He Didn't Believe This DIY Speaker Can DESTROY Expensive Audiophile Speakers
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- Опубликовано: 6 ноя 2024
- CSS Audio 1TDX is a REAL High-End DIY Speakers That You Can EASILY BUILD For Your Home Audio. True High-End Audiophile Speakers That You Can Build For Fraction Of The Cost.
Follow up to this video:
I Built A DIY Speaker That DESTROY Expensive Audiophile Speakers (CSS 1TDX review): • This Time... I Built A...
Finished Speakers (If You Don't Want To Build It Yourself):
CSS Audio 1TDX: www.css-audio....
KITS (Build It Yourself):
CSS Audio 1TDX Kit: www.css-audio....
Original CSS Audio 1TD Kit: www.css-audio....
UPGRADES & PARTS:
Bought the 1TD? Upgrade to 1TDX: www.css-audio....
1TDX Flat pack (cabinet): www.css-audio....
LD25X Tweeter: www.css-audio....
LOW7 Woofer: www.css-audio....
Related Videos:
Css Audio Criton 1TD DIY speaker review: • The Best Speaker Award...
Building the Speakers (same thing for 1TDX): • Building a DIY speaker...
Why I Might BUY These - Sonus Faber Electa Amator III High-end Speakers: • Why I Might BUY These ...
The ALL NEW Sonus Faber Speaker And Why I'm Buying It For My Home Audio System: • The ALL NEW Sonus Fabe...
Inside the minds of DIY audiophile speaker geniuses ! (Interview): • Inside the minds of DI...
CSS P215 Bookshelf Speaker Review ! This speaker gave me a chill down my spine: • CSS P215 Bookshelf Spe...
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Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/...
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acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
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my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
#hifi #audiophile #diyspeaker
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
Follow up to this video:
I Built A DIY Speaker That DESTROY Expensive Audiophile Speakers (CSS 1TDX review): ruclips.net/video/MbksuZdrdV8/видео.html
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:
I Built A DIY Speaker That DESTROY Expensive Audiophile Speakers (CSS 1TDX review): ruclips.net/video/MbksuZdrdV8/видео.html
Css Audio Criton 1TD DIY speaker review: ruclips.net/video/i4w-aweNg9o/видео.html
Building the Speakers (same thing for 1TDX): ruclips.net/video/rAxm_aOjLhA/видео.html
Why I Might BUY These - Sonus Faber Electa Amator III High-end Speakers: ruclips.net/video/yYIAWzSh1pQ/видео.html
The ALL NEW Sonus Faber Speaker And Why I'm Buying It For My Home Audio System: ruclips.net/video/raBihcmADDg/видео.html
Inside the minds of DIY audiophile speaker geniuses ! (Interview): ruclips.net/video/GPtucV0O4PY/видео.html
CSS P215 Bookshelf Speaker Review ! This speaker gave me a chill down my spine: ruclips.net/video/RCDB9XYjUVI/видео.html
You do realise even top end speakers 3 decades old at £2000 like the Jamo Concert 8's used top-end Magnesium Seas Excel drivers, its impossible for you to beat that using cheaper drivers, or what about those high end speakers using Ribbon Tweeters? Sure you can DIY better speakers, but its better to buy drivers and build your own crossovers then pay for overpriced kits that offer ok sound. Sonus Faber mm, I think they spend the money on their fancy real wood and leather cabinets then sound.
True. However, not everyone wants great sounding speaker that looks like it came from a back ally trash can. Not everyone can build their crossovers.@@engjds
Jay, this is probably the most revolutionary hifi review I have encountered on RUclips so far. You are brave to admit that these $2000 (when fully furnished) speakers equal the sound produced by 10K speakers. More A/B tests please.
During COVID about a year ago today, 5/5/2021, I built this kit from CSS Audio. I have not done the upgrade yet but plan too. I knew I had something special. Even if the CSS kit costed north of 3K they would still be worth their weight in gold. So glad to see this “A/B” test and your previous video comparison. You’re not wrong. ;-). Love your honesty and easy to watch reviews. Keep up the good work!
costed is not a word.
dang 3k without upgraded crossover? What type of finish did you go with? I currently have a 1tdx in matte white, thinking about veneering them though.
Well done Jay! I like the direction you are taking your channel by making real world comparisons on speaker’s regardless of price point. At the beginning of the video when you start out by pointing out technically DIY X-over was superior to the Sonus Faber, I thought you were going to back track on your first video assessment. But you did not, and continued to evaluate and show the differences between the two speakers, which I think speaks volumes about your honesty when evaluating stereo gear. And at the same time showing respect for Sonus Faber without bashing them is a very fine line but you did it gracefully.
Jay keep these Criton vids coming!! I just finished my 1TDX (with +xover) and as happy as I am with the looks and sound, watching you compare them to $10k speakers makes me even happier!!! I mean, I thought they were competing with 3-4k range, but knowing your experience with higher end gear, I feel pretty satisfied that I can slow down with worrying about my gear and finally start ENJOYING THE MUSIC. Thanks again for exposing the secret value of DIY to the masses!
I have been singing the praises of DIY speakers for about 15 years.
And it has only gotten better, and easier, over the years. Especially with the advent of less expensive CNC machines, and the growing proliferation of flat packs, people don't even need to have any wood working skills whatsoever.
There are also plenty of designers out there, that rival designers for major audiophile companies.
Besides these CSS, there are designs by: Danny Ritchie, the late Jeff Bagby, Troels Graveson, the team of Curt Campbell and Jim Holtz, Dennis Murphy, Javad Shadzi, and others producing world class speakers that come as kits.
I have built about 6 kits in the last 10 or so years, and everyone of them ends up sounding at least as good as a commercially available completed speaker that would cost 5X as much, and that's being conservative.
My current Jeff Bagby designed Auricle speakers and Bagby's woofer modules, cost me a total of about $2500, and they easily top speakers that would cost $12K.
Jay, sorry to muddy the water. But, I think you could get a little bit more out of the CSS 1TDX kit, if you: 1. took the white secondary dielectric sheathing off of the speaker wire inside, to reduce the capacitance, and add more openness and transparency. 2. Solder the speaker wire leads to the drivers instead of the slide-on leads. Use a good Audio grade solder, like WONDER-SOLDER. 3. Might help to create a thin BLUE TACK band around where the drivers screw in, to improve the vibration dampening of the drivers. Just a thought...
Hey Mark. Thank you for the comment. Appreciate it.
You bet I am going to do all those things and even more on these bad boys at one point (and make a video about it)
but I had to test them how they would start off first ! or... it would become a little too irrelevant for others as not all people are willing to do all the mods I will be doing soon
I soldered all the push-on connections on my B&W Matrix 805 speakers. It made an audible difference(positive). I also used Blu Tack between the speakers and speaker stands. That, also, made a difference(cleaner, tighter, more focused).
@@Jayiyagi You were exactly right to test and show the CSS 1TDX kit as it comes and is executed. No doubt that was the correct decision. Then show what is possible later.
I just built a set of Critons to Jay’s spec. I’ll be very interested in what upgrades are possible to this already boutique crossover.
Good tips, Mark, thanks! I'm going to build a set of these soon and this will help.
Really impressed! The build quality of CSS is amazing! Glad I found your channel.
You guys have a great dynamic together. I enjoy when Tugen is in your videos 👍.
this was fun. I've built he 1TD-X's and was so impressed I've ordered the 2 TDX's. Building them now. Powering them with the AVA Super PAS 3 preamp and 2 ACA Pass class A amps. Sounds really nice but volume is limited. I need more POWER!
Surprised y’all didn’t compare to the KLH 5’s!! Any thoughts?
What an inspirational video …….
I saw it, I bought it, build it ……….and men ………
Blown away …….just one question please
What are those stands you got the DIY on ……
They look great and I imagine the do a perfect job in decoupling the speaker …….
Not sure if it’s needed but still ……
Thanks ……
I'm glad that you discovered what I did in the 90's.I got so tired of spending high dollars on high end floor standing dynamic speakers,that I decided to design my own! No.1 Rule: Large floor standing dynamic speakers are never right!! Too many variables to deal with! That always pissed me off! Especially because they were expensive! I started upgrading Apogee speakers, AR, Magnapans,JBL,ALTEC,,and my favorite go to speakers, British Two Way Stand Mounted Speakers! My Goal: to design a 6 1/2" two way dynamic speaker that would equal the Incredible Midrange/Transparency of the Quad ESL57!.my Tube Amp Designing friend laughed at me, because he was the only tech certified to rebuild the ESL 57's in the Northeast Ohio area! After a 1 1/2 yr development time,I was done.he came over to listen,but said he could only stay a half hour, but he stayed for 4hrs and,I noticed tears coming down his cheeks during certain passages.i hit the nail on the head! I did it!( Total seamlessness, intense amount of musical information,huge REALISTIC soundstage!) Not the B.S. recessed soundstage that anal audiophile families tolerate.
Well done, Jay. I appreciate you bringing this speaker to light and doing an A-B comparison. It seems you think about and judge audio equipment in exactly the same way that we the viewers do. I look forward to more of your videos.
I just ordered a finished pair. I'm extremely excited. After I heard your reviews for the Sonus Faber I was thinking how on earth will I ever be able to afford these even though I wanted them so much. Problem sorted. I love your reviews. Great work Jay.
Two great friend have a great time….. Awesome. Nothing like two friends chopping it up and having a little debate.
Just found this video. Now I'll have to go DIY now! I assume tone on this is great as well. DIY challenging if you haven't done this before ..
I'm in the middle of a CSS 12" sealed box subwoofer build. It's a fun project. I sure hope it turns out because the bad part about DIY is the resale value 😉
Would I be better to get these or something like KLH Model 5 I’m little confused on what would be better since you said those were debak under $2k
Incredible, I found your channel yesterday and love your honesty and knowledge. I did look up css and literally the parts cost more than my entire speaker! But I have been on a quest to better what I have and wondered if you have a suggestion. I have Paradigm Monitor series 5.1.2 and have been trying to figure out if changing the drivers and crossovers would be more cost effective than buying new. I was eyeing the Arendal 1723s series but I am struggling with price(I understand they don't seem that expensive but they are to me) I recently got the NAD T778 and after that purchase my wife cut me off🤣🤣🤣🤣😢.
Almost forgot, I just want to switch out the; SE Atom bookshelves, SE 2000c,and SE 3000f
Remember the cheap Sony's mind blowing experience? Just more proof a lot of high end audio is just a lot of hype, which many pay dearly for. Good video!
It is a way of selling well finished wood cabinets with mid-tech electronics in them - at the price of a used car. That’s why so many manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon. Sooo, sooo many.
When comparing the speakers like that, shouldn't they be positioned like AB - AB instead of AB - BA?
Distance between speakers is more important to the sound then if they're a bit left or right.
hey, thank you for the comment. like I said in the video; not a scientific or accurate test but just having some fun.
But rest assured, it was pretty fair game.
Sold hifi for 30 years, you're right, you always stagger not mirror. We also listened first, if one pair liked to be farther apart, different height (forward/back lean or azimuth) or toed in differently we'd adjust accordingly. Dead silent room, lights off and dead sober (at least until opinions were formed then it was pizza & party time). This is a great way to get an idea of character, is it warm, bright clinical etc.... Is it amp sensitive, a power pig or music sensitive, that kind of thing. My favorite was to try different electronics.
🤗😎 JAY …WE LOVE ❤️ BLIND A / B TESTS …and letting us watch and showing..IT IS THE BEST TIME TO BE STARTING THE HOBBY / ADDICTION 😁😍😍😍
DIY speakers have their pros and cons just like any other speaker
Healthy debate between two friends who love audio.
Man I can’t wait to order and build a pair. Thankfully I have access to a serious woodworker as a friend to help out with the cabinets. Great review and I appreciate you sharing your journey. I built a budget friendly system partially based off yours and others reviews. Have fun in Texas
I'm really not that surprised here. Does it mean the Criton's are just that good and a steal for the price? Maybe, but maybe not. I think this shows how differences in hifi between gear at a certain point is often a bit more on the subtle side. Some people won't agree with that. A case in point, similar to this, is I own a pair of $700 Elac UniFi UB52 stand mount speakers (which I admit do have a couple mods - cabinet damping and binding posts) and I own a pair of $3,500 Usher Dancer Mini-X stand mounts. Do the Usher's kill the Elac's? Not at all. Are they better? Yes, but not by a mile. However, they are absolutely gorgeous to look at (like your Sonus Faber's) and so they are worth it to me to keep them.
Thank you for the comment! I absolutely agree.
I think you are referring to diminishing returns (especially when it comes to pure performance) - which absolutely do exists
I've got the ub52 did dampening the cabinet help out? Also what's up with binding posts I see they can get expensive e.g. wbt do you notice improvement there too?
I like the ub but I don't rock them all that much. I find their tonality, not their response or performance, to be little less than .. you guessed it. Some sonus faber lol .. but they rock and I got em for $479 on a sale. Love em at that price
I appreciate your honesty. even When it is in conflict with personal feelings.
Well done guys ! I love this video !
Close your eyes, believe your hears, and just enjoy the music...! 😊
I believe you for two reasons:
1) You were having kittens over the Sony's Fabers, saying that they are "better" than real live sound etc. So you had NO BIAS against the SF speakers.
2) I have fairly expensive (B&W 706) reference speakers for my speaker building hobby. Even though I use the B&Ws for reference, I can still make my speakers absolutely smoke my reference speakers. Just a simple piano test will show that.
So I believe you!
I thought you were high when you did the last video. Haha! I just followed Paul’s (PS Audio) advice by moving one speaker a few inches closer to the other one and it gave me more mid bass where they sound right finally after being a disappointment. They are the Heco Revolution 3. Other bookshelves I’ve heard in this 17 by14 room, listening to the long wall are Klipsch rp160 and JBL 530. Kinda same issue. Rather hear my Canto Vento 7 towers but I wanted to give the Hecos a chance. Simply moving the speakers closer together improved the mid bass. The deeper bass was already there. You guys are entertaining.
I've thought about having these built. Very intriguing. Hopefully I get to hear these.
You are totally cool Jay. Wow. I love these.
There is a reason why DIY has a strong, but niche, following.
DIY has the *potential* to crush almost anything on the market, for one simple reason: It does not (necessarily) have to meet a price point.
Having said that, there are different levels of DIY, depending on who can be arsed to do how much, or has the time, tools, and skills.
That's why it's important to specify that it's a 'potential' situation.
Amazing video Jay, I've always found that A/B tests on myself and friends to be very interesting
Interesting result. Re: having two speakers side by side: LINN Products in the 1980's and 90's were always advocating for single speaker dems because the sound field of the playing speaker will activate resonances in the non playing speake which will reradiate those frequencies and colour the sound you're hearing, but admittedly to make a quick switch possible in an A:B as here, you pretty much need to do it as you did. otherwise the speaker swap would take too long and would be more challenging to keep the listener(s) unaware of which speaker is playing next.
Thanks for the comparison. But how can you possibly evaluate things like imaging, mid-range performance, etc. with the speakers set up next to each other and one insightly in front of the other? Perhaps if one were above the other and both optimally angled at your ears. Justice thought...
hey, thank you for the comment. like I said in the video; not a scientific or accurate test but just having some fun.
But rest assured, it was pretty fair game.
@@Jayiyagi Thank you, Jay. Perhaps a thought for next time.
Well said.There is in theory a wall placed beside the speaker if the pictured image is true.
The speaker placed in the rear would have its sound significantly distorted.
Similar budget, this CSS 1TDx (Superior crossover) vs. Gr-Research X-Statik kit shootout please!
A/B'ing is the only way. Excellent video!
How about...better or on par with the Maximas? Close? I might just save a few bucks, was going to order the SF's!! Thinking you just saved me a little cash...thank you!
Well. Don't be mistaken. There is no replacing the Sonus Faber aesthetics or their sound (tone). But if you want to get close to that sound (with what I believe to be technically a better performing speaker) without breaking the bank.... well then this is it !
@@Jayiyagi Thanks Jay and best to you!! Problem is...I just absolutely LOVE their aesthetics and their beautiful tone...dammit!!
This is nothing new to people that know how the speaker industry really works. Dan at GR Research explains how and why this happens. No matter the price point of a speaker, the company still uses the cheapest parts they can get away with. With CSS and GR Research kits you can get the best crossover parts. This may sound crazy to people but the crossover in a lot of $10000 speakers is worse than a $700-$1000 kit from CSS or GR Research.
Or the legions of avid / rabid DIYers building systems ranging from repurposed shipping pallets to showroom grade cabinetry incorporating design acoustic and electronic design expertise - with all due respect- at least equal to that of Danny’s, who just never seek or attain his level of recognition.
At the age of 72, and having retired from active DIY about 5yrs ago, I count myself as a member of that continuum, who’ve for years have generally derided the efficacy of using RUclips as anything other than an entertaining source of talking heads - both mainstream heritage industry spokespersons and ‘influencers’ and reviewers alike. However, time moves on, and the understanding of not only how to use ever more affordable measurement and recording equipment & software, as well as how to construct valid real world recordings of comparisons of systems performance has as far as I’m concerned shot that tired argument down in flames.
Just earlier today (Nov 20/23) I finished watching a very interesting offering by Ron at New Record Day on a comparison of a couple of Danny’s designs; using a decent enough set of headphones, the differences between Encore 2-way and the LGK2.4 2.5 way were readily discernible.
Fully finished these 2K speakers are better than 10k speakers?? All of the Dynaudios up to HS; all the 2.5K speakers like Burchardt s400mkii and KLH? Then I am ordering one.
DIY kits are the way to go budget wise these days it seems and I can say to this day, I had the xls-encore s and to me their still my favorite bookshelf speakers I've had, over both ls50 models, revel performa m106, LS3/5a, the encores were the best, to me anyway, I'd imagine the critons are top notch also due to that build design and components.
So when are you going to try one of the GR Research speaker kits?
Nice video, I really would like to hear an a/b recording of the speakers, I know a Recording doesn't reflect the speakers but to hear the difference in tonality would be nicer than just being told about it
Jay, Thinking about picking up a pair of the CSS speakers and wanted to see what integrated amp in the $2-3K range that would pair well. So far Kinki and Sugden are on my list but are a little out of my price range. Also not concerned with features such as no need for digital, eArc, subs, dac or streamer. Just a very solid integrated that can drive the CSS well.
The retail price ticket on shop bought HIFI contains manufacturers, distributors and retailers profit margins which jacks up the consumer price ticket and escalates the tax contained in that final price ticket. If the CCS speakers were sold in HIFI shops ready built the price would be much higher which is kind of obvious I know! Factor in the Italian design flair and the retail tickets may be similar.At the end of the day we are looking at totally different markets here. The Sonus buyer wouldn't be looking at the kit. From a marketing view point the two are not comparable but from a where your money goes an interesting comparison!
Yes the extra cabinet sculpture and as you said all the advertising and dealer costs add up
Play the CSS while looking at the Sonus. Win-win.
There is a tower version of the CSS ....the 2TDX....do a ab test or comparison with the tower sonus Faber! PLEASE!!!
When testing next to each other, I prefer to have the same ordering per side, eg. CSS on left, SF on right. This way the distance between the two speakers remains the same and you won't get "one set sounds like the soundstage is squashed" observations
Totally agree. Great idea of comparing, but this video did not show the proper A/B listening test.
Both speakers are not equally (wide apart) positioned for the reviewer, hence the soundstage difference.
Agree. At 3:30 the reviewer picked the css as having the wider soundstage. Of course, they are placed on the outside.
Connect more amplifiers on both speakers, could be the equips limitation that is why you find they sound very close.
Jay, I'd love to see you go down to Texas and spend time with Danny Ritchie and then do an A/B test of a Klipsch RP600M with and without the GR Research modifications.
I would be curious how these stack up to Danny’s DIY kit. I’ve not heard either.
Def comparing (hopefully soon) ;)
Cheap Audioman did a comparison, but love to get Jay's take anyway...
Danny degrades so many brands out there. I hope the CSS destroys his and serves him some humble pie to go along with it.
Cheapaudioman built and reviewed similar kits from both and reviewed /compared. His point of view is different but a worthy bit of input on the topic.
This CSS 1TDx (w/ superior crossover) costs quite a bit more than XLS Encore kit. XLS is smaller speaker, smaller drivers.. IMO it’s not a fair fight. Spend the same amount on GR’s X-statik kit with the better crossover, that would be an interesting comparison. Factoring costs, the X-Statik kit doesn’t need stands and the 1TDx does. The X-Statik should beat out the 1TDx ?
Buchardt s400 mkii vs. CSS 1TDX. What should I buy? Jay please help.
Killer video Jay! I am curious how you think the 1TDX will pair with the Wilsenton R8? I own and love the R8. I currently have a 1TDX kit that I haven't assembled yet. Bought the 1TDX based on your and others opinion of them. Thanks in advance. Keep up the great content!
Thats an insane XO for the Css audio speaker, I would be not be surpriced if the quality is less on the Sonus speaker. Buying inductors with such a large gauge is very expensive and seldom seen in teardown of off the shelf speakers.
You done good here! Now build on it. Play the Amators blind up against the Salk Monitor or Paradigm Founder 40 or your buddy Danny Ritchie's DIY. The blind thing is very cool. Everyone else is afraid to do it. Get a 2nd listener too.
Any idea when the GR Research Encores are coming in? I’m looking forward to that one and a maybe a comparison to these.
Not sure WHEN but Def coming in. Def having a comparison
NEED HELP
I need to cover a large outdoor area with music without disturbing the neighbors. It's a long term install.
What should I research to understand the best way to achieve this?
Check out coastal source speakers
As someone who has built speakers myself, the reality is, assuming the crossovers are well designed, the only thing that separates a good sounding speaker from a excellent sounding speaker is the quality of the crossover components and the drivers, not the retail price. That's why DIY matches or beats retail, for a fraction of the cost, all the money is in components, not overheads and profits. Subtract these from the Sonus, and the material cost are probably not to far away from the CSS speakers.
hi hope u fine ! this question goes for Thujan.. you have kef r11 , have you ever tried them with denafrips ( thallo-amp and hades-preamp) if so, what was your experience ? and in your opinion perfoms better than a hegel , let say hegel h190 ?
Was I listening to original sources or the track or the sound coming from speakers?
Love your vids - and also from my limited experience if you DIY a super sweet tweeter with high quality woofers, you can really get a great sound.
So would you say the Buchardt s400 mkii's dont compete with either of these?
coming up in another video
How does it compare to B&W 805 d3,can compete with it ?
I'm not sure if you mentioned this, but what crossover are you using, the standard dayton or superior upgrade?
superior upgraded crossover
@@Jayiyagi Good to know thank you. I wonder how the standard perform.
very interesting & very tempting .
What size is your room Jay ? Very interested to know because I honestly can’t tell and mines 13x10 feet
Not to mention the fun you can have building the CSS and the potential for modifications! What's not to like?... Maybe the cabinet design!?
I still regret buying a pair of KEFQ 750 as my first pair of speakers and then discovering the DIY - world a few months later. There are so many great build plans out there and you can literally build top tier speakers to a fraction of the price you would have to pay for a similar commercial speaker, just because manufacturing the enclosures and the assembly (among other things) is so expensive. Look at SEAS or ScanSpeak. They are known for building one of the best drivers in the world but look at the prices of their top tier drivers. Not cheap, but nowhere near the cost you would have to pay for it in a commercial product.
At one point I will build a pair of DIY towers and sell my KEFs.
I bought a pair of replacement q950 coaxial drivers and stuffed them into a front ported bookshelf project. I'm calling them LS80s because they're 8 inch drivers and they're pretty fucking epic for the ~$700 cost and very small amount of build time. I actually liked them a LOT more than LS50s.
Great video guys! Without much of the talking the current state of the high end audio is not as much (if even ever) about audio engineering (though many makers like to promote otherwise) but about visuals (which is funny when you think about it = come to hear with your eyes :-)
The different material in tweeter would be a dead give away to me.
Jay, I'm glad you did this type of exercise.
But I would like to talk with you, even if it is through these lines.
The idea is to give you the greatest advantage to find differences, I propose this exercise, ONLY USE ONE SINGLE SPEAKER.
This is because the first reflections trick the brain and by having 2 speakers, instead of facilitating the main characteristics of the speaker, the result will be mixed, without wanting to do so due to the cross talk that occurs.
Remember the idea is to give you all the advantages to hear differences from one speaker to another.
Locate the single speaker using the rule of thirds and fifths, avoid distances that are double or half.
The loudspeaker, the first reflection and your listening point must have a distance greater than 1.7 meters compared to the direct distance between the loudspeaker and your ears. In this way we avoid the phenomenon of sound mixing where we hear something "blurry", if it is impossible to achieve this distance you should put in the first reflection absorption such as thick towels or if you have acoustic absorbent material.
By the way you should avoid putting the speaker and sweet spot in the middle of the room to avoid room modes.
For the tests you can mount a speaker next to the other at a distance less than or equal to 3 m, it can be 2.5, so it will be very difficult to locate the speakers, one meter from the tweeter it is very easy to know which one is sounding the right or the left.
And if you buy a speaker switch it will be easier to make the changes.
You can EQ in that mid bass bump to 'color it' like the SF. Would rather do that than spend the extra $9k for the SF.
Actually, that "Tone" is harder than you think to achieve. Only If it was so easy to make any speaker EQ to sound like a more expensive speaker ! I definitely tried before. Yet another awesome idea for a video that I have in mind !
I agree with Jay on this
I understand that an eq has a limit to how it can improve the sound… but I equed my speakers using Schiit Loki and they absolutely add “considerable”value to the overall system.
@@gokhanersan8561 nice !
@@Jayiyagi More like : Rotel a11 made the bass of Dyn Emit10s tighter and faster; but recessed the mids; and over pronounced the sibilance region. I use Schiit to boost the mids and tame the highs. A fantastic $170 to spend on schiit.
I like the Sonos Faber speakers cos they have a unique warmth about the lower med that is really satisfying and complements with the sharp but not too bright treble. The treble is easy listening and also exciting to hear. At least on YT through my home designed and built (point dource) speakers and my Audiolab 6000A amp and cheap Samsung tablet. lol But I hear it with comparison videos and it's the difference that makes me come to my "conclusions" (at least as much as the actual sound does).
But if I had to have either the SF speakers or the KEF LS 50s, I would pick the KEFs simply cos they are point source! I like the vowels&consonants coming from the same point (instead of 8" apart). Sacrificing the SF excellent sound for the "metalic" sounding KEFs. But the distinct voice resolution on point source speakers is what really excites me with stereo sound. More than a 10 grand DAC could ever! I can get way more top end extension on FR cones (by doctoring them). I am the Frankenstein of speaker drivers. I have a tiny piece of tin foil (the size of a grain of wheat) and the main cone (with a felt dust cap). No dust cap sound, only main cone and tiny foil sound. This makes a dip in the "chiff" region, that is usually so PROMINENT in FR drivers (and even worse with semi open drivers). And the foil boosts the highest stuff ("tizz") which is what we want for crisp cymbals and mandatory. And also with a mild croseover/filter thing you get great sound from a 5" FR driver. The semi open cone gives med a sound that seems to be like completely free of resonance with a completely even piano sou d from top to bottom. And that's not all, the driver is mounted about 1-2 cm ABOVE the speaker hole! And the speaker hole has a short bass vent tube at the back of the speaker hole, and in floor standing boxes. And a woofer facing DOWN (vertically) onto the floor with 1" high supports for the bass to escape. But when it comes to exactly how I did it, we'll that's complicated. Maybe a video soon.
But that is just my small speaker for lounce rooms. I have another kick ass prototype that I will make. The same basic principle but with a (doctored and home built) 8" coaxial driver in a larger floor standing box with a 10" woofer. The a 8" cone is doctored with a 5" cone division and a 4 mm gap in the cone at the 5" diameter part. This clears up RESONANCE (cos 8" guitar drivers have it badly compared to 5" FR drivers). Hardly any sour notes anymore and remarkedly 99% as clean as the FR drivers. But the voice is even better on the large speakers even if it's not quite as clean. It's still more engaging in the voice. But the small speakers still deliver cos they are so CLEAN in the med. But the big speakers are way more engag when CRANKED! It doesn't get louder it just gets BIGGER! On both pairs the bass is unique and the kick drum has that "slap" even on most recordings. You can hear the skin on the kick (sounds hauntingly real). And on the 10" woofers it's a dynamic magic experience. There is a lot of bass but the easy to hear sweet definition of the voice (with the semi open cone) always penetrates the bass. And a good thing is that the lyrics are so clear and EASY to comprehend. You can't miss a single word. The whistling sound is a sound where my speakers sound completely real in every way, and no matter how much I realise that, whistling catchs me out every time (when I at least react in some way, or laugh). And the crowd clapping sounds like you are there. My smaller speakers will be a grand and the big ones 2 grand. And I have a vision of panel 2-ways (with a 1" tweeter in the "center") and the panel driven by a deconed driver. And with a woofer facing down. They will be 3 grand. All hand made boxes and won't even pay my wage but the speakers are still expensive. It's AU pricing. This is not an advertisement cos I am still in the prototype stage where I have 2 (successful) prototypes. So I can start building and selling soon. Maybe only a couple of private sales first and then see how it goes. The local hifi shop said "I am onto something" after I lent them some. So that is good encouragement. They were not as good as these 2 prototypes though.
These are easily movable bookshelf speakers. Define the ideal positioning for each, put some tape on the floor and physically move the speakers in and out for the A-B.
What I will say is hi-fi is rife with diminishing returns. Speakers often don’t get better, they get different. And the wild card is recordings… some speakers and systems do well and conversely don’t do well with different recordings. I have firmly determined that hi-fi is a fool’s errand. Get something that speaks to your ear and leave it for 10 years.
jay what are those diffusors you are using - they look great !
It makes sense because those Sonus Faber stands with marble and the cabinets finish are expansive and most probably don’t do anything significant to the sound.
How long did you listen the CSS please? If the crossover is brand new I would expect some settlement during the time...
It has many hours on it. Ive owned it for over a year
i wonder if the kits sold at parts express are any good now. not like css is the only engineeer in town.
Jay, loved this take. How does the CSS kit compare with KLH M5 sound wise
I answered this and perhaps I will make a video about it but they are totally different speakers.
Could you record the AB test so we can hear it ourselves?
Please, I’m desperate to know… CCS compared to Focal Diablo Utopia? Big thanks!
Why are they different distances from each other? Maybe the "image wider" expectation of the Sonus was not there because they were closer together??
its the same units??
may I ask where you found the diffusers on your front wall?
Would love more stuff regarding Verity Audio, Jay.
Did you do long term test for music enjoyment? Listen for hours with no hear fatigue...
we listened quite a bit before we decided to do this video
Jay, how would you compare these to the CSS P215?
See you in Texas Jay!
Hey man, i love your T-.Shirt i used to have same brand, Made in Philippines.
One thing I’ve learned about audio, try to avoid the well known brand or any mass production, diy is the new old fun way how to enjoy listening without braking your wallet hahaha thanks for being honest Jay keep it up man 👍🏽😂
Love this style of video! I can bet that CSS is about to get really busy. Jay, would the H95 be able to drive these? Update: Just checked and they are 87db so not efficient. Guessing not a fit.
Are you speaker stands dampened? Do you use a filtered sand and or lead shot augmented with casting epoxy. Speaker stands are essentially metal tubing and as such are a resonant cavity. Without sand, lead shot and or casting epoxy, these stands will end up smearing the sound because they aren’t dampened. Coupling matters so the excess enclosure energy is being drained off. When speakers are set up properly on dampened stands, the speaker shows it’s true colors. Just saying Jay, your system’s sound is determined by many things and stands are very important to getting all you can get out of your speakers. It allows you to truly hear them for what they are. All other things being what they are in your system, dampened speaker stands eliminate one more problem in an audio system thus allowing you to hear what your speakers are really bringing to the party. Stay safe my mates!😊👍🏻😁🛠
Jay, any thoughts compared to the Focal Diablo Utopia's? Thank you
You've got me curious. Tharbamar made a video where he featured a Musician Audio Knight 1 and the same CSS speakers you have. According to him the Musician Audio is a superior speaker. I wonder what would you think if you get to compare the same speakers. I think it'll be a good video to make.
Tharbamar has disappointed me before by mispositioning speakers for a “comparison test” (KEF LS50 vs Buchardt S300). He also called a low level B&W “the best”. He may be a better reviewer now, but he was off-putting for me.
@@billd9667 Good observation, I will keep it in mind when watching his content. However, in my personal quest for audio nirvana cost hasn't always equated to better performance. Cheers!
just a comment Moon have brought out thier first speaker Moon voice 22. can we have a review soon thanks
Nice video
Always said that diy was the best sound for the bucks.
Would have thought that was obvious as DIY has no labour costs - no staff wages to pay, no building lease costs, no taxes to pay.
One of the most important lessons of these exercises is to understand the pricing requirements of speakers. You cannot build and market 2-way bookshelf speakers with excellent crossovers for under $4k/pr. Nobody does and stays in business. I get so sick of people waxing poetic about affordable speakers in the silly belief that they contain exotic components. Yes, they DO sound wonderful, but better parts and better cabinets will make them sound much better still. Just price out heavy gauge ribbon inductors, great capacitors (or arrays of caps) and the best resistors, and do the same for transducers, and the economics don't work. But once you accept that parts costs determine the majority of the price (for a given freq range), you can marvel at the quality you can get from lesser parts. All this is independent of design quality, the other critical factor of quality, which has, in general, improved vastly for affordable speakers in the last decade.
I built a pair of speakers go with my system which consists of a Dayton five and a half inch woofer and a fostex tweeter. They sound amazing. There's much more to my system without spending a whole page talking about it. My point being with some knowledge of speakers and Crossovers and physics as a do-it-yourselfer you can not only save a lot of money but get a high-quality speaker that most people pay thousands of dollars for.