It’s preferable if you can mechanically twist the component leads together before you solder. That way, you are not relying on the solder to provide the mechanical strength for that joint. It might also reduce the possibility of cold solder joints from wires that are mechanically moving while the solder is cooling.
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share this build . Though the kit is fairly straightforward it was reassuring to follow the steps along with you. Completely blown away with the sound!
@@Tharbamar You're welcome. The plan is to eventually have a 1TDX 7.BASS.4 Home Theatre system, this will take some time, haha. But until I win powerball and buy a Trinnow/ Wisdom Audio set up - it'll just have to do.
I am looking to do the same but short on time. Want to know first hand if crossover parts on same driver deliver more refine sound if upgraded. A and B testing. Looking fwd to your analysis.
Shouldn’t the inductors on the upgraded crossover be oriented at right angles like they are on the entry level crossover to reduce interaction? Or are these shielded in some way that I can’t see?
The coils are far enough away on the board that you will not have negative interaction. The standard board is much smaller than the upgraded board so the inductors need to be turned on that one.
General question.... would applying heat shrink to the solder points (where possible)to help keep the connection together? I am afraid the years of speaker vibration will break the solder eventually. I hope the heat shrink tubes will provide cheap insurance. Any thoughts?
@Tharbamar, Just quick note to give a huge 'Thank You' for this video. I'm building the 1 TDX and I don't think I could have succeeded with the cross over assembly (upgraded) without your video. I tested them this afternoon and they both work! Yes, it seems simple, but there are so many multiple point connections that I would likely have been held up for a long time trying to get help to understand the full scope of the connections.
I built a pair of these with upgraded tweeters and crossovers. Fun killers. Some may love them so listen to a pair if possible before spending time and money on these speakers or any others.
I'm going to buy the Critons. Any opinions on MDF flatpacks or Baltic birch plywood flatpacks? I was going to do MDF but then it occurred to me it would cost more than the plywood upgrade to get them properly finished. I know how to finish wood but I've never worked with MDF before
@@Tharbamar that's a great build but it highlights my concern about cost. Between the router, bit, veneer, etc. I'd be in for another $400 finishing off the MDF versus staining and finishing the plywood. On the latter, all I'm looking at is a butt load of buffing to get a mirror finish. But I know that birch isn't going to look like teak, however.
I really love your channel a lot.. and right now i can not decide if i buy the DIY Speaker Kit or Wharfedale Elysian 2 .. probably the DIY because i live in a rented flat .. i also look forward to do the cables myself like you did! Greetings from germany
Excellent video Sr., thanks! I was looking for some diy speakers and never decided because I don’t know much about electronics, but these are like you say, very straight forward. JUST A QUESTION: I have the B&W 706s2 speakers, in your opinion, comparing high frequencies: is the superior crossover brighter, as bright, or less bright than the B&W? I like the sound of the superior crossover, but I don’t want it to be as bright and forward as the 706’s. Thanks again!!
Hi. I'm still trying to soldier the crossovers together. They don't work. By watching ur video, I now know why. I didn't connect all the wires together. They never sent me the instructions to build the crossovers. That's why I couldn't get them to work
What was the soldering material used? silver? lead?I know the amazon link but im not native and dont know if such product will be available in my country.
@@JanKowalski-ec4dw Rosin core gas been used since forever in electronics. Acid core is for sheet metal and that sort of thing. What has significantly changed since my day is the disappearence of 60/40 tin/lead solder, the standard for many decades. Health condiderations? Lead fumes are a nerurotoxic?
Dear reviewer, might I ask one question, doesn't the fact that you use "simple" 16 gauge cable inside the cabinets bother you? Or even the thin wires that connect the crossover parts on the board. I'm asking because other retail speakers aren't much different inside, still you would promote and believe that connecting "high-end" cables from your amplifier would change the sound in any way.
@@Tharbamar how is it different? Do you really think that a thick cable linked to that 16AWG or those pin soldering would change anything? You're categorizing cables by sound, one sounds smoother, other has more highs, etc. But inside those speakers you have generic wiring with thin cables. How does that work?
Nice! Look really good. Do you wire them up with any special hookup wire? As an alternative, you can always hot glue the caps to those boards. So ...How do they sound? "Inquiring minds want to know" ... P.S. I'm waiting for you to tackle a DIY Ferrari kit. Probably will look and sound magnificent!
I went and built up a pair of CSS Criton 1TD-X. I have to say I am 'staggered'. These blow...away speakers that I spent nearly $ 5,000 for. I feel like a fool. But thankfully I sold them right away for a good price. Apparently the cat is not yet out of the bag with these speakers. They are a STEAL. It does help that I happen to be a master finish carpenter. Even so, I think that even you have no skill and just need to build them up plain unfinished, you could in the least spray them with texture paint well enough, which doesn't require any 'skill'. If you can solder, you can build these easily. They are STAGGERING addictive to listen with. I am running one of their 10 in. subwoofers in a special enclosure located right behind my listening seat, and the set up is STAGGERINGLY nice. And I don't even have all that much of a high end receiver. Mid-grade. So I cannot 'imagine' how even nicer they might sound with expensive / high end receiver etc. [ [ > > > I blow all my money on portable daps and IEM's. } My Oriolus Trialli is my go-to setup for 80% of usage. But for the other 20% of the time when I listen with speakers...these CSS Criton 1TD-X are exceptional. I got them with the upgraded tweeter and components. ] ]
You seem like an intelligent kind interesting person! Love your videos. Why are the superior parts so much larger, and why does that make them superior? Thanks!!
@@kerryarmes2786 You made the crossover better in every way .. Changing to a better quality coil and with a larger cross-section must give an improvement in sound ..
I watched a High-End Speaker Manufacturer Build & Install Their Cross-Overs. AND - Watch My Lips - THEY POTTED THE CROSS-OVER BOARDS IN SILICONE POTTING COMPOUND. WE Know why they did that (Vibration). I ended Up doing the same with My Mains and Sub-Woofers.... Not a Complete Encapsulation - but enough to prevent the smallest of vibrations.
I don't understand why the coils in the upgraded filter face the same way, they should be rotated 90 degrees to each other, just like they are on the standard filter. A stupid design flaw that shouldn't occur at this level.
Cheap solder is bad! you want something with at least 4% silver no lead. and really should be hot glued all those component not just tie wraps especially the inductors have to be filled with hot glue or wax. better resistor would be a film resistor thin film or thick film at 0.1% 50 Watts minimum best resistor to use same as Wilson audio use on their speaker make doesn't matter. Ideally you want outer film of the capacity to go to ground but it's not indicated on those would have to measure it on a scope I wouldn't use wood glue on the front baffle attach it with silicone adhesive put some shims all the way around give you quarter of an inch gap of silicone so the baffle is extending slightly then when dry filling the shims after taking out. Put a 4 mm thick of blu tack for the tweeter and woofer gasket bead. Mounting the crossover on the side might be better using the magnet of the speaker magnetic field. What do they sound like you had a chance to listen to them! what are the driver manufactures Madisound sells some good kits like linkwitz speakers open baffle and parts and WilmslowAudio in the UK sell kits and KEF divers
It’s preferable if you can mechanically twist the component leads together before you solder. That way, you are not relying on the solder to provide the mechanical strength for that joint. It might also reduce the possibility of cold solder joints from wires that are mechanically moving while the solder is cooling.
Exactly what I was thinking.
Haven’t even seen more than 1 min of the video and want to thank you for putting in all the effort and work in this. Bravo! 😊
All of your videos are very enjoyable, thanks!
Glad to hear that!
Well, time to build it. Got my soldering kit, going to get my clamps, and watch this one more time. Maybe 5 more.
Can't wait for the full review!
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share this build . Though the kit is fairly straightforward it was reassuring to follow the steps along with you. Completely blown away with the sound!
Thanks for the feedback.
Liked, commented, subbed! Thanks for such a patient and detailed video set. These will be my first D.I.Y. speakers, I'm so excited!
Thanks, Have fun you will enjoy it.
@@Tharbamar You're welcome. The plan is to eventually have a 1TDX 7.BASS.4 Home Theatre system, this will take some time, haha. But until I win powerball and buy a Trinnow/ Wisdom Audio set up - it'll just have to do.
It's great that you show everything like that. Greetings .
Pro trick: you can watch movies on InstaFlixxer. Been using it for watching a lot of movies lately.
@Kenneth Lian yup, have been watching on instaflixxer for years myself :D
@Kenneth Lian Definitely, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D
This guy reminds me of Bob Ross. I love his voice. Plus, the way he describes and explains everything. So relaxing.
I’ve said the same thing before! Very soothing. Next time I can’t sleep I’m going to queue up one of Steve’s videos and be lulled to sleep.
Those crossovers look massive.
I'm new to your channel and find your content to be very enjoyable.
Thank you.
Looking forward to what you think of them!
Very Nice video.
Can,t want too see the next video.
I too build my own speakers.
Gr André de vries.
Total genius assembly!🤪🤯🤓 I just nay have to do something like this. Let's see how they sound of course.🤔😬
Nice Job , thanks for the video
I have a friend who built this kit with the upgraded crossover. They are amazing.
Crossover may be the most important element.
@@olivieroli9750 well, they are the only difference, so.
DIY speakers have their pros and cons just like any other speakers.
One for certain is they will never be main stream.
@@Tharbamar That's for sure 🤣
Other than time and effort, what are the downsides?
I am looking to do the same but short on time. Want to know first hand if crossover parts on same driver deliver more refine sound if upgraded. A and B testing. Looking fwd to your analysis.
Shouldn’t the inductors on the upgraded crossover be oriented at right angles like they are on the entry level crossover to reduce interaction? Or are these shielded in some way that I can’t see?
The coils are far enough away on the board that you will not have negative interaction. The standard board is much smaller than the upgraded board so the inductors need to be turned on that one.
I was lost when you unpacked it😂
It's fun to make a speaker DIY.
Your videos always awesome 🤩
Nice job. Hope they sound well. To be continued...
Once again another great vid 👍 can’t wait to see the next stage of the process
se ven geniales esperando la prueba de sonido hacen envios a colombia?
General question.... would applying heat shrink to the solder points (where possible)to help keep the connection together? I am afraid the years of speaker vibration will break the solder eventually. I hope the heat shrink tubes will provide cheap insurance. Any thoughts?
It won’t hurt if you like to use heat shrink tubing over solder joints, if you want peace of mind for the long term. Thanks
How did this speaker compare to other bookshelf? What speaker beats this one?
Comparable to any $1500-2000 speakers in sound quality but Musician Knight 1 easily beats it.
Look forward to sound clips, same songs used in P5 PSB etc
finally got my 1tdx! for the jumper / hookup wire, can i use one side of the speaker wire?
Yes you can.
Thanks a lot, you did a very nice job.
Cool kit.
Excellent well-done
What is the purposed of 2 crossovers? To try the standard vs upgrade affects sound quality?
Yes
@Tharbamar, Just quick note to give a huge 'Thank You' for this video. I'm building the 1 TDX and I don't think I could have succeeded with the cross over assembly (upgraded) without your video. I tested them this afternoon and they both work! Yes, it seems simple, but there are so many multiple point connections that I would likely have been held up for a long time trying to get help to understand the full scope of the connections.
Nice, can not wait
Very well done!!
I built a pair of these with upgraded tweeters and crossovers. Fun killers. Some may love them so listen to a pair if possible before spending time and money on these speakers or any others.
Fun killers?
what? did they make you sad or something? :D
What frequency do they crossover at
I'm going to buy the Critons. Any opinions on MDF flatpacks or Baltic birch plywood flatpacks? I was going to do MDF but then it occurred to me it would cost more than the plywood upgrade to get them properly finished. I know how to finish wood but I've never worked with MDF before
You can do veneer on MDF.
CSS Audio 2TD-X Speaker Teak Veneer, Full Assembly & Upgrades
ua-cam.com/video/vb2cc9r8YyA/v-deo.html
@@Tharbamar that's a great build but it highlights my concern about cost. Between the router, bit, veneer, etc. I'd be in for another $400 finishing off the MDF versus staining and finishing the plywood. On the latter, all I'm looking at is a butt load of buffing to get a mirror finish. But I know that birch isn't going to look like teak, however.
Thanks for this video, I would be completely lost without it on the crossover.
wow very noce kit !!
Hmm im wondering.
The cables to the speakers are beefy. Why use thin wires when connecting the components ?
Carambar Tharbamar !!? Thanx
Did you listen to the speakers with each crossover? I’m curious about how much of a difference the Superior crossover makes...
Please see my review.
Best DIY kit right now?
Very cool , thank u
I really love your channel a lot.. and right now i can not decide if i buy the DIY Speaker Kit or Wharfedale Elysian 2 .. probably the DIY because i live in a rented flat .. i also look forward to do the cables myself like you did! Greetings from germany
UNBELIEVABLE
Yeah baby,,,,,DIYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Excellent video Sr., thanks! I was looking for some diy speakers and never decided because I don’t know much about electronics, but these are like you say, very straight forward. JUST A QUESTION: I have the B&W 706s2 speakers, in your opinion, comparing high frequencies: is the superior crossover brighter, as bright, or less bright than the B&W? I like the sound of the superior crossover, but I don’t want it to be as bright and forward as the 706’s. Thanks again!!
Less forward than 706 s2, brightness is bass on quality of the music, thanks
@@Tharbamar thanks!
Hi. I'm still trying to soldier the crossovers together. They don't work. By watching ur video, I now know why. I didn't connect all the wires together. They never sent me the instructions to build the crossovers. That's why I couldn't get them to work
What was the soldering material used? silver? lead?I know the amazon link but im not native and dont know if such product will be available in my country.
Silver Bearing Rosin Core & Lead Free Solder, Thanks
So silver? I dont know how a solder can have a rosin core when its a gelly like substance.
@@JanKowalski-ec4dw Rosin core gas been used since forever in electronics. Acid core is for sheet metal and that sort of thing.
What has significantly changed since my day is the disappearence of 60/40 tin/lead solder, the standard for many decades. Health condiderations? Lead fumes are a nerurotoxic?
When will the musician pegasus test be given?
It'll be next week, thanks
Interesting. I guess we will see more DIYs in your future vids.
Does Iron Core cause too much hysteresis?
Awesome
Dear reviewer, might I ask one question, doesn't the fact that you use "simple" 16 gauge cable inside the cabinets bother you? Or even the thin wires that connect the crossover parts on the board. I'm asking because other retail speakers aren't much different inside, still you would promote and believe that connecting "high-end" cables from your amplifier would change the sound in any way.
Total signal delivery from amp to speakers before crossover and after crossover is different, 16g copper wire is perfectly suited for it purpose.
@@Tharbamar how is it different? Do you really think that a thick cable linked to that 16AWG or those pin soldering would change anything? You're categorizing cables by sound, one sounds smoother, other has more highs, etc. But inside those speakers you have generic wiring with thin cables. How does that work?
See my comment, I already explain it clearly.
Nice! Look really good. Do you wire them up with any special hookup wire? As an alternative, you can always hot glue the caps to those boards. So ...How do they sound? "Inquiring minds want to know" ...
P.S. I'm waiting for you to tackle a DIY Ferrari kit. Probably will look and sound magnificent!
Mmmh, I can smell the solder. That is some sexy crossovers
I went and built up a pair of CSS Criton 1TD-X. I have to say I am 'staggered'. These blow...away speakers that I spent nearly $ 5,000 for. I feel like a fool. But thankfully I sold them right away for a good price. Apparently the cat is not yet out of the bag with these speakers. They are a STEAL. It does help that I happen to be a master finish carpenter. Even so, I think that even you have no skill and just need to build them up plain unfinished, you could in the least spray them with texture paint well enough, which doesn't require any 'skill'. If you can solder, you can build these easily. They are STAGGERING addictive to listen with. I am running one of their 10 in. subwoofers in a special enclosure located right behind my listening seat, and the set up is STAGGERINGLY nice. And I don't even have all that much of a high end receiver. Mid-grade. So I cannot 'imagine' how even nicer they might sound with expensive / high end receiver etc. [ [ > > > I blow all my money on portable daps and IEM's. } My Oriolus Trialli is my go-to setup for 80% of usage. But for the other 20% of the time when I listen with speakers...these CSS Criton 1TD-X are exceptional. I got them with the upgraded tweeter and components. ] ]
Staggering comment. Peace.
You seem like an intelligent kind interesting person! Love your videos. Why are the superior parts so much larger, and why does that make them superior? Thanks!!
Material quality and brand name, thanks
@@Tharbamar Would you be a little more specific? Thanks!
Please see Jantzen website for more information, thanks
Has there been a mistake? Instead of ERSE 3.0mH 14 AWG, shouldn't ERSE 3.0mH 18 AWG be?
The 3.0 mH steel laminate in the standard is an 18 AWG from Dayton Audio. The superior crossover uses a 3.0 mH 14 AWG air core.
@@kerryarmes2786
You made the crossover better in every way .. Changing to a better quality coil and with a larger cross-section must give an improvement in sound ..
Thanks for the laughs, another amateur showing how to solder using the painting method 😊
Yes this video intended for average hobbyist, actually people who made living with soldering work for me. Thanks for checking.
Hifi ASMR
I watched a High-End Speaker Manufacturer Build & Install Their Cross-Overs. AND - Watch My Lips - THEY POTTED THE CROSS-OVER BOARDS IN SILICONE POTTING COMPOUND. WE Know why they did that (Vibration). I ended Up doing the same with My Mains and Sub-Woofers.... Not a Complete Encapsulation - but enough to prevent the smallest of vibrations.
The coil Position is not 100%. One should stand. And in 90° to the big one.
Iron core inductors are inferior.
I thought for sure it would require pin nails
I don't understand why the coils in the upgraded filter face the same way, they should be rotated 90 degrees to each other, just like they are on the standard filter.
A stupid design flaw that shouldn't occur at this level.
Such high quality components ……..
Yet they decided to place the two inductors in the same orientation 😱
Ahhhhh Air Core
Cheap solder is bad! you want something with at least 4% silver no lead. and really should be hot glued all those component not just tie wraps especially the inductors have to be filled with hot glue or wax. better resistor would be a film resistor thin film or thick film at 0.1% 50 Watts minimum best resistor to use same as Wilson audio use on their speaker make doesn't matter. Ideally you want outer film of the capacity to go to ground but it's not indicated on those would have to measure it on a scope
I wouldn't use wood glue on the front baffle attach it with silicone adhesive put some shims all the way around give you quarter of an inch gap of silicone so the baffle is extending slightly then when dry filling the shims after taking out. Put a 4 mm thick of blu tack for the tweeter and woofer gasket bead. Mounting the crossover on the side might be better using the magnet of the speaker magnetic field. What do they sound like you had a chance to listen to them! what are the driver manufactures
Madisound sells some good kits like linkwitz speakers open baffle and parts and WilmslowAudio in the UK sell kits and KEF divers
Ever heard of punctuation?
@@deeplyclosetedindividual no!
Home depot silver 6% solder dirt cheap vs hifi 4% bs solder of those others.
@@wric01 may be as long as it contains 4% silver and no lead should be alright
Would you like to enlighten me what you laughing about something's giving you the giggles share it
over 1 k for the pair. you be the judge
soldering skill is very poor.