” speakers on TH-cam :-). All the best Thomas and let me know if I can be of further help. Best regards. VolkerPS: thanks for mentioning CSS customer service. It is outstanding!
Great video, Thomas, makes me want to try this in the future when I've got some more space, would be a fun project as well as getting greater performamce for the price.
Just completed my DIY project.. with 18inch & ribbon planer high efficiency speaker
I own a pair of Infinity SM155 bought in 1998, driven with a NAD C300 and a pair of Triangle BOREA BR03 accompanied by a Triangle Tales 400 subwoofer, driven with a PS Audio Sprout 100. Both great pairs of speakers. I like my Triangles but I love my Infinities (although I need a more powerful amp to get the most of them)!! The most fun speaker I have is the Marshall Stockwell II though ;)
Awesome review and your thoughts so parallel mine. Brings more interest to your reviews as I know we have similar thoughts. My current speaker list is; Magnepan 3.7i's, Rogers LS3/5A 15 ohm, triangle Genese Trio and recently Klipsch Cornwall IV's. I have built CSS 2TD's MTM with original tweeter and superior crossover, same with silk tweeter, standard crossover and now 2TD TMM's with superior crossover. I think you are dead on when you say they are great for long listening and no fatigue. Bass is incredible and although I think I am going to build the CSS sealed 12" sub's (2) I am not sure I really need them. Perhaps I do with the Maggies. Thanks for this awesome review!
Check out the Falcon acoustics q7 £895 better then the ls3/5a uses the same drivers or another speaker they make with a quarter wave transmission line uses the same drivers the imf100 £1200
I use the CSS 10in Subs in a couple of pairs of speakers I've designed. They are monstrously good clean bass output. I've never been able to make them complain no matter what I've done to them
No one 'really needs' 2 subs...it sure is awesome tho...
@@contemporaryhomeaudio I think two four or six subs is quite acceptable if they are the right type! It's like saying you should only have speakers with a maximum of 6" drivers.
I'm not sure I understand your logic
Thomas you’re a boss! More diy please!
I just built the CSS Torri diy speakers. I paired them with an Emotiva Ta 1. It’s my first hi fi system, and my mind is blown! To the average person, even the $275 Torri are crazy good. Everyone who has heard them has been floored! Now I’m looking at doing these towers. I can hardly believe they are even better than mine. I can’t wait to hear them.
I own GoldenEar Triton 1s, KEF LS 50 Meta, SVS Ultra bookshelf and Bose, yes Bose 601s.😎