Hi - thanks for the detailed review! I built a pair with upgraded crossover and tweeter using the flat pack cabinets. With my Luxman L-5 amp they sound good. They are a laid back sound with nothing annoying going on. The speakers need power to play loud. Remember they are small speakers and will not sound like larger loudspeakers.
Wow, you can really hear that bass boom with the superiors. This kit was recommended and I'm sold on these. Thanks for an informative and to the point review and comparative video. I appreciated it.
I subscribed to your channel because I trust your deep analysis. A couple years ago I watched a video where you compared the LS50 and the R300 and you said if you really push the LS50 they can outperform the R300. I thought you were crazy to say such a thing because I have the LS50s and the R900s. At the time I was driving the LS50s with a 150watt Parasound amp, but when I hooked my Parasound JC1 mono blocks to the LS50s I was blown away by how much tight and accurate bass they could produce without sounding strained. They always started to sound strained at 80-100 watts on lesser amps and that was likely due to the fact that the LS50s dip down to the low 3 ohms. I also have a much more expensive DAC with my JC1 system. I didn't want to blow the LS50s on the mono blocks, but I must have fed them at least 150 watts and they were begging for more (they didn't sound strained at all). The LS50s are a little finicky because everything happens (radiates) from the 5" driver. If the bass gets muddy it destroys the entire sound. The JC1s have incredible bass control and pretty sweet mids and highs as well, so the LS50s really shined. I have a lot of speakers and the LS50s play way past their price point. How much better are the Meta LS50s? That's all I need is another pair of speakers, haha!. I'm intrigued to buy the CSS Criton and build my own resonant free cabinets, but I have my doubts that I would be gaining much, if anything. Anyhow, great analysis and reviews. Everything you said in other reviews about speakers I have, I noticed the same things, so I trust your judgement. The only thing I was skeptical about was how well the LS50s could perform if you gave them some serious clean power. You were absolutely right about that.
Hey Tharbamar, love your down to earth videos. Thank to you i have bought the 1TDX kit, a used PMA-2000R. Couldn't find the mark 4, but I think it'll be a solid amp regardless. I also bought the smsl SU1 dac after watching your video, and will be streaming through the Wiim pro. Thanks for videos! It'll be an exciting chapter the next few weeks once I've assembled the speakers
Great review, glad my listening space is similar to yours. It makes me feel your comparison of audio equipment will be a close representation to being in my home. Best wishes for you and your channel.
Very nice review, I appreciate the diy speaker comparison. Would you ever consider doing a gr research product. I'd like to know how the upgraded xls encore compares. Thumbs up
@@Tharbamar I've been waiting for the GR research NX studios to be in stock since November last year. But They probably need a subwoofer to sound their best. After this review I will get these 1TDX speakers while I wait. I would love a speaker with great bass such as these. Thanks for the perfect review.
Wish I would have discovered these before pulling the trigger on my next speakers. J/k. 😜 Tried the Wharfedale Evo 4.2 after trying the Bowers and Wilkins 706 S2s. The 4.2s did not sound great in my small room. Moved them to a bigger room and they sounded better, but I still missed the 706 S2s. Returned the Evos and purchased the Bowers and Wilkins 705 S2s. They should be delivered tomorrow. Excited! 🤩
Might be worth your while getting a speaker management system B&W likes that something like the Behringer dcx2496le ultradrive $200 shouldn't need to pay more new that is can control up to 6 drivers 3 each speaker
@@mykeldg Same here! I auditioned the 606 S2s in my home. Only returned them to try the KEF LS50 Metas. Turned out that I enjoyed 606 S2s better than the Metas when it came to bass. The LS50s would bottom out on songs like Danileigh’s Superstar, and Billie Eilish’s bury a friend. That was a deal breaker. My 705 S2s actually arrived yesterday (a day early). Had them running over night to at least get some burn in hours on them before evaluating them. But man, initially impressions are... 🤩
Awesome. I will most certainly buy this kit with superior crossover. I got the Elac b2 after your demo and was pleased. Thank you for the time and effort to bring this to us.
I agree with that ! I was considering various types of speakers among floorstanding and bookshelf but those css criton you’ve showed us, that bass really thats the BASS I Think i found the speakers I have to make! Not bw jbl kef thats the ones!!!! Those I was looking for, god damn! Im curious about comparing them to css p215 😁
Kudos for your energy and build...play some pink floyd...lets see what those puppies can do😁...i realized after wasting money and time that perhaps the very best Bookshelf/Standmount can sound okay with a pair of subs...however...I finally figured out that after all that time...I needed a good med size floor speaker...this way I'm getting a fuller sound range...I'm using a pair of Dali Rubicon 6 black edition with my pair of Rel T7X and Gustard R26 and hybrid Intigrated Amplifier...very good sound...I'd love to hear a Pathos Inpol2 intigrated amp from Italy with my my setup.
Don't hear much difference between expensive and standard filter, maybe expensive a little warmer. Also sound misses a few db on low mids. Thanks for your sound demo.
The difference in crossover parts is very subtle. In person if you have a good ear you will hear it. Higher end capacitors especially typically have less of an edge and more airy sound. Very difficult to pick up on that in a RU-vid video
Great test. Thank you very much for your effort. I wish you have included comparison for male vocals too. It will be helpful for me to decide whether it is a bearable warmth or a deal breaker.
Love your channel. After watching I am considering a DIY GR XLS Encore or CSS Criton 1 Speaker kit. Can you recommend a wireless wifi amp to power the speakers (perhaps with phono and HDMI (ARC) features. My iMac is across a large room so direct wired is not an option. Thx.
Nice review. Interesting if you can also hv an LRS /.7 for comparison in terms of transparency, tone, timbre and density of the music? Also may scale as your budget goes up....
@@Tharbamar Did you ever make the comparison video? I have been fighting with buyint the 1TDX or some mid-tier Focals or Dynaudio. Would be interested to know your opinion, I have a lot of the same musical tastes as you. I have speakers that I love, but fall short with Rock music. Thank you.
By the way I just made a comparison of your review of quad s2 on aug 5th. The quad s2 sounds emotionally engaging, yao si ting voice sounds sweeter in the Hallelujah track whereas the CSS criton sounds warmer. I would willingly pay extra bucks for the quad s2 to get that sweeter female vocal sound.
Hello Tharbamar, i greatly enjoyed your review and craftsmanship on the Critons1TDx. In a small to midsize room, how much space from back or sidewalls would you recommend for these magical speakers to perform their best ? Have a blessed day 🙏
I would like to have minimum of 24” space around to have best performance but if you have tighter space you can use foam plugs as well and they will still sound great, thanks
Amazing sound from a bookshelf, especially the bass. Do they produce floorstanders? Thanks for the review! Not many bother to assemble and review kit speakers. Much appreciated!
Love your video n these speakers. I would like to see you do the sound check with HIVI 3. 1 A. Whaich is a diy kit also which has a small up grade with crossover but they are a 3 way. For 299.00 price I would compare to these ccs. Iam sure you be surprise that they would. Stand up. Thanks I keep check back thanks
This is funny, but every time when you wish me a good day, I'm ready to go to sleep ) Superior parts definitely worth it. Some mid range appears. Highs are more crisp and accented. It's sad that 90% of all speakers have something similar to the standard ones inside. But still I'm missing a dynamic range. They sound compressed. May be they are a near field speakers only?
I'm hoping you do the CSS Criton 2TDX because I can't find a single video about how to put that together. Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts on if the cost is worth it over the 1tdx. Additionally, I'd like to know if the 1tdx and 2tdx can be used near field on a desk. I love your content, thank you for your work.
@@JohnB-ws4ge I am not qualified to say if its good as a nearfield desktop speaker because I don't do that myself and don't have these speakers yet. The bass might be a bit heavy but you can do the sock in the port trick to bring that down or just equalise. I have only been told that the woofer tweeter woofer design is not good for near field because of the phase cancellation when sitting close to the woofers. I am waiting for Cheap Audio Man's review of the 1TD vs the 1TDX before I buy one of those kits for myself. I think for desk top the 1TD would be better as the tweeters are smoother and that would be good for near field. If you haven't seen it yet. Have a look at the new record day 5 part review of the original 2TD with the base 22 tweeter. He says to line your ears up with the tweeters for the best sound. In think that would be good for nearfield. The 1TDX improved tweeters might be too bright sitting up close? Any way it is a hard decision without being able to listen directly. I would have bought a set already if I could do that
@@hello-pq5pj yeah its a hard call, i was thinking of going the "cheaper" route and getting the aperion novus speakers randy liked so much or saving a bit more for these.
I want to build these this winter. I wonder if the upgraded crossovers are worth it in my system? It's a Yamaha RX750 receiver with Pro-Ject TT and Marantz CD. Sounds like it may be a waste of money considering the source components.
I would really love to get your opinion on $1320 CSS 1TDX Vs $1200 Quad S2. The 1TDXs cost $120 more than the quads... and you still have to build them! I am looking at your measurements and from what you show 1tdx has a upper end rolloff that is 25dB down when it gets to 15khz. The lower cost crossover is even worse some 30dB down at 15kHz! If you still own these things... would love to hear a side by side same song Vs the Quad S2 or Kef ls50s.
I would easily choose 1TDX Standard under 1500USD speakers, Q S2 can get a bit brighter and thin with some paring otherwise great speakers but 1TDX is better choice for overall sound quality and refinement, thanks
thank you, I am going to order this kit with the superior crossover. I do have a question though. I see that the kit comes with unfinished cabinet, how were you able to get your cabinets finished? I like your finish a lot! thank you
Omg they have a clean powerful bass slam ! I don't recall any bookshelf speaker sounding close to that. How would you compare them to the Quad S2 overall ?
Quad S2 produce a bit better voices and spacious notes in upper midrange to highs, sound stage, scale, dynamics and bass slam 1TD-X is in different class, thanks
I have the KEF R11 as well! My curiosity at looking inside the speakers to see the cross over network there are two networks and they are very cheap parts and very cheap wire going to each driver. So I called up GR research and they were more than happy to help me out on crossover upgrade with supior parts like your book shelfs and no rez, and everything point to point wiring with polyethylene solid copper wire to each driver. So let me tell you it turned the r11 into the reference series performers I highly recommend the upgrade its worth the money
@@YouSoundButtHurt he will ask you to ship one speaker to him so he can design a network for you, but yes he can help you look him up online and give him a call. The thing is depending on the room in the cabinet is going to determine if the parts will fit, I had to build my network external, but maybe yours night be different
Thanks for this review. According to the listening example I would prefer the standard crossover cause it sounds more balanced. The superior crossover has slightly better/airy treble and tighter base but the mids suffer extremely, which would be a no go for me. But overall a very interesting project.
Even listening through headphones those upgraded trebles started grating my ears. I have those superior caps in my current speakers tweeter circuit and the highs sound great. So?
I think the tweeter might be fine, but then overall integration with the bass driver might be out of tune, need quite a lot treatment most probably, and run in time to practice the woofer muscle as well, judging from the woofer cone shape it might be a bit challenging to play drum music which require very dynamic elasticity instead of too much muscle power.
Hi, sounds really awesome with super crossover, but to determine the level of sound quality on RU-vid is possible only by comparison))), I think everyone would be interested in a direct comparison with b&w 706 s2.
Hello Tharbamar! I was thinking about upgrading the crossover of my Wharfedale Evo 4.4. Do you think it can improve the sound like in this case? And possibly which components would you use? Thank you!
I would be playing these with an SMSL AO300, which is probably really only about 40wpc/8o, class D. Sounds great but it's not a giant-killer. Will that amp run out of puff for these?
@@Tharbamar Thank you for replying! Any suggestions for other stand-mount speakers? I listen to piano jazz trios and quartets and some romantic-period classical music. Not mouse-fart quiet but let's call it "companionable" levels. Imaging isn't the top priority -- I'd be happy to trade that for PRAT. I live in Cambodia, so my speakers right now are Onkyo D-062a's which are fine for what they are, but obviously not a long-term solution. I'd want to keep the AO300, however.
@@Tharbamar Oh my goodness! So *not* the beloved Wharfedale 225's with your modifications? I know they're discontinued but in Cambodia that almost doesn't matter in terms of how hard they would be to find. So based on my description, you would prefer the Polks for me, over the Wharfedales? Please excuse the expected personal attention; I was just so surprised that I had to confirm.
That 10dB drop from 6k onward aka brilliance range, is that due to measuring from listening position or was this 1m from the speaker? 34Hz at -6dB is quite good for a bookshelf speaker. Compared to my diy tower speakers with 8" glass fiber driver and 3 way, mine go quite a bit lower with 12Hz still at -4dB as measured from listening position. From 1m it's similar to this one around 34Hz at -6dB. But my speakers don't drop off after 11Khz, it just continues on all the way to 20khz and more. I like my brilliance :) That would be a deal breaker for me. I know they've tuned it warm but to have everything drop off so steeply from 11Khz on is a bit much imo. I don't like overly bright either but loosing the top end entirely is not what I'd want.
Do you have another integrated amplifier that you could recommend that would pair well with the Criton 1TD-X's? I am not looking to spend more than $2000 on the amp but I don't know very many options. I would love something that sounds natural and nothing that sounds too hi-fi as I've heard from many amps. Just want a good solid option if you can suggest one.
These are in room measurements that he performed so that is right around the frequency for a floor bounce reflection. The dip is not there in anechoic measurements.
I have just priced up the 1TD with superior crossover. With shipping and import duties to the UK I would be looking at a cost of around $1500. Could you recommend a speaker of the same quality/sound/soundstage and imaging below $1500 that would be easier to get in the UK. Kind regards.
I'm considering an "end game" bookshelf to pair with a Naim Atom, however I'm concerned about the 40W Atom being able to drive them well. I don't have just one genre of music, so something capable of acoustic, jazz, hard rock, blues, etc. Do you think these speakers could pair well with the Atom? Thanks. I don't play super loud or even loud, just medium to low volumes ordinarily.
What's the parts total for those 3 ways? You can get these CSS kits for less if you choose the 22mm tweeter, only 700 with flat pack, 550 without. I got just the drivers alone for 450, and building my own cabs and crossovers.
None of those speakers are available in the USA with a cabinet flat pack which is why they are not comparable for most buyers. If you have woodworking skills and other necessary skills than yes, many, many, many DIY kits available. PS The SB acoustics Satori Ara 2 way at Madisound has a cabinet and is $1400 for the kit. PPS another kit that is often a good go to for many is the HIVI DIY 3.1A, available at amazon for $300 a pair.
Would have been nice if you shown the impedance chart tells you more than frequency seems like some of those measurements are from your room Think you'll be better running it form an active crossover DSP or analogue you can build for $130 linkwitz lx Nelson pass sales them You'll be better off running 0.1 polystyrene capacitors in parallel with the capacitors especially on the standard crossover and maybe 0.2 with induction coil for the bass Driver
I love ribbons tweeters and I'm very close to trying out the Quad S2 to compare with my Sierra 2EX. Should I go for these instead? I own a dual subs so bass will not be an issue!
1TDX have better power handling and scale like mid size tower, midrange and voices are more accurate on Quad S2, I preferred driver integration of Quad S2 over Sierra 2 I had a while ago, thanks
@@Tharbamar I really need to try more ribbon speakers besides the RAAL on the Sierra 2EX, so might as well try the Quad S2 to see how a better driver integration sounds like.
@@olivrrrr there is the GR resesrch speakers with planar tweeters. I am looking to build the nx studios. But they need a subwoofer. This is the second 1td review that says these speakers are grest with rock music. So i might go these instead. But i want the sound stage from the planers. I might need both speakers
would be interesting to compare this to active ones in this size - like a Abacus Cortex 10. I think there you can get similiar, maybe even better control and definition (and they look vetter for my taste) :-)
So a little confused..you said you need to spend 1500-2000 from another brand to be comparable...that's how good these are. But as a finished product CSS sells them for $2349. Yet another reviewer states that these can compete with a 10k set from Sonus Faber.
Wonder how they sound w a really good, dht single ended tube system!? Would you sell other speakers, settle for these? (End game?) Add subs? ... Take up... neddlepoint!? 😉😕😂😂 VG summary/review...
