Short answer: the CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY. It ranks #124 of 214 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5); the GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #140 (rated 3.5/5).
The CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY is the deeper-bass option. A DIY two-way kit from Creative Sound Solutions with a 7” LDW7 woofer and an LD25X tweeter, crossing over at 1.6kHz. Its bass reaches about 46.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 64Hz for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The catch: The on-axis response is less even (0.84 average deviation).
What the GR-Research X-LS Encore does well: An amazing value for a speaker that measures this well. The catch: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY. It is rated higher for sound quality than the GR-Research X-LS Encore.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €1,269.95 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #124 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #140 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | CSS LDW7 7” woofer, CSS LD25X 1” tweeter | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 33.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.26 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.92 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | - | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Weight | - | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY (measured by Audio Science Review) and GR-Research X-LS Encore (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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More worthwhile head-to-heads for CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY:
- DALI Sonik 3 vs CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY
- CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY vs JBL 708i
- GR-Research X-LS Encore vs AsciLab F6Bs
- GR-Research X-LS Encore vs Aalto Speakers Aalto 3 Passive
- GR-Research X-LS Encore vs Mission LX-3 MKII
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY: €1,269.95 per pair SoundImports eBay
Same family: the CSS Criton 3TD-X DIY (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: A DIY two-way kit from Creative Sound Solutions with a 7” LDW7 woofer and an LD25X tweeter, crossing over at 1.6kHz. Sensitivity is 87dB. Audio Science Review measured a preference score of 5.26 that reaches 6.92 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.40 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 46.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on-axis response is less even (0.84 average deviation). It is a kit to build yourself. Bass reaches 46.9Hz (-3dB) and about 34Hz (-10dB).
Full CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 33.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | Yes |
| Drivers | CSS LDW7 7” woofer, CSS LD25X 1” tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.26 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.92 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
GR-Research X-LS Encore: $1300 per pair GR Research eBay
Pros: An amazing value for a speaker that measures this well. It is sold as a finished speaker, and anyone willing to build the cabinets and crossover can save a lot with the X-LS Encore kit. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response, especially in the listening window. Predicted in-room response is generally smooth and on-target. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is pretty clean above 200Hz. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.4dB.
Cons: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region. Vertical directivity requires staying within about 20 degrees of the tweeter axis. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion becomes “rather unhappy,” with bass distortion, a possible woofer issue around 2kHz, and a tweeter problem above 7kHz. The finished pair is built to order with a lead time of 3 to 5 weeks.
Full GR-Research X-LS Encore review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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