Refinishing and Revisiting CSS Audio 1TD-X Bookshelf Speaker

[@riccitone]

Holy crap. These sound great. Room differences, KZbin compression, and headphone dac aside....you can just tell they'll kick ass in most any setup. Micro-dynamics and texture for days! I would probably not have the patience to veneer them if I ordered a pair. Would be too anxious to hear them.

[@AudioNaut93]

You should be proud of the work you’ve done on these speakers, they look incredible!

[@Tharbamar]

Thank you.

[@kevingest5452]

I have seen a lot of pictures and videos of this kit. This is by far the best looking finish.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks

[@markhershberger9477]

Tharbamar, your generous spirit and sincerity infuse your presentations. They are appreciated. Thank you.

[@ctr6224]

Great build! Mines still in the box since 2020 🤠

[@ii1825]

Don't feel bad. I got my 1TD-X kit in 2022 and tonight I assembled one cabinet. All in good time and it will be worth it my friend.

[@maxhigh3234]

Beautiful looking speakers. You did a great job.

[@danu6718]

Excellent job with the colouring. Beautiful looking. I have a pair of these speakers as well. I think they are amazing.

[@Old_Sailor85]

I love the color. Very nice. I plan on building these this winter.

[@Tharbamar]

Great Choice, thanks

[@bpalpha]

Those do have a great sound. Man, that Denon is so boss!

[@russellparker4568]

I’m gonna end up with a second set of speakers from watching your reviews and demos here 😆

[@darensweeney5925]

You did a great job with the veneer and the stain. I think you underestimated yourself!))) Excellent job.

[@Anand.Asrani]

I am amazed at your Craftsmanship ...Superb finish ( incase you wanna sell them I am here 😅)

[@Audfile]

I just ordered 1TDX with best crossover.Will probably also do the 3 way bass module.

[@ChicagoRob2]

Great job on the build and great sound.

[@bradthurkle7217]

Fantastic job they look great and sound perfect.

[@hrvojekant9415]

Great look ! Congratulations !

[@net_news]

they look amazing man! Congrats!

[@JukeboxAlley]

Been wanting a set of these for awhile, only thing ive really been wanting lately, but just not sure because i love the xls encore and not sure they can be that much better, maybe im wrong, but thats why im hesitant.

[@andrewbardwell4832]

Beautifully done!

[@kamran102]

Looks great!

[@agzok]

Such a beautiful work.

[@D1N02]

Maybe add some GR-Research mojo to these? Round of the corners to reduce diffraction and use those copper tube wire connectors Danny uses?

[@ramencurry6672]

A masterpiece

[@Tharbamar]

Oh thanks

[@jameschan2404]

Thanks

[@michellapointe8614]

Gorgeous!!! Can you please put a link for the binding post upgrade? They look awesome. Keep up the good work.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks, Viborg Pure Copper Binding Posts: amzn.to/2ZPPB2u

[@johnmarkzimm]

Are you still enjoying these speeders. I’m thing about building a pair.

[@gregoryhartman9992]

I love your reviews and videos. I plan to buy and build these speakers in the near future. I am curious, what speaker stands did you use to review these? Years ago, I always had floor standing speakers. The TD1-X will be my first bookshelf speakers.

[@Tharbamar]

Hi I’m using B&W STAV-24 stands with 1TDX Speakers, thanks

[@DjJeffo78]

Hi, Would to see the “close up” performance even though you were using the distance of the microphone. It sounds so clear and very loud for my liking. Would be nice to see the drivers reflexing well. Love your videos. Have a good productive week.

[@ewanderric4679]

hey where did you get your desktop stands? they look beautiful

[@martytoo]

I just bought the birch version. I hope it will look good with stain. I didn't want to learn the veneer process unless it is absolutely necessary. I bought these because of your review and the price was right when I bought them on Thanksgiving week. Thank you!

[@Tharbamar]

You will enjoy them, thanks

[@martytoo]

@@Tharbamar If I don't like the birch I can always veneer.

[@erics.4113]

I have done a few staining projects and although no expert I did research thoroughly and got good results on a pine project that is notoriously difficult to get an even stain (NO blotches) because it is softer. The overall tips (and all my results have been great so far) were: Don't sand beyond 120 or 180 grit for certain woods. When you go to something like 1000 and then expect the grain to take an even color stain, you run into the problem of polishing the wood to the point where the pores are closed up and won't take stain evenly. 180 is still nice and smooth, and if you finish with polyurethane (multiple coats) you will sand those with fine grit and can even finish with 000 steel wool to make it mirror smooth. The idea is that you don't need to sand your wood finer than 180 because your 5 or so coats of poly will be smooth as glass if you sand between coats and polish the final coat. I also used mineral spirits after sanding, and used pre stain conditioner for the wood 30minutes before staining. This helps the wood take the stain evenly. I've mostly used oil based or gel stains as well. The water based may be good too but I've had better results with oil. Definitely get a mask that can filter organic vapors, work in well ventilated area. Same goes for sanding. Many hardwoods have toxic dust and you don't want a lung infection from breathing walnut and other hard woods. Hope that helps someone. There are plenty of woodworker on KZbin that can fill in where i left off.

[@dizzylizzy2851]

Hi from Australia. Congrats, these speakers sound very nice as I listen through headphones. They sound balanced with punchy bass. I notice that you have them well out from the wall. I know this well recorded song and compared it to the Apple Music hi-res version. Were you trying to match the speaker stain to the cabinet behind the speakers? Anyway, they look good, though the stain/finish isn’t contemporary enough for me (no criticism). I’m not into doing, or knowing about the staining process, but perhaps you could try a sample piece first. Thanks 🙏

[@Tharbamar]

Thank you.

[@ah.l]

2-3k, thats what i like, some reference. Still you are missing GR-Research NX Otica, and X-Statik kits. And several kits with scanspeak and sb accoustics drivers. If you review all these then we can clear the smoke and reveal the champ. I have all these in mind as my next speaker but cant know which is best or better value.

[@Tharbamar]

From what I have experience not impressed with highs on GR kits.

[@manFromPeterborough]

@@Tharbamar what you find wrong with GR highs?

[@michaelford7922]

Have a pair of 1tdx, great sound, change of pace from my bw 803d. What who is the artist in sound sample ?

[@MrKrapule]

You convinced me to build the Critons 1tdx upgraded... and WOW! Using a Peachtree Nova 300 and bluesound I am very pleased. What do you think of the Peachtree dac? Good or better with an external one? Good job.

[@Tharbamar]

I had Peachtree PreDAC it was ok, I would suggest you to try SMSL DA200 with XLR Cable. Thanks

[@philippechouinard1300]

@@Tharbamar Peachtree does not have XLR...

[@googoo-gjoob]

would love your review on GR Research speakers...

[@Tharbamar]

Yes If they send me samples.

[@googoo-gjoob]

@@Tharbamar , not sure that is very realistic.... would be nice, tho. call & ask. ive been told they are exceptional. but, you have to assemble them yourself.. thats how you can step up in value by not paying labor.

[@mhester99]

Nice review! Do yu have link for your upgraded binding posts

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks, here is the link amzn.to/3R1kAOT

[@dejandavkov]

Tharbamar :) if some driver suffered any damage of any kind in next years you probably not gonna find replacement parts. ( if someone puts all his savings for this project). if money wasn't a problem then you will buy new speakers that you like. Good job by the way!

[@Tharbamar]

No worries there is plenty of replacement for it, thanks

[@cameronkrause4712]

I think they look good, but next time make up some practice boards before you start the staining process. every veneer will stain differently so it's impossible to judge the colour by looking at the label on the can of stain.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks for the tip.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Good job. I've built three CSS kits. I concluded that for my skill level, staining is not the way for me. Best finish is to get the wood you want and just clear finish. Just my experience.

[@Tharbamar]

Yes I did clear finish on CSS towers, thanks

[@ufarkingicehole]

What models do you have ? What's your preference?

[@Tharbamar]

If you’re asking me, I have CSS 2TDX as well, if you look in my channel you will see it.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@Tharbamar thank you for the response. I was asking stagger Lee. You are the man tharbamar! I'm going to rewatch your tower review tonight.

[@reyiiteleco]

I wonder how these will stand up compared to GR-Research NX-Studio monitors.... ??

[@evilaudio]

Excellent! In process of building my 2TD-X Towers and have a question: What kind of router bit are you using to cut the veneer from the shallow recesses of the speakers? My flush cut bit has a bearing that is too tall to allow the cutter to reach down far enough... Thanks!

[@Tharbamar]

I do not remember model number but everything is listed in this video and description. CSS Audio 2TD-X Speaker Teak Veneer, Full Assembly & Upgrades kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJOVlJZvp52Mr6M

[@evilaudio]

@@Tharbamar Perfect, thank you!!!

[@pavlo687]

What wood is that on your veneer? I'm thinking of doing dark cherry with a mahogany stain. I'm looking for a reddish brown tone.

[@Tharbamar]

I’m using teak wood veneer.

[@jameswong9391]

For vocal clarity & soundstage, which speaker would be better in your opinion : CSS Audio 1TD-X or Quad S2? Much thanks

[@Tharbamar]

Neither In 2023, I would suggest you to try Musician Knight 1, which is much better sounding speaker in every way, thanks

[@jameswong9391]

@@Tharbamar Thanks

[@steventsimtsos4029]

Greetings Tharbarmar, do you still have these speakers? Do you plan to sell the Critons ? Thank you . They are Amazing 😉

[@Tharbamar]

Yes I still have them, I’m enjoying them, thanks

[@Audfile]

I think i will get Lore Beryllium first and wait for an even higher end model from this company.

[@decoryder]

I had them - hate to say it, but they're just outright bad - bad glare in the upper midrange, the two dual ports in the front lead to weird base cancellation. Not worth it.

[@Audfile]

@@decoryder you're the first person to say so!

[@decoryder]

@@Audfile No, plenty of other people with the same experience. BTW - I had to wait 7 months for my Lore Beryllium to arrive - even now the advertised minimum is 3 months order processing time. The Lore's sound shrill in the upper midrange, and the dual front ports lead to some extreme comb filtering, thus destroying bass response. Tekton is a company with seriously overhyped products. I've seen the glowing reviews here on KZbin, and they're not to be trusted. If you end up buying them, please come back to this thread and share your experiences!

[@Audfile]

@@decoryder will do!

[@decoryder]

@@Audfile It's too bad, YT won't let me post a link to a screenshot of my measurements - but yes, the Lore's not only sound bad - they measure bad. Bass drops off sharpy below 60 - comb filtering because of the bass ports probably - and then a sharp peak of about 6 db around the 1000hz frequency, where our hearing is very sensitive.

[@chandlerlofton6536]

What stands are you using?

[@Tharbamar]

B&W STAV24.

[@versus023]

Hey! thanks for the video, can you link the binding post you upgraded for ? I finished building mine about a month ago. I really love those speaker!

[@Tharbamar]

The link is in video description, thanks

[@versus023]

@@Tharbamar I dont see it in the description. thanks

[@ufarkingicehole]

What is the difference between these and the towers as far as sound and experience? Seems like buying these may be the way to go and just add a small sub if need be.

[@Tharbamar]

I did comparison with measurements in my tower review video, thanks

[@tylerhackman6832]

@tharmabar what’s your take on these vs the elac UBR62s? They’re within a few hundred of each other. I’m really torn. Thanks!

[@Tharbamar]

I would choose 1TDX personally but if you like neutral sound UBR62 is great as well, thanks

[@tylerhackman6832]

@@Tharbamar thank you!

[@nobertoguzman8888]

How do they compare to dynaudio sp 40 ?

[@Tharbamar]

Save money with comparable sound quality.

[@williamcanada6195]

Which bînding posts did you use ? What is your take on No Rez !! William from France

[@Tharbamar]

No Rez is way overpriced for it purpose, binding posts links in video description, thanks

[@gabb159]

I just finished building a set of these speakers and I noticed that I can hear vocals bouncing off of the wall from the port. Really detracts from the sound of the speaker. Any suggestions?

[@Tharbamar]

I didn’t notice that with my speaker, check the length of the port.

[@gabb159]

@@Tharbamar It said the port should be 9" and my port came in the box at 9".

[@KrystianGaleczka5]

Tell me are they better than wharfadales bookshelfs? Btw what would you compare them to? Thank you in adv 😁

[@Tharbamar]

Please see my comparison review of them with B&W 706 S2.

[@KrystianGaleczka5]

Have done a lot of times 😁

[@royvillanueva3263]

Was it hard to remove the vinyl wrapping?

[@Tharbamar]

No at all just heat it up a little to peel it off.

[@acadjukanovic6855]

How does it compare to B&W 805 d3,can compete with it ?

[@Tharbamar]

As much as I like them closest it can compete is 706 S2.

[@ironkrutt6777]

are these Wavecore Chassis?

[@tpn8402]

So... Do these smoke the UBR62 in every way possible?

[@Tharbamar]

No question.

[@tpn8402]

@@Tharbamar Just listened to the sound demo. Uhhhh that bass sounds like a ridiculous combination of power and control

[@buriburizaem0n]

hi again! its that time of the year for upgrade :) im currently running Bluetooth > topping bc3 BT receiver > topping e50 > rca Denon x2600H > criton 1tdx superior if i wanna upgrade / top up my components.. what do you recommend is the most effective way to improve? i have auditioned 3-5000 dollar speakers here in Singapore and nothing comes close to 1tdx. ps: i saw the musician knight 1 review after i bought the 1tdx superior :( thanks!!

[@Tharbamar]

I would suggest you to add a REL sub or SMSL D300 DAC, which would be great upgrade. Musician Knight 1 is another great upgrade option as well, thanks

[@buriburizaem0n]

@@Tharbamar im currently using svs sb 12 for sub right now :D css audio suggested me to get an integrated amp.. but im not too sure whether i should.. because it can be an expensive investment if it doesnt improve anything.

[@Tharbamar]

@@buriburizaem0n Good integrated amp is a must if you like two channel music listening, 1TDX sound best with high current amps.

[@buriburizaem0n]

@@Tharbamar do i need my current external DAC still if i buy the integrated amp? and is there anything that u can recommend below 700 please? :) thanks!!

[@Tharbamar]

Something in the price range from Yamaha or Denon should do, w

[@danbalkey2580]

Did you used the Dayton parts with crossover ?

[@Tharbamar]

I have both crossover.

[@danbalkey2580]

@@Tharbamar is there a large difference in the 2 worth the extra money ?

[@Tharbamar]

@@danbalkey2580 If you like slightly more resolution and refinement superior crossover is great but standard crossover plenty good, thanks

[@danbalkey2580]

Thanks keep up good work love the videos

[@roev5296]

Hi hello from india. What would you rate the pma 1600ne. Are those audiophile level amps. Is it worth spending 1300 usd . Thats how much it costs on india. My other options are marantz 8006

[@Tharbamar]

It will be depending on your take, the are ever bit of audiophile quality, they sell 2000USD in the U.S, 1300 USD is bargain price for quality that you are getting. If you like neutrality and dynamic sound with great bass performance go with 1600NE, if you like slightly warmer sound Marantz may be great choice as well, 1600 NE have very good DAC as well, thanks

[@roev5296]

@@Tharbamar Thank you sir for your quick reply. Lot of ppl have recommended audiolab 6000a + 6000n +6000cdt combo which all up costs 1700usd saying the performance is at par with 2k to 3k costing system. My speakers i am considering are Monitor audio 100 silver or evo 4.2.

[@roev5296]

@@Tharbamar Also one other option i have recived is PM 14s1se maranatz champaign gold edition brand new at 2000 usd. I think its discontinued in usa.. is it worth spending so much on discontinued model .

[@edwarddiogu6377]

Hello. Do you build speakers? Or do you know anyone who does? I want something customised for me. Thank you.

[@erics.4113]

Randy from cheapaudioman mentioned some time ago that he does builds for these and other DIY kits for a fair price. You can find him on KZbin as well

[@strannostrannovasrr]

Super

[@martinturansky1700]

Hy bro, is this better than 706 s2?

[@Tharbamar]

I think I have mentioned in this video and see my comparison video them.

[@JC.LC.]

Man those would be much nicer if you couldn't see the 50 screws it was aroinfld the drivers.

[@krblgc]

Hi. What's your opinion on this CSS speaker compared to Elac UBR62? thanks!

[@Tharbamar]

1TDX is much better speaker.

[@krblgc]

@@Tharbamar at more than twice the price, i mean it should be. is the improvement worth double the price? not close?

[@Tharbamar]

@@krblgc if you DIY not much more but UBR62 with right paring can brings very good sound for sure.

[@user-wp1ir3et2u]

[on the headline= refinishing and revising CSS AUDIO .....]

[@Tharbamar]

LOL It’s not that, revisiting meant I did share my opinion again. refinishing and revising more of the same.

[@royvillanueva3263]

It’s an American company but the drivers are made in China.

[@Tharbamar]

Nothing new here, pretty much like most speakers, like it or not China have better manufacturing facilities and capability than the rest of the world can.