I built a pair of 1TDX w/x-over upgrade (the whole shebang) in 2021. Wrapped them in walnut veneer. Learned a lot along the way. Had to buy a router and lots of wood clamps. Worth every trip to Lowe’s. But for now they are my endgame in bookshelf-size sound quality. They are as enjoyable as my larger Wharfedale Lintons, at nearly the same cost. My other bookies are Andrew Jones Elac UB5 & Klipsch RP600M.

Compared to the UB5, the Criton sound effortless and wide, and have an ethereal quality that is difficult to put into words. The silence between the notes is what is difficult to describe, but in my opinion is due to the very tight, well-braced enclosure and 3/4 MDF. They are built like tanks and sound as tight and controlled as I can imagine minus being in a milled block of steel.

IMO they do need a bit of juice to bring them to their full potential. I drive them with a Emotiva PT1/A2 combo (160/250w 8/4ohm). I have tried them with my Yamaha A-S801 and my Audiolab 6000a, and the Emotiva had them sounding the best, although all were suitable. They play very loud if needed, and don’t seem to lose their composure at any ‘safe’ volume.

Compared to my RP600M, the Klipsch are more enjoyable and dynamic at low volumes. The Klipsch have some obvious drawbacks, but their sensitivity is appreciated. But once the volume is turned up, the Klipsch quickly lose their advantage and fall apart, The Criton sound far superior, with deeper and tighter bass control and more pronounced midrange. The bass from the Criton is the biggest surprise. No sub needed. Incredible, actually.

At $1200 maxed out, they were worth every cent, and every hour invested in my basement.

My garage system is cheap ass and I love it. AC/DC Who Made Who, Van Halen, early Metallica sound authentically better through my old $69 Dayton B652 Airs and a passive Optimus Radio Shack sub that are carelessly shoved on a storage rack behind tarps and tomato cages. On occasion I have grabbed a can of Miller Lite and a lawn chair and enjoyed music bliss.