Should we bow down to the King of Kit Speakers? - The CSS Criton 1TDX Review - Mind Blown

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[bruceandt]

Easily the most comprehensive and natural review I’ve heard. I good reviewer must be perceived to be honest. At truly great reviewer is considered honest. That’s the impression I got from your break down.
Your review is fair and articulate in all of your evaluations. It was fluid and very easy to both listen to and understand. You kept me into the review.

[Felicianov]

Me wants ITDX! Great review Randy. It’s always nice to see you glow with these types of reviews.

[chandlerlofton]

I just completed the CSS Torri a couple weeks ago. They are spooky good. I’ve never heard anything like them and they are a $275 kit! I now have to know what the Criton 1TDX sounds like. I just hope my 60 watt Emotiva integrated is up to the task.

[fletchermunson]

CSS now sells completed 1TD and 1TDX for $1749 and $1999, respectively. Add $350 for the enhanced crossover. Are they worth it? I'd say so. I bought a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 20s on an open box for $1600. These are $2200 speakers. I like the Critons, the 1TD version with upgraded crossover, better than the Evokes. I'm in the process of upgrading to the X version now. I have a 15 x17 room and have to have the speakers close to the wall, Foam plugs in the ports help with bass issues. I sit low compared to the speakers so I tried them upside down. Again the bass bloom was helped. Love these speakers. You don't have to go crazy, just start out with the base models and you will have a fine speaker. Sand them, seal them and spray paint semi gloss or matte black, if you don't want deal with veneer. A friend built a kit speaker and had a local auto body shop prime and paint his speakers for a couple hundred dollars.

[billywindsock]

I bought a tin of Chicken Falcon Hawks Plutonium 24, 000 years ago. When I opened it yesterday it was half empty😮

[LawnDrt]

Another good bass song for consideration. Alison Krauss and Union Station Live: Forget about it starting at 1:11. It is an electric upright bass.

[michaellindauer]

Randy, I just found your channel and have been binging for a week. I love your style and your no-nonsense reviews.
I’ll keep searching, but I’d like to see reviews of subwoofers you continually refer to, and reviews of Tekton and Zu speakers. I think their reputed value would fit your theme.

[MikeDS]

I see what you're saying, if you can eliminate the distribution channels and easily convert any of your free time into money, or your time is limited. But for me without a side gig, my non-work time costs me nothing. The fact that I'm having fun building the speaker is like saving more money (as opposed to paying to be entertained for that period of time). Also, I cannot buy most speakers without the distribution channels. As I only have a limited budget + free time to end up with a speaker, it comes down the the maximum speaker I can get for that (and where my free time is worthless when buying a pre-made speaker). I can definitely compare a kit to a pre-made speaker dollar for dollar or bang-for-buck. If 1TD-X sonically compares to a much more expensive pre-made speaker which is outside my budget, I can really only buy the kit (which I will likely do!) or settle for a not nearly as well performing speaker. For others, their time is very limited and have access to a larger budget, this comparison may not work.

[autoaudio]

I bow down to my 2TDXs often.. or more sit up at ear level. Fantastic speaker. I often stay up too late because I can't pull away from listening to them.

[KillerKlipsch]

I love coming home after a hard day of work and binge watching Randy.... Just the best!

[vicweast]

Good and intelligent review. You know what you are hearing, and why it sounds like that. ...Nice job, I'll consider building a pair!

[ChandlerLofton]

I finally bought this kit with the good crossover! I’m in the building phase right now. Got the enclosures and crossovers done. Now time for rosewood veneer! Can’t wait to hear these things.

[mojoneko]

I have a pair of the CSS Criton 2TDX tower speaker components with superior crossovers on the way (just shipped). I didn't order the flat pack. I am building the cabinets from 3/4" Red Oak instead. I am currently building the Elekit TU-8600S 300B tube amplifier with Lundahl output transformers I recently bought to pair with the speakers. I am waiting for the upgraded resisters and coupling capacitors I ordered to finish it. I ordered a iFi Zen One Signature DAC based on your review of it. I hope you didn't lead me astray! Now all I need is a pre-amp...Thanks for the video! : )

[victorvannatter]

I "liked" your video as soon as you finished your add! Probably my favorite part of your channel

[bjwal]

Great review, really thorough and objective with just enough subjectivity to be fun.

These are locked in as my next speakers. The benefits of building something (very good by all accounts) yourself and the sense of pride and ownership experience that creates, far out ways the risks of not being able to audition. Also, it becomes a project, and turns an ultimately passive hobby into a slightly more active one.

Thanks randy

[ginom]

Sounds like these speakers could Be the ones! Great Review👍👍👍

[wingnutbert]

??? In addition to my reply to the comment from a year ago asking about hard rock/metal through these. 2 things:
-When you say "away from the wall" how far are you meaning? And is this distance the same if in a corner of the room?
-Also, small room? Is there a standard size range for a "small" ( also medium and large) room when talking in the audio realm? And if not, could you give an approx. sq. footage of what you are meaning?
Thanks very much! I'm enjoying your reviews. I haven't a big budget but I have a wood shop and am comfortable building cab's. The electronics are a bit much for my very dyslexic brain to muscle through, but if given the right visuals and instructions, the hand skills aren't an issue.
Best regards,
Bert

[KingWilliamProtector]

Love all your vids my man. Keep up the good work

[JohnScheppler]

The veneer you put on these looks better than most speakers and sounds like they are worth every penny. Effortless sound stage with detail is an end game speaker. Can't wait for these to show up on my door step 😉😉

[SSStroger]

Alanis was my first concert ever. Crash Test Dummies opened and sang Hit Me Baby One More Time. Good first show.