This Time... I Built A DIY Speaker That DESTROY Expensive Audiophile Speakers ...

[@Jayiyagi]

Follow up video: Was I WRONG About Building A DIY Speaker That DESTROYS Expensive Audiophile Speakers?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXicZ6eAnqmJjKs Hey guys, If you enjoyed this video please click that like button on this video - it really helps out, thanks ! As a thank you; I will give away 1 fully finishes 1TDX w/upgraded cross-over when this video reaches 2000 likes ! Also if you are someone who bought the original 1TD or the new 1TDX; share your experience in the comments, would love to hear your experiences. Finished Speakers (If You Don't Want To Build It Yourself): CSS Audio 1TDX: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Fully-Finished-Pair-p115270078 KITS (Build It Yourself): CSS Audio 1TDX Kit: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Kit-Pair-p221163830 Original CSS Audio 1TD Kit: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-Kit-Pair-p109862382 UPGRADES & PARTS: Bought the 1TD? Upgrade to 1TDX: www.css-audio.com/online-store/Criton-1TD-to-1TD-X-Conversion-Kit-p221167086 1TDX Flat pack (cabinet): www.css-audio.com/online-store/Criton-1TD-1TD-X-Flat-Pack-Only-p363210919 LD25X Tweeter: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-LD25X-XBL%5E2-25-mm-Silk-Dome-Tweeter-p144557321 LOW7 Woofer: www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-LDW7-7-Midwoofer-p110079914 Related Videos: Css Audio Criton 1TD DIY speaker review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2XaXpStmrOab9E Building the Speakers (same thing for 1TDX): kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLbnpKXhM9_nqM Why I Might BUY These - Sonus Faber Electa Amator III High-end Speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4qscoqwiM1kprM The ALL NEW Sonus Faber Speaker And Why I'm Buying It For My Home Audio System: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJKlmpuZoqZ3esk Inside the minds of DIY audiophile speaker geniuses ! (Interview): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYHXppaMZbRnhrs CSS P215 Bookshelf Speaker Review ! This speaker gave me a chill down my spine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHSnc2yOjs-IjKum 0:00 Start 3:59 The 1TDX better than...?? 11:24 Build Quality Review 14:33 What I Used - Gear 16:23 Sound Quality Review

[@fortheprofit2186]

When is the xls encore review 🤔

[@Jayiyagi]

@@fortheprofit2186 when back order is done and/or I can get my hands on a used pair.

[@fortheprofit2186]

@@Jayiyagi I'm looking forward to that review.

[@mcjonner]

Have you heard of diysg (do it yourself sound group) Helix's? They are priced between the xls encore and 1td's and have a bass response like the 1td's at 40hz, diysg has a cult like following as well, I'd be very interested in seeing how those stack up.

[@mcrelly]

@jay's iyagi, I love my LS50 metas. Is this speaker similar in sound signature and imaging? Do you think it would play significantly louder? How heavy is your finished speaker? Thanks for all you vids!

[@craigenputtock]

As someone who has built this kit let me give some advice: make sure that you do a dry assembly first. You might think the pieces don't fit together but they do--at first I thought I had been given the wrong size pieces. It took stupid me a while to figure it out. Also make sure that you put the right female speaker slip-on connectors on the right leads because the speaker terminals have different sizes, and CSS doesn't provide extras in case you screw up. It helps if have clamps but you can build the cabinet without them though it's a little more difficult. Finally, no matter how well you put the cabinet together you will see DIY seams unless you fill them in and have a professional sander. If you have a wood shop, you're all set.

[@kerryarmes2786]

Hi Craig, thanks for the feedback. We recommend brushing or vacuuming out all the glue joints before assembly and using clamps to avoid the seams. With this and some light sanding to even any of the edges we have not seen these seems show through veneer. Paint will almost always show any seem though.

[@JerryWDaviscom]

I think I would like to finish with a gloss lacquer. Wouldn't using a smooth filler along the seams and fine sanding give a smooth finish?

[@fabianchavez8219]

@@kerryarmes2786 I think it would be helpful if reviewers emphasize the fact that a DIY cabinet can be re-veneered if the first attempt isn't stellar. Just right over the first piece

[@mojoneko8303]

I built a pair of the CSS Criton 2-TDX Tower speakers with the superior crossovers about 3 months ago to pair with the Elekit TU-8600S 300B Tube amp I built this winter. I am very happy with the system. It will serve my needs for a very long time. I didn't buy the flat pack but built the speaker cabinets myself from 3/4" Red Oak, half rounded all the edges on the sides and top and finished them with pure tung oil. That took me two months. They came out looking very good and sound even better. I don't need a sub with these speakers. You may want to consider getting a pair of the 2-TDX's in the future. I think they are an excellent pair of speakers. Thanks for the video.

[@timball4892]

Awesome review, but I am prejudice. I have built the Criton MTM with superior crossover, the "X" version with standard crossover and the TMM with superior crossover. I love woodworking so have veneered them myself. I have been an audiophile for over 40 years. Since building my first set I have also owned Cornwall IV's, Magnepan .7's, 1.7i's and I now own 3.7i's. The TMM's easily surpass all nut my 3.7's and they hold their own there as well. I have driven them with Rogue Stereo 100, Atlas Magnum and now have Bel Canto 600m's. Willsenton R8 will be here Tuesday. your review is spot on. The only thing I would add would be that they are so incredibly easy to listen to for long periods. Details, sound staging, imaging, bass and open high end are all there but in such a pleasing way. Beautiful warm mids but not too warm. Although they are far better than my Rogers LS 3/5A's they kind of remind me in their listening ease. Never fatiguing. As you and others have said, the customer service at CSS is awesome. I have emailed numerous times and have always received a detailed response within 24 hours. I only wish that CSS would bring out an even higher end model as I believe these guys really know what they are doing!

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

What do you gain with the additional mid of the MTM configuration over the 1TDX? I was looking at the 2TD-X MTM earlier today.

[@kerryarmes2786]

@@YouSoundButtHurt more midrange and bass clarity, higher sensitivity, and more output potential.

[@navinadv]

I agree. I wish CSS would address the more high end crowd with a few more high end models. I’d happily consider kits in the range of $1500-2000/pr for drivers and crossover. I bet such a kit would outperform commercial speakers costing twice as much.

[@Sparta155]

Some suggestions for upgrading: replace the Superior Z caps inline with the tweeter with Jantzen Alumen Z of the same value, bypassed with a high quality 10nf capacitor. Replace the cabling with for example Duelund tinned copper in cotton. Replace the resistors with Path Audio resistors. All this will give more resolution while keeping a pleasant tone.

[@fredfungalspore]

@@Sparta155 You seem to know alot regarding individual hi end crossover components..Do you know of any company that produces complete upgrade Crossover boards please...I have several vintage speakers that need to be upgraded unfortunately I do not have the knowledge to know what to replace the old boards with

[@gerryk3114]

I’ve had my Infinity QLS-1’s For over 45 Years and they Still Make Me Happy !!

[@Phloored]

I remember back in 89' or so, my work buddy who owned a recording studio offered me there opportunity to help him build two sets of dynaudio gemini's. I said yes but was freaking out that they would cost 800.00 in parts and we had to build our own cabinets! It took a lot of work sanding finishing soldering..... Enjoyed those speakers until 2021. They were so so sweet and i helped build em. The sound quality was tremendous too. I encourage anybody who wants a great sense of satisfaction to go for it. The value proposition is huge as well. 👍

[@navinadv]

Wow, I built a pair of Gemini (got the parts from Just Speakers or A&S speakers is Lacrosse Wisconsin) around 1989-90 too. I found they needed more bass in my set up so augmented them with a pair of subwoofers each using a pair of Peerless 831727 drivers.

[@longmuskox4194]

Get CSS to send you another kit of the X variant with the Superior - High-End Parts and especially the Baltic Birch. Take a router to the sharp edges, get Thujan to help, then finish them with an Amber Shellac Sealer from Home Depot or wherever. The Amber Shellac Sealer is important because Baltic Birch has trouble finishing neatly. Let them use the video for marketing purposes because your production level is outstanding. And most importantly, give the old pair to Thujan for helping.😏

[@JerryWDaviscom]

Baltic Birch, for sure.

[@edmarks3767]

Cannot wait for theGR research review

[@exif6839]

Crazy.

[@512bb]

Great review Jay & I don't doubt a single word you have said. One of the most common complaints that you hear about a manufacturer, especially from the diy community is they overcharge for their products. They fail to understand running a business is burdened with so many hidden costs & in the end everything is built to a price point, even a beautiful Sonus Faber. And in the end your Sonus Fabor is worth every penny, value is in the eye of the beholder. This CSS speaker has the footprint of the Trenner & Friedl Art speaker which sounds terrific & built like a tank. I will be building this kit as a Art clone, thank God I am a woodworker!

[@stubbsy451]

So glad I read this comment, that Trenner & Friedl is a work of art, especially with a black baffle.

[@Justwantahover]

I build speakers and if you veer away from the traditional box shape it immediately becomes an absolute nightmare to build. I don't blame builders of odd shaped enclosures for charging a lot. Imagine blob shape floor standing speakers made from tinted 2" thick resin. Expensive and hard to build but if you could build the kit into them and had classy binding posts and inner cable you could sell them for a lot. When you buy speakers like that you are paying for the cabinets, really. Or use the $5,000 Feastrex full range single driver and the best woofer you can get with it.

[@clarencehoover6748]

Beautiful crossover! The circuit board receiver for the crossover components is a great idea that other DIY kit providers should emulate.

[@4thewinir344]

I just finished my pair of 1TDX with the upgraded crossover. Yes it took me 7 evenings in my basement once I had collected all the tools and walnut veneer. I couldn’t be happier with the satisfaction of DIY, and their sound is a bonus. I hope you keep them, because I was worried after Cheapaudioman, Markonhifi and another reviewer all sold theirs or gave them away, oddly after excellent reviews... I don’t see myself parting with these. I Also own a pair of Lintons and these beat them hands down for le$$. They are fantastic. Watching your video was no surprise, and I have no regrets with spending the extra on the primo crossover! Great video and

[@freelancer1499]

Cos they are too ugly to have around lol.

[@rikardekvall3433]

As I understand with Cheapaudioman, so did he need to get the speakers out the house, because they sound so good, that it would ruin his speaker reviews. They sounded so much better. Cheaper and better, as his mantra.

[@2madamimadam290]

What a coincidence this video rolls the day I embark on building the 2TD-X towers. I keep hearing great things about the boutique crossover parts and what a difference it makes on these speakers. I can't wait to see what the fuss is all about with CSS. These are replacing Zaph Audio ZDT3.5 DIY. Woohoo. Thanks for the nice review and inspiration.

[@2madamimadam290]

I completed these and they sound great. Bass is low and firm, not sloppy. I'd agree with the reviewer circle that they lean slightly warm. They do have clear highs but they lean towards comfort rather than shrill on recordings that were problematic. Soundstage and off-axis is great. I have to go crouch by my center channel to confirm it's off for 2 channel listening. Instrument realism is better, violin, piano, cymbals etc.

[@mortimersnerd1348]

It's obvious you really are impressed with these speakers. I've been wanting to pickup a set of Bukhardt S400 MKII speakers. Could you compare the two? Would you still prefer these over the S400's?

[@sbgepe]

I have exact the same question

[@dommyap7763]

Same here! :D

[@pliedtka]

Bouchard uses SB17NRXC2 paper coned midwoofer, the S400 MK1 used very good alu cone also from SB. I have the old version of the SB17 paper cone midwoofers and I'm partial to it. Maybe the 17NRXC2 is really an improvement over the old paper but I haven't heard it. With CSS midwoofer bass distortions are better, impedance is 8ohm, so slightly less sensitive at the same voltage level. The CSS driver is IMO better build, has better and larger spider, magnet is bigger, bla, bla. So my choice as for bass unit would be CSS against SB. The tweeter in Bouchard is 3/4" in large waveguide, and the waveguide is a plus. However the CSS LD25X is a good one - I have the very old version. As for very fancy crossover parts, I really don't care, because they don't make the drivers behave any different. It's the proper crossover design and logical parts selection that integrates the pass bands of the drivers and makes them sing.

[@hendriksuryawan6924]

really like your review...especially for someone like me who wants high end audio but don'T to spend an arm and a leg...keep up the good work jay...

[@A----T]

I used to have Cremona Auditors yeras back. Tried so many different sets, heard tonns of setups. I miss that sound,. Appearance and finish matched it really well.

[@ianwood477]

Best video definitely. Pisses me off that cabinets are always square witch is the worst for reflections - and that the tuning is all or nothing - why don't the volumes and ports graduate from short to long frequency to avoid obvious harmonics?

[@JR-ho5qm]

Thanks Jay! I’m looking forward to your GR Reserch experience. The NX Oticas are also very good. I just wish someone would make a kit with driver finish rings. Seeing the woofer and tweeter screws is a huge pet peeve for me lol! 🔈👍🏻

[@tullskull]

Good Job Jay! Thanks for bringing attention to DIY. Such a valuable niche in the community of sound. Those crossovers are a thing of beauty! I think my next DIY will be the Elekit preamp which seems to have a lot of fans. Ever had a chance to hear it?

[@PhillioDoede]

FYI, if you can build the flat pack you can veneer, its not that hard. Spending a few hundred to get it done by a professional wood worker is a way to go but if you think you might build other kits the tools are pretty basic and the learning curve to get results like that on simple 'box' shape is pretty low so don't be intimidated by process.

[@souldigits_9545]

I am a side hustle woodworker and audiophile, can't wait to build custom cabinets for these!!

[@souldigits_9545]

Maybe even add some leather 😉

[@davybloggs1564]

I'm so glad you explaned where the centre image should be placed!! There was me thniking it should be over to one side!

[@allenh.7373]

Hopefully this is a prelude for building one of Danny's speakers. 👍 That would be DAEBAK! 🤣

[@jugobetrugo4168]

Good review, is it possibile to compare S400mk2 with this CSS audio? Thanks

[@darrendominix2219]

Hey Jay, as always spot on regarding your reviews. Just wondering what you think about Prima Luna as a amp? To me it seems to align with your preference but you haven't reviewed them.

[@undernature2799]

Dude your reviews are simply the realist I've heard on home systems. The simple upgrade feature of those should be acknowledged by every acoustical business 👍

[@carlitomelon4610]

Enjoyed the mature treatment of this review Jay. Even the enthusiastic & humorous description of soundstage detail presentation was tasteful. The speaker certainly looks well made with high quality parts. Danny Richey of GR research certainly couldn't call anything "cheezy"! I'd love to hear these at home based on your recommendation. 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵

[@damonoriente736]

Hi Jay, I just finished boiling the 1TDX (all upgrades) and I am thrilled. My previous system was a Devialet 220 Pro CI and Dali Epicon 2, and these speakers with a NAD M32 are amazing; the Devialet is better than the NAD, but the CSS is absolutely remarkable. My veneer adventure was not very successful (read, disappointing) but the sonics of this speaker are beyond expectations. I'll back up everything in your review. And thanks for the time and candor in your comparison comments. Cheers from Vancouver.

[@johnmarkzimm]

Thank you for this video. I liked it so much I sent an email to CSS to see if I could retrofit the x series into my old Paulk audio monitors. It was a Saturday so I expected to have to wait a few days for a response. Nope, they emailed me back. Thank you Dan. I am excited to try the 1TD-X with the crossover upgrade. And I also like that if I don’t like the sound of my Paulk box’s, I can buy the flat pack separately. Thank you for the video. I feel like I can not buy anything pre-made that comes close to this $1,174 cost.

[@michaelwright1602]

CSS is right down the street from me, literally only a few miles from the house... I thought of purchasing one of their kits, but then I found the KLH Model 5's... ;-) When CSS comes out with an old school cabinet speaker, I think I may be a buyer. And Jay, it is easy to veneer...

[@thomasschafer7268]

Expensive prices for the Chassis in Europa 1000€ 2tw.+2woof. And the crossover parts are available in every country. Or Alternatives. Must it be a 800v cap? Or are 600v types enough. Look the test from normal crossover to the upgrade Version.

[@robbeddenluck]

Thoughts on these vs the Buchardt S400 Mk2? Similar price range and application.

[@mikemarinkovich4817]

Very nice! The XOs look decent but you can get better stuff. All you have to do is measure the values. I recently replaced the $300 XOs in my Tekton Moabs with about $1300 worth of parts and OMG you wouldn’t believe the difference!

[@dextermorgan1]

I've been thinking about doing this to my Revel F 206's but I have zero SIY or saudering skills. I'd have to buy the parts and then find someone qualified to build the new X overs. They're brand new speakers so ruining them isn't part of my plan. Any suggestions on who I could get to build them? I think I could install them myself(I think)

[@chinmeysway]

If they had ability to grow plants in them and make toast and espresso then it’d be still a rip off

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Really nice deep dive on this comparison.

[@briansimmons5363]

I have the 1tdx but not the superior XO, i did upgrade the caps though. I also have the GR Research encores in the mid-tower version and the latest Elac Unifi. My thoughts on all of these are on my build logs on youtube so not going to repeat that here. In a nutshell, these are fantastic.

[@dr.noname6602]

can you do a measurement in rew and show some graph of a sweep ?

[@JerryWDaviscom]

OK dude, you got my attention. I'm looking at the kits.

[@charlesclifton1006]

Excellent, I don't even want to call this a review nor an endorsement ... for a DIYer this is beyond music to my ears. I'll call this a "sonic knowledge windfall". I love it that someone earlier compared this up-graded cross-over to the new c/o for the Buchardt S400 Mark 2s and suggested it may be on that level. I wouldn't know but with the up-graded parts version for this speaker - I am certain CSS is intending the same cross-over state of quality as Buchardt. Now, this speaker is rated at 87Db and I also notice you powered these with a Decware (Mystery Amp) or version thereof. Now that's quite a piece of kit and should be for 6,000.00 USD. I am looking at one of Steve's more modest creations but coupled with a pre-amp of considerable quality. The Solid Steel speaker stands ... very nice but I am trying to determine if they are the S-7s @ 28.5 inches in height or the S6s @ 24.6"? I had NO idea that CSS had added this up-graded version and without this video would probably have not known. This video truly demonstrates the value of these reviews or in this case, a bringing forth of new and valuable (new) information forth on a level slightly beyond the norm Thank you Jay .... very exciting.

[@TTTzzzz]

I've got a pair of 30 year old Sonus Faber Electas with original stands. The looks are time proof. Not a shoe box but a sculpture. I do want t upgrade their innards. Any ideas?

[@tthedon2471]

probably the best video you made so far

[@jasonbennett499]

The crossover is the key to top performance, ever since I finished the build in flat black I have enjoyed pairing with different gear to drive them.

[@Mikeymikemike]

If only CSS can make metal or plastic rings that cover those screws on the drivers for a high end look. It would cost very little to produce and could be sold as an extra! 😀

[@lyons.5344]

Love the review! When is the review on your GR Research Order Kit?

[@Temmple]

If you ever sell your pair Jay let me know. Love the veneer work on your pair.

[@cliffordpurk18]

New sub here. I really enjoyed this video, man. You're honest, and very knowledgeable. I really want to build an audio system myself. I want to use car speakers though. Unconventional, I know, but, it's different, and it can be done clean, and classy, and have great audio. Gonna be tough, and idk if it's gonna work out or not lol. Doing my research though but if not, I'll go another route with an 8 ohm system. I'm wanting the 4 ohm system is why I'm also doing it. Thank you for the video, and all the hard work you put in all this!

[@goodsound4756]

1TD-X fully finished with superior X-over is $2349.- which is about the same as a Buchardt S400 mk2. Which will perform better?

[@bigjay1970]

😬

[@nurhandrio]

I am curious how these speakers fare compared to the legendary Philharmonic Audio's BMR monitors ($1,700 for rectangular cabinet and $1,900 curved cabinet, all fully built)...

[@sagadust-1079]

Hey Jay, Great video, Cool to see more DIY audio videos here :).

[@epi2045]

Thank goodness they have finished speakers. I’d easily F it up.

[@MsCorbacho]

Beautiful crossover , simple and easy arranged with few components .

[@robertwang7825]

I have been thinking of something simpler, using LiiAudio’s single driver , no crossover , open baffle speaker. Their 10 inch silver line driver is not cheap - US1k/pr. but super sensitive around 94dB and then build a solid wood open baffle ( Betsy ) with some height and tilt adjustments. I think it wld pair very well with my Willsenton R800i with rolled tubes. Maybe at end of the yr.

[@docart4159]

This is a great video I recently put my vintage stereo back together and I want to build some speakers my main concern was the cross-over now I know what to do I'm going to look into CSS for the cross-over and driver's thank you very much ...

[@samuelsalins8309]

"Tweeter twist" great 👍job.

[@andrefortune8278]

These vs buchardt would be interesting comparison really on the fence 😭

[@danielesbordone1871]

Never buy already made speakers , build your own.

[@thomasmleahy6218]

​​@@trigjones Mr Kloss is somewhere smiling, no doubt. And just how many miles did he have on his (Volvo?) car ?

[@tedkay5272]

😂😂😂

[@NeverCryWolf64]

Hey everyone. What about building the tower version? I need good base, and don't want a sub. Any thoughts? I appreciate your help.

[@favorit601]

Great! But please change the xyz-direction of one of the two coils on the crossover. Even with some 15cm cm center-center (and because you use pretty expensive components for the ONE difference), the magnetic fields of the coils interact. One of the two coils should be 90deg tilted (eg. x-axis becomes a z-axis) in direction.

[@danashay]

Another peerless video Jay, thanks so much for sharing! Please carry on!

[@maxcorrea9334]

The wood veneer that you used in your CSS is spectacular.

[@twistyflorahifiaudio8741]

OK. Right now. USD. For the Pair. Klipsch RP-8000f is $798. KLH Model 5 is $1599. Polk Reserve R700 is 2199. Which pair of speakers should get my money?

[@angelolopez1384]

Burchard s400 MKII vs this speckers... Who win? Both speakers have a good price for the sound response.

[@ii1825]

I've been thinking about building this kit for a while. How do you think they would pair with a Wilsenton R8 tube amp? My R8 is currently running my Klipsch LaScalas.

[@creampuff442]

I would enjoy hearing the results of you having a blind audition of all of the speakers to which you refer.

[@fullsendmarinedarwin7244]

I have the car audio version of the LD25 with the XBL^2 technology, I'm shocked these aren't more popular, they are incredible tweeters , better than scanspeak 100%

[@2kdesignstudios72]

You love your imaging and transparency.

[@Morido-1]

These or the Buchardt s400mk2 ?

[@cobar5334]

DIY is so satisfying. Those that I have made sound much better that a purchased equivalent and making them is great fun

[@johnlindley3622]

Are you really getting the GR Research kit speakers what a great comparison am really looking forward to your opinion

[@theoracleprodigy]

CSS gets a lot of love lately. I have a css sdx 12 subwoofer. That thing puts out some nice clean sound for sure. Even so I wonder if any reviewers will ever put together higher end kits with scan speak? I've had a scam speak kit for almost a decade from madisound. It's one amazing kit with some of the best sound you'll ever hear. Ironic enough though I just replaced that kit with some focals. Got a steal for a set of 1038 be and couldn't pass it up. In areas though I think my diy kit was better but the focal really is the whole package.

[@jonathanchau-chiu2893]

I've had my 1TD for almost a year now after watching your first video about them, and I have been enjoying them every day since! I loved customizing my speakers myself so that it would match my room aesthetic. So thank you for the recommendation! Do you know if CSS Audio sent you the standard or superior crossover upgrade? I think I saw you had Jantzen audio parts on your crossover in the video, which is the superior crossover, and that costs $680. Do you think the sound quality difference is worth that cost seeing that the speakers alone costed close to that much? Thanks again for all the quality content!

[@Jayiyagi]

Hey. I answer this in the video :)

[@kerryarmes2786]

It’s the Superior. The cost is $400 at the time of purchase of the original kit and $450 later.

[@jonathanchau-chiu2893]

@@kerryarmes2786 Ah okay thank you! I got it confused because I was looking at the 1TD to 1TD-X conversion kit with superior option since both him and I started with the 1TD. Do you guys have a trade in deal or anything or what would you suggest I do with my 1TD parts if I choose to upgrade?

[@pliedtka]

Better caps are only worthwhile in the tweeter section, higher gauge coils in woofer section will make just slightly fuller, warmer. To me very expensive parts don't make change the sound to justify the cost.

[@tonezou3918]

I want to pay a professional painter to paint some art on mine

[@daniwalmsley611]

Hey so if you want to improve the look of your speakers but don't have the skill to vaneer yourself they do offer a baltic birch plywood flatpack that you can just apply a stain to and you'll have great looking speakers. Or you can buy black 2.0 and with some high gloss varnish get a wonderful piano black look, again very accessible, very achievable and durable finish

[@deadred80]

I personally orefer the suttle highs from a soft dome tweeter to the what I consider harsh highs from a horn or peizo driver . For instance I have never been a fan of klipsch speakers for that very reason . I worked at bestbuy amd they would crank thos soeakers up andbit would give me headaches andbcause my ears to ring all day .

[@steveanderson4515]

Excellent and painfully honest, for some, review!

[@danu6718]

I am impressed. Excellent show Jay.

[@exif6839]

The Bass driver is very similar to the wavecor WF182BD10. And this driver is one of the best bass midrange drivers available today. I’m using a smaller variant, the WF152BD06 in my Heissmann Acoustic DXT-MON speakers. And they sound very fine but lacking some deep bass. Therefore a subwoofer is in operation (relatively old Visaton TIW250 in 40 Liter closed cabinet, active driven). 😁

[@marcgabor9690]

You don't pay a premium for durability or how many decades a speaker will "last", you pay for premium design, fit, and finish. You pay to have a speaker that looks at home in a luxury condo or next to a $20k couch and designer coffee table or whatever. That's not a knock on premium materials that serve no function. Design and aesthetics are extremely important and at the higher price points, speakers have to compete with some very high end furniture designers. MDF and plastic last just as long as exotic wood and leather. Of course at some point you're going to have to replace some old caps or maybe redo the surrounds, but that's at any price. If you put a $300 pair of Polks or whatever on stands and just leave them there playing music at 75db for the next 40 years, I bet they'll still be playing music and look (and sound) pretty much the same. My JBL L112s were handed down to me, making them second generation. They are nearly 40 years old and sound great. If I hadn't banged them up every time I've moved them from one place to another, in an out of storage, etc.. they'd still look new. JBL made them out of cheap MDF (and decent veneer) with crappy plastic speaker terminals and a cheap x-over and yet the speakers haven't turned into sand or anything.

[@getdealtwithquick]

I had a chance to listen to the $7K Dynaudio Heritage bookshelfs last weekend. Absolutely blew me away. The driver and tweeter in that thing are incredible. The insanely clean bass extension down was so good, I actually got up to check that there wasn't a sub connected. The tweeter? Ridiculous. Was it better than the $8K ATC and $12K Revel beryllium driver towers I listened to after? Not to me but that was because they were "bigger", 3-way systems that I prefer. Point being: CSS needs to come out with a 3-way tower.

[@B.A.Bassangler]

I think the DIY's look better, great job. Give veneering a try, it's not that bad. Contact glue, and a couple razor type trimming tools, and BAM...you're a PRO!

[@SheetzChills]

Get in there mate........ Great to see you rolling your sleeves up and building something........ Seeing what guess into a build and making it your own....... Just goes to show that a lot of money from the big wigs goes into R&D and marketing !!!!

[@11busc]

Hi Jay, I hope CSS sends you the tower version for a review! I feel safer with a floor-stander in California. Great review, thanks!

[@markhampton7559]

Now the obvious question is how is your new Sonus Faber Maxima Amator Home Audio Speakers vs the CSS Criton 2TD-X Tower speakers. And yes, CSS should send you a fully finished Criton 2TD-X Tower speakers with upgraded crossovers for free. You honesty, and candid review of the 1TDX has earned it. I appreciate your dedication to your viewers. If I could "LIKE" this review a hundred times, I would.

[@Thomannfamily.]

They should, after seeing this, I'm going for it with upgrades.

[@Zach_Routhier]

While I recognize that everyone is different and has different tastes. I think getting a used pair of Devore O/96's for

[@rickshort5569]

Thanks for the video. Wow . This company is going to love you for this. 😍

[@mcjonner]

How do these compare to the buchardts? Appreciate the video and effort you put into this. I'm planning on buying a set of these one of these days and looking forward to it

[@Jayiyagi]

Actually, you can probably draw that conclusion if you watch all 3 videos for sonus faber, buchardt and the css audio that I just did BUT I may make a 2 way or 3 way comparison at some point. Similar but different in key ways...

[@mazdef2001]

Keen to hear your thoughts on the Ojas DIY speaker/horn kit. Just built it myself and sounds phenomenal

[@b1rd317]

I discovered your channel a few days ago. I'm watching every single video you've ever uploaded

[@chrhadden]

if they are better than the focal set i had installed in my truck then that is saying something because they are mind blowing.

[@terrychaput9211]

So you're saying there is no need to go to Audio Excellence and spend a ton of money on Wilsons???? Thanks for the honest advice.

[@Badr-2360]

Still awaiting your review of the denafrips apollo.

[@wiebl5266]

What has been stated here is an exaggeration. I have the CSS 1tdx, assembled by a professional, and compared to the GR Research Xls Encore, there's no comparison. No, it is not inferior, but it is not what Jay have said it. In terms of spaciusness and layers of music, the difference is clear. Of course everything is subjective, your experience is not mine, and mine not yours. So I'm subjectively sharing my experience for people to take Jay's description with a pinch of salt.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

I like things that I can build, fix, and upgrade. CSS audio, good kit!

[@Fine_art_aerial]

Dope video!! I built a pair of hivi 3.1a couple years ago and absolutely love them.. Looking for another build.. Have you ever heard the hivi 3.1's?? Just wondering how these compare

[@ichigobankai2343]

This is why most people are going the DIY route because it cost way cheaper for the same or better quality of sound.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Old man Texas is laughing at this 💀

[@svbarr]

Your jokes reminded me of a Faux Brand we created back in the day. In the 70's-80's hi fi stereo was like computers or video games are today. NERD BOYS lusted after them , and argued about what little tweak would improve sound, etc. I worked for Pacific Stereo which was huge on the West Coast. Stores and regions competed against each other and sales figures were published with bragging rights for the top stores. I worked in Santa Monica which was consistently the number one or two store in the company. A bad month meant we fell to number three. We had a house brand called CONCEPT. Basically a pretty decent bulked up group of receivers made by Tandy in Japan. Slightly better than mid fi -- but built built like a tank. We had these sales meetings that were rah rah almost like an Amway convention. Lots of bragging and BS testosterone, etc... They'd rent a hall and cram about 400 salespeople inside. About 360 were men under the age of 45 - very few female or older sales people. Bruce Hoch, an older salesman and a born class clown came up with the complete BS product only available at the flagship store - our store. It was the new ultra hi end house brand - called the SCHNEERMAN 10K. Yup it was a receiver with 10,000 watts rms power at .02 distortion. So we got this huge box and had our store tech solder together a bunch of wires and diodes and burned out parts and we created this mock up. The ruse was so good that maybe a third of the people at this yearly meeting thought the thing was legit. We kept a velvet cover on and explained we couldn't crank it up "for legal reasons". Funny stuff. So now Jay you need to create a faux loudspeaker made with Iguana testicles and Bat wing cones - a speaker that can be driven with 2 watts but can reach an SPL of 145 decibels with super low distortion and a frequency response of 19-31K plus or minus 1 db. Bring it to an audio show 0r better yet create a detailed FAKE video and run the video APRIL FIRST...lol

[@hatbpto5180]

Thanks for this video. Ima build me some speakers.

[@ianorigbo7617]

Loving your honest reviews. ✌️

[@jonathansun5561]

Little late to this party but looks amazing! Congrats Jay

[@seantruong4010]

I honestly think you are speaking from your heart. If your speakers are so good, try selling to Audiophile people, see what the response are, making speakers are not as easy as you say. Can’t talk from the heart!!

[@davekallerae5672]

Imagine having that Criton speaker with the a Ribbon tweeter and even better crossover. Or even a floor standing version.😮😯.