Go to surfshark.deals/nbtstudio - Code: nbtstudio (85% and 3 extra month) This speaker won the best speaker award. Best speaker award is a rare award given to products that show exceptional value and performance. It does not mean it is the best in world, we do not know which speaker is. It is merely an award fitting to our channel name " The Next Best Thing Studio. " Disclaimer/ Personal interest in my reviews - nbtsmedia.com/about-us/ Css Audio 1 TD Kit: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-Kit-Pair-p109862382 Fully finished Css Audio Speakers: www.css-audio.com/online-store/Finished-Speakers-c29101533 Css Audio Interview: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GPtucV0O4PY.html Css Audio 1TD kit build: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rAxm_aOjLhA.html The guys that did the veneer: www.stewartspeakersystems.com/ Their contact page: www.stewartspeakersystems.com/contact
Hi you all, I built a pair of CSS Audio Criterion 1TD-X with superior high end parts and flat pack. It all went well. I mounted the crossovers on the back of the cabinets because they were a tight fit when placed in the cabinet. It took me about a week to build them working about two hours a day. I didn't do anything to the cabinets. You will need some bar clamps to hold the cabinets together while the glue sets up. I used six I think they sound good for small speakers. They have plenty of base extension. The base sometimes sounds disconnected from the rest of the midrange and high frequency sound. I put them on DynAudio 20 stands which work well. The speakers are power hungry with the superior crossovers. I found the MDF to be smelly. Overall they were a lot of fun to build and sound good. They can't compete with my JBL L100 three way speakers in terms of sound quality. It is probably best to compare them with other small speakers because that is what they are. Have fun if you choose to build a pair. Good customer service from CSS.
I use these Monolith stands and they are an incredible bargain! I had a pair of Totem’s on them and then filled the posts with kitty litter and I couldn’t believe the improvements! I highly recommend them!
Finally some RU-vid reviewers reviewing some DIY products. The ONLY drawback in DIY speakers, is resale value. But on the plus side, you are getting so much more fidelity for your money, that the need to upgrade is not needed as often. In the DIY speaker world, it is not unusual to get sound quality equal to spending 5-10X more on commercially available products.
When you build your own speaker... it’s so satisfying. I have built several speakers, subs, and center channels for fun. Unfortunately I can’t make Magnepan’s... or maybe???
Hey Jay, just a thought. When you mention the S400 you own, I think it would be good to mention that they’re the S400 Signature Edition, which are way more expensive than the standard model. I’m not sure what kind of sonic differences there would be in this model vs the standard version, but just to setup comparisons fairly at specific price points I think it should be noted. I would LOVE to also have you compare a standard S400 to your Signature Edition - to my knowledge, no one has done a detailed review comparison to point out the differences sonically between the 2 versions. I think it would get a lot of interest. Cheers.
Great review, thanks to watching this I went over to css and ordered their 2td kit with superior crossover. I'll build my own cabinet, I enjoy the woodworking, plus curved cabinets are my personal favorite. Keep up the great work, I might be getting a hegel to go with it, I wish they had more watts though.
GREAT all-round review…especially your discussion and comparison of the crossover option. Waaaaaaay better and more thorough than any other reviews!!! I watched 3 other reviews and did not even know that there was a port! (I was wondering?)….AND it’s an adjustable port!!! 😵
Both I’d say are one of the absolute best speakers you can ever buy for the price but I am 110% confident that the 1td will sound a little better but it costs more.
It’s super exciting to see you and some of the other reviewers engaging and explaining what true HiFi is to the younger generation! You guys have made a huge impact. Great job !!
Jay, well done. Thanks for another good review. I'll add another shout out to the DIY XL-S Encore from GR Research. I built a pair with the max upgrades. Yes, they are as good as others say. I believe they 89db sensitivity and 8 ohms.
Jay, thanks for the passionate review. You have already make me buy the willsenton R8, i Will buy the denafrips Ares, and I Will probably buy this speakers!! That deserves my patreon for you
Jay. I really like you. But tbh, I'm uncomfortable with that sort of statement: "this should be more expensive". A piece of audio equipment has the right to be a deal, even a steal! And it's your job to point them out as you usually do and that's why I'm still subscribed to your channel and left many other channels, including well known reviewwers... Otherwise, all we're doing is to tell the audio industry that it is OK to raise the prices that are already very high. I left this hobby for years for that specific reason. That's my experience, that's my opinion.
I see your point and I will take it to heart but I suggest you don't dive too deep into the title of the video. It is merely to indicate the great value...
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt Yeah, I'm with Jay on this. If he feels a speaker performs above its price bracket, then that would get more of my attention. If he does not mention that, then I would assume its probably no better than other speakers in its range.
@@atoz6552 I am not saying you are wrong and I agree with you. Just don't dive too deep into the meaning and affect the title has... no company is going decide to jack up the price based on a little validation or title of a video...I have no intention of giving companies "validation" to overcharge. Quite the opposite actually. But it would be the company's mistake if they do overcharge... if it is overpriced. I would say so or not review it at all to save everyone some time (including my own time) HOWEVER I do think I get to say "it does punch over a price range, if it in fact does - at least imho" oh btw I know you've been commenting on my videos for some time and I like you as well ! I do enjoy the comments you make. Gives me new perspective to think about for sure
Nice to see these new CSS guys succeed. I'd love to hear these speakers. The old CSS really was a joke. And enabled by a bunch of deaf old men customers/supporters who’d ban you from DIYAUDIO for questioning them. Have some drivers from the old days of CSS and they bottom out at the mildest turn of the volume knob. Have tried a dozen enclosures for their FR-W125 and SDX-7 to try to get a good performance but I don't think they knew what they were doing in the first iteration of CSS. Sound good mind you but only at near field applications. Love the boxes and the veneer job.
dindinmodern speakers are very good, the sound has a certain depth and atmosphere, hardware bass and treble control is also a real praise, the price is now there is a discount
What's up Jay you should build a Gr research Xls speaker kit which is alot less expensive and it's standard crossover kit has better parts and it's upgrade is also cheaper.
Hi jay since you have listened to this and passive kef ls50. Can you give some feedback or your opinion of the difference I’m assuming you liked this one more
Such a small tweeter (from the rear too) cannot complement the midrange from the mid-woofer. As far as I understand, these speakers don't play the mid?
Is there not a gap in the market for brick and mortar stores to sell, and more importantly demo, diy projects? Given the right personnel, crossover building and veneering could be offered (or subbed out). Face to face advice for completing your project would be worth a small premium, increasing margins. Storage is less of an issue for the company, associations could be built with local craftsmen - all of this builds community, which in turn can be profitable. There is nowhere to my knowledge where you can compare and buy DIY vs Commercial, yet that is a question in quite a few minds. N.B. kit makers Wimlslow Audio UK have demo facilities.
Just watched your video, nice. Interested in this speaker. How detailed is the sound compared to ls50? Thinking maybe the sound too smooth? Don't hv sharp front end or those that emphasize leading edges if the sound too smooth on top....
Have you ever measured them before giving out your appraisal? It seems very costly considering the amount of time some of DIYers put in. You also need to purchase bar clamps to build it to hold the box tight and free of resonance. The look is so primitive that you might as well save the money and go buy Elac dbr62 for example.
Jay, thank you so much for the work you do. I totally enjoy your reviews as they never appear as biased. I have a question that actually CSS suggested I ask you. I am going to upgrade my speakers (Wharfedale Linton Heritage) and am considering both the CSS 2TD as well as a couple of Klipsch choices. They are the Forte III and RF7 mk III. Kerry said you may have some experience with the Klipsch and you might be able to shed light on their differences and how they relate to the CSS you built. I am a woodworker and am capable of doing the veneering. I would be buying the CSS with flatpack and upgraded crossovers. Any insight you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim
I am upgrading my budget set up and I bought these speakers! Will my denon x2500h be able to run these? I am looking to eventually get a separate integrated amplifier. Can you recommend anything under $500 to pair with these speakers? Or how much would I need to spend to get an upgrade from my receiver?
Thank you for the review! Would you use them for hi-fi listening or studio monitoring for mixing? Also what amp requirements do you think are minimum to power them properly?
Hey Jay. How would you compare the 1TD to Dynaudio Special 40? My guess is the 1TD is better overall? What about Harbeth p3esr, if you dont have recent direct comparison, from what you read, would you say the 1TD will come close? Thanks. PS After some research and communication with CSS, I'm almost set on getting a pair of these because of this review! Really excited!
can't tell ya cuz I haven't heard the 2TD. As for the Tektons, I believe the tektons are a bit more lively. Both are refined in the highs but the superior crossover really takes the css audio to the next level in refinement and less grain. Soundstage wise, very comparable but the css audio does take a slight lead on this one. The tektons do have a tad bit faster mid bass. It is a hard comparison and I do not see anyone going wrong with either. The beauty of Css audio is for those that likes to tinker a bit since they are coming up with upgrade paths down the line that can be integrated to their existing kit users.
is that a elac 407 speaker in the back ground? Are you going to do a review of that? i've been looking at the speaker myself and a review would be very helpful. :)
Hi Charles, we try to voice all our speakers very similarly. The 2TD will have a very slight difference in presentation due to the symmetrical lobing pattern from the MTM layout versus the asymmetrical in a standard TM format. I don't think the difference is significant and most people might not even notice it but I overall prefer the 2TD. It has lower distortion and greater output capabilities due to the extra woofer so if you really like to crank it from time to time (I do!) they really start to separate themselves at higher volume.
Hey Jay, many thanks for the review. Would these pair well with the Billie Amp by Heaven11? In that price range do you have a better amp in mind to pair these with? Thanks!
Hey Jay. How good are these in nearfield listening? I was ready to buy the Ascend Sierra 2-EX (going to put in the order today or tomorrow) and suddenly saw this. My use for the speaker will be on desktop in my computer setup and listening from 3 ft away. Please advise if this speaker performs its full potential (or 80% 90% of its full potential?) in a nearfield setup? I really value your review and am re-considering my purcahse option because of your recommendation of the Criton 1TD. Thanks and great review as always! PS: Or is the P215 a better option for me?
I think you should reach out to css audio and tell them you are using it for nearfield. I remember them telling me that they can tweak their speakers to be better suited for nearfield... Worth a try to reach out and ask, doesn't hurt.
Loving my Sierra 2EX in desktop nearfield! I've tried many studio monitors and other passive speakers, but the Sierra 2EX is the best I've heard. Also, the Raal ribbons is something else and it's probably my favorite tweeters. I love it so much I went ahead and put an order on the Phil BMR.
@@hxhky The Criton 1TD are huge "bookshelf" speakers. They would take up A LOT of your real estate on your desktop. If you have a large display monitor or two, it would be a challenge to fit these on your desktop. The 1TD are also rear-ported, so ideally you would not want to place them close to the wall (if your desk is up against a wall).. They need some "breathing room" behind them to perform their best. I use the front-ported Neumann KH120A 5.25" midwoofer acrive studio monitors at my medium size mixing/computer desk with a separate 15" DIY Infinity Beta subwoofer on the floor and am incredibly happy. I wouldn't want to use desktop monitors that were much larger than the KH120A.
@@bbfoto7248 Thanks, I appreciate that info. Yes, I looked at the demensions of the 1TD and they're indeed very large. They're even wider and deeper than my current ELAC B6.2, which is already too big on my desk. I was actually going to order their 1TDX which has the new tweeter. But it will take a few more weeks for the new unit to be available to order. Another option I almost went with was the Ascend Sierra 2-EX, which is slightly shorter than my ELAC. But these are quite a bit more expensive. And from the reivews, the 1TD might sound better.
Is this a sales pitch? Are you receiving anything to produce this content? If so, you should disclose this so viewers can take this into consideration.
Thanks for pointing this out. It's critical to know. It might be good to state this in some vids. This one especially, struck me as totally sales oriented. The about info puts it in a very different context. Appreciate it.
It's only natural, and consumers can't be gullible and simply believe everything they see. There are so many opportunities to get burned out there, with all the voices raving about one thing or another. But then you acknowledge this with your mention of crappy speaker kits that don't live up to what's advertised. It's buyer beware and up to the consumer to ask questions. Thanks.
@Gerald Holley Maybe you should watch Jay's previous video where he builds these DIY speakers and crossovers and shows the difference between the standard and upgraded crossovers. ;-) You could also not be lazy and instead just go to the CSS website and look for yourself before commenting. ;-) Cheers
Anyone know someone who sells just the finished cabinets? I can build the crossover and install everything but don't have wood tools or finishing ability. Don't want to spend a lot just to end up with crappy looking speakers.
How is the detail on these? This seems like a speaker with a nice character or "musical" but I need detail to. How much detail compared to the s400 and the sonus faber you mentioned
