The BEST Dressed Speaker, Piano Black Finish On A Budget - CSS 1TDX Part 2

CSS Criton 1TD-X Kit: www.css-audio....
Black Paint: amzn.to/45ZwRvw
Clear Coat: amzn.to/45ZRpUv
Tack Cloth: amzn.to/3Lk5WkB
Paint Tent: amzn.to/3VVpPn0
Self Centering Drill Bit: amzn.to/3xYbxd5
3m Sanding Sponge: amzn.to/4cAmMYg
Paint Suit: amzn.to/46ela4p
Assorted Sand Paper: amzn.to/3LeRIBB
3M Sander: amzn.to/3Y32i5Y
I truly feel like this is one of the best finish combinations of any speaker I have worked with, the DIY piano black baffle and dyed curly maple pair perfectly here. I had my eye on this set of speakers for a long time so I was glad to apply a finish that matches the performance, sound review to come!
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[@mikecampbell5856]

You are an awesome craftsman Matt! Great soldering tips too. I was an electronics tech for 6 years in the Navy and I repaired copiers for 40 years. I did a lot of soldering and your tips were excellent! As usual your wood working skills are superb. I like to restore old shotgun stocks. It takes a week. Sand, stain, dry. Next day 0000 steel wool, stain, dry. Do that for three or four days and the next three days, Tru oil, 0000 steel wool, dry. After a week I have a gun stock finish that looks an inch deep. It is super easy compared to what you just did. I did my first maple stock ever awhile back and it turned out so badly that I sanded everything off and started all over. LOL

[@MattCoykendall1]

I certainly made some mistakes along the way but thankfully with woodworking there is almost always a way to fix it haha. Thanks for sharing your past projects as well, finishing projects can be such a pain but also so rewarding.

[@bpalpha]

I've been shopping for a second pair of speakers, but I'm on an ultra-tight budget. These are so nice and my ideal speakers as I want a simple 2-way bookshelver. Excellent build on these. Thanks for the vid. Finding great inexpensive speakers is HARD!

[@rareearthfab5511]

Looks great! I built the 2TD-X towers a year ago with the premium crossovers and I ended up selling my KEF R7 Metas because the CSS speakers just sounded clearly better to me. I built them for the project, but I kept them for the sound. CSS put together a really good, well engineered product. I did a cherry veneer on mine, which was the first time I ever veneered anything and I got real lucky. They came out absolutely gorgeous! I look forward to your update on how they sound!

[@MattCoykendall1]

That’s really interesting to hear in comparison to the KEF, I look forward to testing and comparing these.

[@timball4892]

I've owned 4 different CSS speakers, including 2TDX towers. I also own a pair of KEF R3 Metas. May I ask, in what ways did the CSS sound better than the R7's? I am soon to build the 3TDX with superior crossovers.

[@rareearthfab5511]

@@timball4892 I just ordered the 3TD-X upgrade kit. I look forward to getting these built. The upgrade I purchased just has the upgraded crossover instead of the new amber caps. I spoke with one of the owners of CSS and he said even they could barely hear any difference but they wanted to offer the upgrade since customers were asking about them. For me, they had better reproduction of female voices. Especially someone like Etta James. There was just more body and realism to them. The CSS really gave her voice soulful richness. The KEF were definitely thinner in the sound. I also found that the KEF were a little sibilent with snare and cymbals. Anything a little bit more busy and they would start to sound like a box of snakes rather than individual pieces with a natural decay. The CSS speakers for me had a very natural cymbol sound that would decay naturally maybe that’s part of the crossover upgrade? I’m not sure but my feelings on the CSS speakers over my KEF speakers was immediately mirrored by my wife and she’s usually pretty reserved with her thoughts on my audio equipment. I also had a set of R3 Metas that I let go of. Great bookshelf but again, just overshadowed by the R7s and the CSS. No surprise there though….

[@timball4892]

@@rareearthfab5511 Thanks for the thorough response. I would agree with your thoughts on the R3's, I have them for sale but not any action on them and they are brand new, with stands, black and am selling for $1800 but that is beside the point. My other speakers are Magnepan 3.7i's and they are awesome in many ways but contrast from dynamic speakers in impact and dynamics. I supplement with a pair of REL T7X's. I live fairly close to CSS and have visited them once and am going to pick up my 3TDX kits either this week or next. Awesome guys and super service oriented.

[@mabehall7667]

Beautiful build. I built the CSS Audio 2Tdx and love them. I must say I’m disappointed with my finish but not the sound. I attached the baffle at the same time I glued everything up. This, I believe, made the assembly very ridge, but made the crossover installation a magnitude more difficult-especially since each speaker required 2 crossover boards. I used the sound deadening material sold by Danny Richie and really covered every surface including the surfaces of the cross supports. I now sit and listen to my music for hours! I had Yamaha NS1000Ms before and while very good, they tended to be fatiguing.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am also a belt & braces kind of guy as well. Hot glue, zip ties, super glue, I go for it all if needed. Great video. Thx.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Right on, a little of this, a little of that

[@hondaphan4172]

What a great two-part series and the final results look spectacular. You should be proud of yourself because your time and patience really paid off when it was finished. Kudos!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thank you so much! Finishing is one of those things that can be frustrating at the moment but I’m already looking forward to the next one.

[@MikkelMarienlund]

Those are absolutely stunning, Matt. Chapeau and thanks for the inspiration!

[@tonymolina7744]

Dying to hear your review of them. This looked fun … and labor intensive. You have patience that I wish I had. 😊

[@johnstump2433]

They look outstanding Matt 🤩 The fruits of your labor were well worth it 👏🏼

[@MattCoykendall1]

Took a bit to finish but finally paid off, now onto sound testing.

[@tedroybal5231]

I built the CSS MTM. Your finish looks absolutely beautiful! Well done.

[@Evolved_ue7]

Terrific job Matt, you're a patient man . They look fab mate ..

[@michaelwright1602]

Those look gorgeous Matt!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks so much! This build was a lot of fun.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@MattCoykendall1 So how do they sound? CSS is literally right around the corner from me up in town, I need to visit those guys one day.

[@JasonsLabVideos]

That 7" CSS woofer is the best i have ever used & heard ! Nice work BTW I would have used clear silicone to help with vibrations :). ( That's what i did )

[@PhillioDoede]

I really want to do gloss black on one of my builds and this pretty much confirms I'm going to outsource that part, lol. This is a great guide though, and I would certainly reference it if I were to try on my own. Also that black died veneer (which I wasn't sure about at first) looks great now with that extra sheen , nice work.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yeah, the extra sheen gave it what it needed, I knew it needed something more so I kept playing around with it. If you dont want to mess with the gloss black...try an autobody shop, I might even do that next time.

[@yourchildrensghost9736]

They look Great. Looking forward to the sound review as I'm quite interested in these. Thanks as always.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes I will get started on the sound review soon, I am expecting good things so far.

[@adsph]

Thank you for sharing. Those look amazing. Great job. Very informative.

[@tmdillon1969]

I love my 1TDX pair but they are probably my worst finish job. One of these days I'll take them apart and redo the exterior with veneer or gloss finish. But they sound...wow. I will say I find their measurements regarding sensitivity are a bit ambitious. Mine didn't really come alive until I put a pair of Bel Canto monoblocs on them. That was after running a Marantz NR1200 and Fosi V3 through them. IMO they are somewhat thirsty and really, really benefit from at least 100W a side.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I noticed that right away as well, these really benefit from a good power source.

[@4thewinir344]

Yes I can attest the superior x-over need as much power and capacitance as you can afford. 100w A/B minimum.

[@AggMeisTer28]

What a fantastic build! Thank you for sharing!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Sure thing, thanks for watching as well.

[@timball4892]

I've built the 2TD, MTM bookshelf, 2TDX TMM tower, the 1TDX with the bass module and will soon start a pair of the 3TDX. All with superior crossovers, First pair were walnut, second black quarter sawn ash and 1tD. and bass modules were rosewood. Not sure what veneer I WILL DO ON THE 3'S. Thinking flat cut ash with a transparent gray or charcoal stain. I love the look of the quilts but would like more contrast in the grain. The CSS products, all of them, are each outstanding and represent amazing sound quality. Building them , for me, is so much fun. Can't wait to hear your listening impressions .

[@MattCoykendall1]

The 3TDX will be a really nice addition. What do you think of the bass modules?

[@timball4892]

@@MattCoykendall1 I actually preferred the bass on the 2TDX towers. Not a powerful and maybe just a touch lighter, less extended, but more articulate. I no longer own any of the models so the 3 will not be an addition. I have either given them away to children/friends or sold them. I love building them and trying new speakers. Some would say it is a hobby and others might say an addiction...ha! Again, great review and anxious to hear your opinion on how they sound

[@00penguin]

Good job. A possible suggestion might be to just nib sand your clear coats and then keep adding until you have more than enough to sand and polish without fear of cutting through. Other than that you might have gotten an auto body shop involved and saved trouble for $?

[@justasimplefox]

Great, silver screws would look nice 😋

[@ryanchappell5962]

They really look amazing

[@nathandaniels4823]

You make it look so easy! My own speakers did not turn out that pretty. 😅

[@4thewinir344]

Wow, great job Matt! The piano black looks outstanding! All of a sudden I now feel the need to refinish my Critons. IMO The upgraded x over is worth the added $$. You will enjoy these speakers, but I found they need some juice and some break-in. I use an Emotiva A2/PT1 combo (with no sub) and experience bliss from my Critons. I am looking forward to your review! Cheers!👍

[@MattCoykendall1]

It was certainly a fun build, finishing can be so frustrating at times but also rewarding...when it all works out!

[@timball4892]

When we will see your review? I just finished my 3TDX's and they are absolutely amazing. They honestly give my Magnepan's a run for their money. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@ryanstevens2769]

Incredible result!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thank you!

[@teknolojigundemi]

End result looks very good. What is your opinion their sound, comparing other similar priced speakers.

[@MattCoykendall1]

So far so good on the sound but it’s still very early in my review, separate review will be coming.

[@TheRealKaner]

Superb looking end product.

[@nickburklow5212]

what a great video, thanks for keeping it real.

[@MattCoykendall1]

You bet! Thanks for tuning in too

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

DAYMN! Nicely done!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks!

[@Iamtommy69]

Im getting these, had my eye on them for a while i would keep the cable ties loose and feed the jumpers under them would keep them tidy.

[@FunFiEmpire]

Great video and fantastic work!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Appreciate the watch!

[@carloscolon5434]

Turned out great Matt!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks!

[@jasonc331]

Great Job, now after making this and the GR Research kit, stock speakers sound lame in comparison. Parts matter.

[@MattCoykendall1]

There is certainly something to building it also, feel a little more connected to it.

[@billmcginley]

I need to write a work instruction for reloading an x-ray tube. I think a video by Matt would be a better approach. What do you say, Matt??😉

[@MattCoykendall1]

Sign me up haha

[@mabehall7667]

When are you going to review these sonically? Which are better sonically, these are the Purifi Buchardts you reviewed?

[@Fred-ck1gh]

Sweet!👍👍

[@tonymolina7744]

Noice! Looks great!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Hey Tony! How’s it going?

[@tonymolina7744]

@mattcoykendall1 All good in the ‘hood my friend. Can’t wait for your review of their sound.

[@jwayneair]

These are definitely in the running for ridiculous overkill crossovers of the year. And for this price why wouldn’t they include a set of recessed binding post cups? For the price of these, a very nice set of vintage Klipsch Heresy’s can be had, including recapping them. Hell, even a set of Forté’s. I mean, they look great, but that depends entirely on the assembler, and have a hard time believing they sound $1100 good.

[@Montebruno]

fellow DIY electric guitar makers... Wouldnt a guitar paint job be less nightmarish than this?

[@WarriorProphet]

For al gore's rythym

[@MattCoykendall1]

Nailed it

[@josephlalock8378]

not bad for rattle can but definitely not what i consider to be a piano black finish. i'm also an automotive painter that has done quite a few show cars(and bikes) so my levels are much higher than this. looks good nonetheless.

[@NeilBlanchard]

The coils really need hot glue and zip ties if these ever get shipped.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I don’t think I included it but as glue happy as I was I included the coils as well.

[@Linux_Lucy]

Erm, It's GLOSS BLACK ( & DIY ! ? ) ..... No Thanks .... ! ! ! !