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
- Impressive bass response for its size, with the ability to produce deep bass
- Engaging and musical sound signature with a rich tonality
- Straightforward kit to assemble, even for beginners, due to the CNC-cut flat pack and labeled 3D printed crossover board
Product Considerations
- Bass quality may not be the cleanest or most articulate compared to some other speakers
- May become boomy or muddy if placed too close to a wall, requiring some space behind it
- Needs sufficient power from the amplifier to perform optimally, underpowered amplifiers may result in muddiness
- Will not perform well at very loud volumes in larger rooms due to distortion and woofer limitations
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Torii is smaller compared to Polk S20/R200
- Bass is comparable to the PSB Imagine X1s
- The Torii is preferred compared to the ELAC BS41
Takeaway: The CSS Torii is a great speaker kit for those who want a fun DIY project that results in a speaker with impressive bass and an engaging, musical sound, especially in small to medium-sized rooms. It is forgiving and easy to listen to, making it a great choice for enjoying music without fatigue.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Torii
reviews
[{"title":"$379 Speaker Dominates - New CSS Audio Torii Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yPTm-9qdXM","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"CSS Audio Torii Speaker Review and Measurements","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HKwDQ6qhFA","source":"Tharbamar","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"CSS Audio Torii DIY Speaker Kit Part 3 -The Finale - Sound Review!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnoMc6yM5NE","source":"Matt Coykendall","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
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:
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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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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
3
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
301
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
CSS Audio specializes in DIY speaker kits, with their flagship Criton 1TD-X Kit delivering impressive dynamics and room-filling sound, making them a popular choice among DIY hifi enthusiasts.
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CSS
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What if you spend more?
CSS
Criton 3TD-X
750
750
/
3
Reviews
CSS Audio specializes in DIY speaker kits, with their flagship Criton 1TD-X Kit delivering impressive dynamics and room-filling sound, making them a popular choice among DIY hifi enthusiasts.
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Our summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
CSS Audio specializes in DIY speaker kits, with their flagship Criton 1TD-X Kit delivering impressive dynamics and room-filling sound, making them a popular choice among DIY hifi enthusiasts.
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Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
899
/
22
Reviews
Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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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
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Devialet
Mania
899
899
/
20
Reviews
ASC - Active Stereo Calibration | Cross-stereo | 30Hz -20kHzDevialet Mania, our first high fidelity portable smart speaker with 360° stereo sound translates our obsession for pure sound.Metamorphic sound.Devialet Mania, the portable speaker ushers in a liberated approach to sound: more spontaneous, more adaptable, more obsession-inducing than ever. Thanks to its adaptive cross stereo, Devialet Mania offers a soundstage that morphs and adapts to any physical space, eliciting expansive 360° stereo sound. Cue your favorite music and feel the emotional imprint it leaves on you and those around you.Devialet Mania edition package also comes with a complimentary Devialet Mania Station.
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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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
Our take on the brand
Devialet is a hifi brand that combines analog and digital amplification through their "Analog Digital Hybrid" technology, delivering extremely low distortion in sleek, minimalist speakers. Their signature Phantom speakers use high-pressure lateral drivers to produce ultra-deep bass down to 14 Hz, while their spherical design minimizes sound diffraction for consistent quality regardless of listening position.
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Q Acoustics
5020
899
899
/
18
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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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
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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What competes at this price?
CSS
Criton 1TD-X
385
/
Released
CSS Audio specializes in DIY speaker kits, with their flagship Criton 1TD-X Kit delivering impressive dynamics and room-filling sound, making them a popular choice among DIY hifi enthusiasts.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers excellent sound quality that surpasses many commercially available speakers in the same price range
- Provides a clean, detailed, and full-bodied sound signature that doesn't require a subwoofer for most users
- Achieves exceptional bass extension and control, outperforming other bookshelf speakers
- Offers a non-fatiguing listening experience with smooth, natural sound reproduction
- DIY kit allows for a high price-to-performance ratio by saving on assembly costs
Product Considerations
- May require a more powerful amplifier than average to achieve optimal performance due to lower sensitivity
- Bass performance can be overwhelming in smaller rooms, requiring careful placement to avoid boominess
- Requires effort and skill to assemble, particularly for finishing the cabinet to a desired aesthetic level
- The basic grill design might be considered aesthetically unappealing by some users
- Higher frequencies can be unforgiving, revealing flaws in poorly recorded music—more pronounced with the superior crossover
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. KEF LS50: Criton offers cleaner tones, deeper soundstage, bolder bass and background darkness, while LS50 is brighter and more forward
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Series 7: Criton is smoother, cleaner, and has better soundstage depth, while Bowers & Wilkins Series 7 is more aggressive and unrefined
- Vs. ELAC UBR 62: Criton is superior across the board, with better driver integration, a richer midrange, and significantly better bass
- Vs. Dynaudio s400 mark 2: The s400 mark 2 takes the edge due to a more refined top end and bigger soundstage, but it is over double the price
Takeaway: The CSS Criton is a great option for those wanting high-end sound without spending a lot of money, especially if they enjoy building things themselves. It can be a fantastic upgrade from ordinary speakers and makes music sound good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
CSS Audio specializes in DIY speaker kits, with their flagship Criton 1TD-X Kit delivering impressive dynamics and room-filling sound, making them a popular choice among DIY hifi enthusiasts.
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Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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SVS
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Sonos
Move 2
419
/
Released
2023
Upgraded inside and out, our most powerful portable speaker delivers heart-pumping stereo sound wherever you want.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved stereo sound compared to the original Move, due to the addition of dual tweeters
- Significantly longer battery life—advertised up to 24 hours—making it suitable for extended use indoors and outdoors
- Designed with portability in mind, featuring a built-in handle for easy carrying and an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance
- The speaker benefits from the Auto Trueplay feature, which automatically optimizes the sound to the unique acoustics of your space, delivering a balanced audio experience
- Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, and can even stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers
Product Considerations
- Considered hefty and not as easily portable as smaller options like the Sonos Roam
- Google Assistant is no longer supported, which may be a drawback for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem
- It cannot be used as a speakerphone for calls
- Despite being a stereo speaker, channel separation isn't always very distinct, and it can sound more like an expansive mono speaker
- An adapter is needed for a line-in connection, and a carrying case are sold separately, which increases the overall cost
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Move: The Move 2 offers stereo playback—as opposed to mono—longer battery life, and more connectivity options
- Vs Sonos Roam: The Move 2 sounds better and gets louder, but the Roam is smaller and lighter
- Vs Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 has Dolby Atmos support, but is not portable or water-resistant like the Move 2
- Vs Sonos Era 100: The Move 2 can be taken on the go unlike the Era 100 and is rated for dust and water resistance
- Vs Bose SoundLink Max: The Sonos Move 2 sounds a bit more balanced out of the box, and its battery can even be replaced down the line, while the Bose has a longer-lasting battery and doesn't require an adapter to connect to analog line-in sources, but it can't connect to Wi-Fi
Takeaway: The Sonos Move 2 is a versatile and improved portable speaker, offering great sound and battery life for both indoor and outdoor use, and its integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it an easy choice for existing Sonos users.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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Beats
Pill
149
/
Released
2024
The upgraded Beats Pill is more advanced than ever. It's more powerful. It's lighter. It's more portable. It has up to 24 hours of battery life. And it's designed to look and sound incredible — inside your home and out and about.
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Simple Bluetooth speaker connects and pairs easily without needing an app
- Rated IP67 against water and dust, making it durable for splashes and rain
- Can be used to charge other small devices via USB-C
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around with a removable lanyard
- Plays nicely with both iOS and Android devices
Product Considerations
- The soft touch rubber coating is a dust magnet
- The Beats app is barebones, with no EQ controls
- Can't playback stereo content without pairing another speaker
- Audio can get muddy and lose detail at high volumes
- Some controls have a learning curve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Beats Pill+: The 2024 Beats Pill is lighter, has better build quality, a more balanced sound, and support for voice assistants, but lacks Bluetooth multipoint support and stereo playback without pairing
- Vs JBL Flip 6: Has a more balanced sound out-of-the-box, a longer battery life, and voice assistant support, but JBL is better built and offers a graphic EQ in the companion app
Takeaway: The Beats Pill is a simple, portable, and durable Bluetooth speaker that sounds good, especially at its price. It's easy to connect to devices and take anywhere.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Beats is a hifi brand known for its bass-heavy sound signature and bold designs that appeal to both music fans and fashion enthusiasts, targeting young adult demographics through celebrity endorsements and music video placements. The brand has expanded beyond its signature headphones to include speakers like the Beats Pill, while integrating Apple's W1 and H1 chips for enhanced wireless connectivity.
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