Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The CSS Criton 3TD-X speakers demonstrate imaging, realism in the upper register, tightness in the low end, and overall balance of the full spectrum
- Dynamics are excellent, possessing a remarkable ability to go from zero to large swells in music
- The speakers are engaging, offering music that goes beyond detail, clarity, and imaging—becoming mesmerizing
- The cabinetry is more solid and rigid feeling
- Great driver integration and a nice sound signature that you can enjoy listening to for hours
Product Considerations
- Bass response may be more pronounced in certain areas, requiring careful placement
- Synergy with amplifiers is important; neutral and transparent sounding amps are recommended
- Grills can cause changes in frequency response, dipping above 5000 to 8000 hertz region and around 2500 hertz to 3000 hertz
- The rosewood finish is an additional cost
- Lead times to have completed speakers built is a reasonable 3-6 weeks
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF R11, the Criton 3TD-X can give the KEF R11 a run for the size and how much the drivers that it has
- Compared to the SVS Ultra Pinnacle Evolution Towers, the Ultra Pinnacle towers will outperform in bass quality and dynamic attack, as well as in loudness—but refinement, engagement, and musicality is much better
Takeaway: The Criton 3TD-X speakers capture the listener with excellent dynamics, imaging, and an engaging overall sound. These are a good choice if you appreciate quality audio and want speakers made in the USA.
All
Criton 3TD-X
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Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
CSS Criton 3TD-X Kit Pair
- Positioning: Positioned as a high-performance DIY speaker kit within the CSS lineup.
- Description: Features a 3-way configuration with dual woofers that deliver low distortion and deep bass, making it suitable for larger rooms or home theaters. Compared to the Criton 2TD-X, it offers a more expansive soundstage and better bass response, ideal for those seeking a fuller sound without the need for additional subwoofers. Its design requires a decent amplifier due to low impedance, which might not be necessary for smaller setups like the 2TD-X.
CSS Criton 2TD-X Tower Kit Pair
- Positioning: A mid-range offering in the CSS lineup, providing a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Noted for its balanced sound and ease of integration into various setups, making it a versatile choice for medium-sized rooms. While it doesn't match the bass depth of the 3TD-X, it offers a more compact design that fits well in smaller spaces, providing a good compromise between size and sound quality.
CSS Typhon
- Positioning: The flagship model in the CSS lineup, designed for audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.
- Description: Stands out with its 3-way design, offering exceptional build quality and sound performance that rivals high-end commercial speakers. It features ultra-low distortion woofers that provide deep bass extension, making it ideal for large rooms or dedicated listening spaces.
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Used
CSS
What if you spend more?
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Deep, controlled, and powerful bass, even down to 20Hz in-room (claimed)
- Good balance and pleasant musicality across a wide variety of music genres
- Excellent imaging with a locked-in center image and good soundstage depth
- Pleasing and visually impressive aesthetic design
- Offers the ability to adjust the level of the tweeter, allowing for customization of the high-frequency response
Product Considerations
- May not be ideal for listeners who prefer a neutral and accurate sound, erring on the warmer side of neutral
- May not be suitable for low-volume listening, needing a certain volume level to achieve optimal sound
- Bass may be overwhelming in rooms without proper acoustic treatment
- Some reviewers found the treble to be less refined or potentially too spiked
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Polk Audio R700, the Typhon is a better version of its sound
- Compared to the Klipsch Forte 4, the Typhon delivers extremely deep and powerful bass, but the Forte 4 gives a more punchy and energetic sound
Takeaway: The Typhon speakers provide a full, easy-to-listen-to sound with impressive bass performance and aesthetically pleasing design, making them a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a jack-of-all-trades speaker. The ability to customize the high-frequency response further enhances their versatility.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Criton 2TD-X uses our new LD25X tweeter to bring a new level of detail to the Criton lineup. This kit is our highest output, lowest distortion offering. It's the Criton 1TD-X on steroids. Basically it is everything good about the Criton 1TD-X turned up to 11. By moving to a tower design, we've extended the bass down to 30 Hz anechoic and 20 Hz in room. For music, you definitely don't need a subwoofer with this one. For a more detailed look at the differences between the kits check out our comparison page.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Very good parts quality, impressively so for the price point
- Standout bass performance is fast, deep, nuanced, rich, and dynamic, capable of pressurizing a room, and the 2DDX has deeper and richer bass than the 1DDX
- Good stereo image and a wide, spacious soundstage with a deep soundstage, particularly when using tube amps and speakers are pulled away from the wall
- Musical presentation emphasizes long listening sessions without fatigue, described as a richer side of neutral
- The 2DDX can deliver incredible performance without subwoofers in medium to large rooms
Product Considerations
- Top end may be perceived as smooth or even rolled-off by some, lacking hyper-detail, requiring careful component pairing to avoid this
- Sensitive to the front-end components, requiring a neutral and natural sounding source and amplifier to avoid unnatural sound reproduction—for example, rolled-off highs, boomy bass, overly thick midrange
- Requires a bit of volume to come to life, as at low volumes, it may sound too smooth
- Instrument separation may not be as good as a proper three-way design in the mid-range to lower highs area
- Needs a bit of juice to get real dynamics out of them, as they are not as easy to drive as the specs might suggest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- One user preferred the CSS speaker with a subwoofer to his Wilson Sabrina at times
- If you like Focal speakers' analytical sound, these are not for you, unless you want a second speaker with a different presentation
- The 1DDX has slightly faster and tighter bass, while the 2DDX has deeper and richer bass
Takeaway: The Criton is a DIY speaker kit that can deliver high-end sound quality at a fraction of the price when paired with good components and a neutral front end. Its musical presentation and impressive bass make it great for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
R3 Meta redefines bookshelf speaker’s performance. Sharing the same drivers as the range-topping R11 Meta, the R3 Meta is a true three-way design. It has a 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™ and a powerful 6.5” hybrid aluminium bass driver that pushes performance to new extremes.
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- One of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers
- Built-in Alexa support eliminates the need for additional devices to control music with voice
- Solid design, IPX4 water resistance rating, and built-in handle
Product Considerations
- Insufficient loudness for large rooms
- Lacks some treble out-of-the-box
- Battery life can be short—around 4 hours in some tests
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Sonos is likely a better value for most users since it features a longer battery life and a more balanced sound out-of-the-box
Takeaway: The Devialet Mania is a portable speaker that redefines expectations with its impressive sound quality and bass energy. It offers a unique listening experience that's worth the purchase.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
- Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
- Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
- Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
- The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers
Product Considerations
- Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
- The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
- Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
- Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
- The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
- The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
- There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
- These two are actually pretty neck and neck
- As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking
Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible power handling capabilities, performing as well as speakers in the $2,000–$3,000 range
- Sound quality is comparable to stand-mount speakers in the $1,500–$2,000 range
- Build quality is phenomenal for its price point, with real wood veneer options available
- Produces a dense and deep soundstage, especially for a two-way design
- Neutral and clean sound with nice extension in the upper mid-range to high-frequency extension, avoiding a 'hot' sound
Product Considerations
- Stereo imaging is decent, but not as precise as some listeners may prefer
- The mid-range can be a weak point due to some potential resonance in the upper frequencies of the woofer's range
- The speakers are not the easiest to drive and pairing with neutral, slightly warmer amps is recommended
- The treble response is slightly forward with some extra sparkle which may not be ideal for those sensitive to higher frequencies
- While the bass is good, listeners of bass-heavy music may want to add a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SVS Nano: The Ultra Evolution has a more open and expansive midrange and more linear bass, while the Nano has punchier—slightly boosted—bass
- Vs. Heco Salon Revolution 3: The Ultra Evolution is a good replacement since the Heco is discontinued, the Ultra Evolution favors neutrality, while the Heco has a warmer midrange, but the treble is very similar on both
- Vs. KEF R3 Meta: The SVS Ultra Evolution disappears better, but the R3 Meta sounds more neutral
- Vs. Dali Opticon II Mark IIs: Dali is warmer and more nuanced in the midrange but the Ultra Evolution is a little more exciting in its presentation
Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf speakers provide exceptional performance for the price and create an immersive listening experience. They are well-built, attractive, and offer a balanced sound that makes them a strong contender in their price range.
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