CSS Audio Torii DIY Speaker Kit Part 3 -The Finale - Sound Review!

[@MattCoykendall1]

What’s the biggest thing holding you back from attempting a DIY build? Is it time, tools or lack of reviews in the product?

[@tmdillon1969]

I was thinking of trying DIY tube amps but they don't seem to be the bargain that CSS and GR Research speakers are for the level they are. Still might be a winter project though.

[@MattCoykendall1]

@@tmdillon1969 winter projects are always good, I need to wrap up a desk build but also plan to complete another speaker build as well as play around with some speaker stands.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

I'm pretty sure my neighbours would strongly object to me using a table saw and router in my apartment...

[@MattCoykendall1]

Close neighbors love power tools haha

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

@@MattCoykendall1 NOT!

[@chandlerlofton6536]

I built this kit also. They live in my living room run by an Emotiva integrated. We use them for music, TV, and movies. This review is pretty bang on. Everyone wants to know where the sub is hidden😂. We love these speakers, and I’m already in the process of building cabinets for some 1TDXs.

[@4thewinir344]

Great video. I built the 1TDX kit with crossover upgrade and veneered in walnut. Absolutely killer sound and play all types of music at an exceptionally pleasing level, with the ‘x’ tweeter being really special. Pleasant, yet highly detailed. And the bass- the bass is insane-it’s my only bookshelf set that doesn’t need a sub. The texture and effortless authority is phenomenal. The 1TDX has introduced me to ‘high end sound’.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Even more reason for me to build a pair of the 1TDX it sounds like.

[@Luke-qs2cg]

For me, things like this and the new Dayton speakers are why I started this. Hifi prowess, on the cheap, along with a project. Makes for a great weekend impulse lol

[@JDPrimeShots]

I wish I could know how well stack up to more premium prebuilt sets, because in my case, my build turned out a lot more expensive than I had hoped. First off, ordering to Canada cost me 70$ in shipping and another 50$ in customs. I opted for veneer, and in the the end, the whole built cost me around $689usd. Which would more than make up for any 2x in cost/performance imo. All things considered, I still loved the process and very happy with the results. I would happily spend the money on one or their more premium sets

[@tmdillon1969]

I just started building a pair of these to replace our soundbar. I did a set of the 1TDX with upgraded crossovers last winter. They sound insane! Some of my observations so far, I bought the baltic birch for the 1TDX and it wasn't worth the increase in cost. I figured I could find a way to stain and seal them to get a high-end industrial look. The rabbets weren't as precise as with the Torii MDF cuts and I had to do more than a little sanding to get the cross brace to fit in the 1TDX. Conversely, the rabbets and cuts in the higher-end speaker made it very hard to assemble them in any manner but in plumb and true. The Torri front and back don't have any cuts and just fit flat onto the box's sides and top. I'd prefer they spend the time to have a rabbeted edge so it kind of locks into place. I'm going to try my hand at peel-and-stick veneers this weekend as the local woodshop didn't have any other options that wouldn't involve having a seam on the sides. I'm going to use Rubio Monocoat as the finish. If I find I'm capable at veneering I'll refinish the 1TDX cabinets in something interesting I get online.

[@MattCoykendall1]

MDF is usually the way to go on these kits it seems, thanks for the insights and good luck with the veneer this weekend!

[@rareearthfab5511]

I took 2 weeks in July and built a set of the 2TDX Towers with the upgraded crossovers. I did a full cherry veneered finish with a couple coats of satin poly over them. They came out absolutely gorgeous considering I’m no cabinet maker. I made some small upgrades for adjustable leveling spikes and better binding posts and plates but for the most part I stuck to the plans. They are fantastic speakers that make me question the cost of my KEF R11 Metas. They aren’t R11 good but they are darn fantastic! Bass is their JEDI trick though. I’m not sure how they make so much.

[@MattCoykendall1]

2 weeks isn’t bad at all for a complete build with veneer either, the 2TDX towers are very tempting.

[@rareearthfab5511]

@@MattCoykendall1 For me, the patience you have to have working with wood drives me nuts. Glue, clamp, wait, repeat.. even the veneer process drove me nuts. I applied everything with a good quality contact adhesive once I had the cabinets sanded and prepped. Apply glue to your veneer and your cabinet, wait 20 minutes, another layer of glue, wait, another 20 minutes, apply one panel of veneer and press it out. Trim the veneer, sand the veneer edges and repeat. Apply them in the correct order so you don’t see any edges. It’s extremely time consuming! I’ve watched your projects, so I know you understand. I’m much happier when I’m fabricating with metal! 🤣

[@MattCoykendall1]

@@rareearthfab5511 for me it’s the sanding, can be a real test of patience. I recently picked up a new 3m sander that has been speeding up the process a bit though.

[@Graphixman]

Thanks. Would have liked a demo

[@michaelj.podlovics2246]

If you're not soldering often AND you're using RoHS compliant lead-free solder, just use a basic 7inch honeywell fan pointed away from your setup to pull the fumes up & away from your face. I've seen small manufacturers get away with this approach. Your space looks big enough that an expensive fume extractor / filter from Weller or Metcal probably isn't needed.

[@mikecampbell5856]

What a great project! Your curved top was awesome.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks Mike

[@PhillioDoede]

What would you say these are comparable to character and price wise to commercial speakers you have reviewed? I feel like those are the most pertinent questions people have when getting into DIY. I agree that veneer is far easier than paint and Heat Lock makes it even easier. Also, if you are starting out and don't have a router and/or flush trim bit a veneer saw is a great tool for super clean flush veneer cuts.

[@MattCoykendall1]

It’s very difficult to compare diy to commercial when so much or so littles goes into the construction changing the cost but I do feel these are definitely worth the asking price.

[@PhillioDoede]

@@MattCoykendall1 Thats true. I only put the question that way because I think most people thinking about a kit are looking for a better x factor value wise and payout for the effort required compared to a commercial speaker of the same price. I have tried as many retail commercial speakers as reviewers but in my experience goes way further, like 2x -3x further.

[@maxbar4166]

Thank you! Building this for a friend!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Have fun!

[@christophedecavalla2941]

Could you try them with the Fosi V3? I’m very curious as I plan to run a pair of CSS 1TDX I’m building with the V3 until I can afford a more powerful class D amplifier.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I ran these with the v3 for around a month before bringing them into my main listening space, the V3 did a fair job, enough power, good sound.

[@sdchaps]

Thanks for the review.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Sure thing!

[@michaelf9101]

Do you think the Fosi Audio V3 can drive these speakers?

[@michaelf9101]

Sorry I just saw you answered this question already.

[@MattCoykendall1]

No worries! You should be good!

[@ryanlee6157]

Nice!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks!

[@legrandgroves8560]

Id tackle it but no time or space to work

[@MattCoykendall1]

I get that too