Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 3.7/5 (#124 and #119 of 214 bookshelf speakers), so choose on features and fit.
The CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY is the more accurate choice. A DIY two-way kit from Creative Sound Solutions with a 7” LDW7 woofer and an LD25X tweeter, crossing over at 1.6kHz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.26 against 4.33 for the JBL 708i. Watch for: The on-axis response is less even (0.84 average deviation).
What the JBL 708i does well: High-output 8-inch professional monitor with JBL’s compression driver and Image Control Waveguide. The catch: This is not self-powered: achieving the measured active-mode response requires compatible external amplification and JBL processing, adding substantial cost and complexity.
Buy the CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY or the JBL 708i on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| CSS Criton 1TD-X DIY | JBL 708i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €1,269.95 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #124 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #119 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | CSS LDW7 7” woofer, CSS LD25X 1” tweeter | 1” compression driver, 8” woofer |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 90dB (1W/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms nominal |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43.9Hz (measured active-mode, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 33.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | about 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.26 | 4.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.92 | 6.21 |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way passive/bi-amplified, dual front ports |
| Dimensions | - | 17.2H x 9.8W x 11.5D in |
| Weight | - | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | - | 108dB continuous, 114dB peak |
| Amplifier Power | - | External Crown DCI amplifier and JBL DSP required for measured active configuration |
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 JBL 708i (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL 708i:
- KEF R3 Meta vs JBL 708i
- KEF Q Concerto Meta vs JBL 708i
- KEF R3 vs JBL 708i
- Wharfedale Super Linton vs JBL 708i
- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs JBL 708i
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
JBL 708i: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the JBL LSR6332 (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every JBL 7 Series generation.
Same family: the JBL 705P (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the JBL 708P (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: High-output 8-inch professional monitor with JBL’s compression driver and Image Control Waveguide. In JBL’s intended bi-amplified Crown DCI/DSP configuration, ASR data shows 39Hz extension, controlled roughly +/-50-degree horizontal coverage and a 6.21 preference score with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: This is not self-powered: achieving the measured active-mode response requires compatible external amplification and JBL processing, adding substantial cost and complexity. On-axis smoothness (0.241), predicted in-room smoothness (0.198) and a 4.33 raw preference score are modest for the system price.
Full JBL 708i review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | External Crown DCI amplifier and JBL DSP required for measured active configuration |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured active-mode, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2H x 9.8W x 11.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” compression driver, 8” woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way passive/bi-amplified, dual front ports |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB continuous, 114dB peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (1W/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.21 |
| Weight | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons