Building your own high performance speaker, CSS Criton 2TD-X tower kit. 

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!

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 (RU-vid 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 RU-vid 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.

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 RU-vid 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I've just bought the pullman 2.0. And they are absolutely superb.

Only these high-level narrative skills in evidence can express your penetrating observations, always thoughtful, always expertly communicated.

Magnepan LRS, Klipsch RF-5, TAD803 single driver, JBL Control1 are the speakers I currently own. Another great video Thomas! Keep them coming.

Great distinction between analytical and musical, fantastic advice!

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.

Building dream speaker... So fascinating. Thanks for your great video.

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 RU-vid.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

I'll say again I love the story telling approach

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.

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.

Great review, one of the best reviewers out there

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.

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 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😄

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.

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.

Great review!...honest and very descriptive to the sound signature of the product in hand!

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.

Only ever bought one set of speakers in my life, back in the 80's. Ever since then I have built my own.

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

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.

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.

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!

I once tried to DIY my own speakers. It turned out to be the most expensive firewood I ever had.

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.

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! 👍

Great vid! Thanks a lot and please go on doing this.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.😉

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 RU-vid :-). 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Thomas, I put in an order for the bookshelf's an hour before I saw your video.....great minds my friend!

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.

Currently using B&W 805 for dynamic classical, Magnepan LRS for small acoustic ensemble playback and modified RtR G-40 speakers for rock

Great show 👏 👍

Thomas you’re a boss! More diy please!

Correct Thomas. Magnepan LRS, KEF LS50, and JBL Studio 580s in my three setups are all different and enjoyable in their own ways.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

Yes diy can be good . I have built speakers, but my best surprise was actually an amplifier. The image was amazing. Still use it.

ohhh these are on the top of my list to build. Thanks!

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 ;)

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.

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.

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.

Logic -great review Hope people get it This is a great hobby

when i first got into DIY I built some beautiful cabinets that sounded terrible lol. Getting it right is a journey

I have Totem Mites, Elac Unifi UB5, and B&W 365s. I use the Totem for tv. I use the Elacs for music. I also have a pair of Definitive Technology BP10s.

Hi Thomas this review had answered all my questions about how good this speakers characteristics are , that's what everyone wanted to know and you've done it , this is amazing and congratulation being a successful audio reviewer , Thank You and all the best to you , just one little request if possible , could you do a short sound demo again as you did before - Sound Sommelier is quiet successful in there channel , i believed a lot of people looking forward to this cheers .

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.

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. :)

I have a pair of Troels Gravensen monitors using the seas excel 5.25” and Hiquphon ow1 tweeter. Also have a pair of Frugal Horn XL using Mark Audio drivers. Power comes from Primaluna EVO 400 integrade.

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.

Old!? Mature! Well done, yet again, my friend!

Yep, multiple speakers here. Two DIY speakers a bookshelf and tower as well as Rega RS1 and vintage Kef Reference 101

‘Always enjoy your reviews! 5 pair plus a sub (Ohm Microwalsh talls, JBL Studio 530s, Warfedale Denton 80th anniversaries, Klipsch RP600Ms, & Klipsch Icon bookshelves (the Guinea Pigs), SVS SB-1000 Pro).

Busted!. I have four. CSS Criton 1TD-X, HSU HB-1 MK2, Elac Unifi 2.0 and Encore X-SLS

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!

I only have one set of Polk R50 Towers. Great for movies, and entertainment. Not very detailed though. Just getting back into audio so a really clear detailed speaker is whats next. Tektons maybe. Keep up the great Vids really love your content 👍

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.

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.

ooo yes, like you I am serious thinking of upgrade my Heco the Statements because I saw a video on youtube where a polish guy made a huge sound improvement on those same speakers by upgrading the filters

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.

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.

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.

Yes, I have more than one pair and yes I have tried many speakers in an effort to replace my Focal 807Ws with a smaller speaker...but have since failed. Probably have to spend some $$$ and likely wouldn't find anything significantly smaller. Not to mention they are easy to drive. PS...as you get older the Focals become more musical due to natural high frequency rolloff of one's ears.

I currently have the Sonus Faber Sonetto III's and the B&W CM5's!

Just completed my DIY project.. with 18inch & ribbon planer high efficiency speaker

Audio engineer here, right now im using Adam Audio T7V’s with M-Audio BX5s as a secondary reference monitor.

Thomas is the best reviewer

I own GoldenEar Triton 1s, KEF LS 50 Meta, SVS Ultra bookshelf and Bose, yes Bose 601s.😎

Beuatifull rewiew ,i liked also the last demo part , greetings from Romania …welcome anytime here 🤗

I have Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers, Cambridge Audio Model 6, and some Dayton B652s