T+A Criterion S 230 Floorstanding Speakers (Pair)

The S 230

In the Criterion S 230, apparent contradictions come together: sophisticated elegant design, audiophile music reproduction, and complex long-lasting internal construction unite in one loudspeaker. Its transmission line system, developed over the years, allows astonishing bass reproduction in a compact form factor, and its Symmetric Directivity mid-high-frequency system effectively minimises harmful sound reflections.

With their sophisticated form and subtly elegant lacquer versions, the Criterion loudspeakers effortlessly integrate into any environment and become the perfect embodiment of T+A's claim: Unique sound reproduction brought to life in a timeless elegant form.

Transmission Line

Compared to larger speakers, the smaller internal volume of compact speakers makes it significantly more challenging to generate powerful and precise bass. Traditional speakers must either sacrifice bass performance or delicate design. We believe that sound and aesthetics should not be contradictions. Therefore, we have further improved our proven transmission line technology for the new Criterion series: a delicately folded and precisely calculated multi-resonator structure on the inner back of the speaker creates standing waves that maximise sound pressure in the low-frequency range. The energy acting on the high-performance bass drivers is effectively maximised thanks to this technology, rather than being lost. To prevent the energy from affecting the drivers as unwanted interference, airtight chambers protect the sensitive high-midrange combination.

Design & Construction

As the second T+A speaker, the Criterion series follows our new design language of "Classic Modernity." A timeless classical framework sets the basis for the consistent application of modern ideas, excitingly reinterpreting details from this framework. Its distinctly curved housing is inspired by the appearance of the Art déco style. This excitingly different shape visually elongates the Criterion speakers and gives them a sculptural presence in the room that cleverly disguises their true dimensions. The timeless elegant finishes are built up in sophisticated multilayer processes. The complexity of the multi-resonator internal construction is on par with the external design: from an intricately milled transmission line chamber system with its own airtight compartments for the high and midrange drivers to structure-borne sound-suppressing internal walls, the Criterion symbolises our commitment to thoughtful perfection, solidity, and durability both internally and externally.

Symmetric Directivity System

For 40 years, the natural and unadulterated reproduction of music has driven us: the vision behind the music should be neither augmented nor diminished by a T+A system. The entire mid-high-frequency range of the Criterion speakers is transmitted by a system of two midrange drivers concentrically placed around a magnesium tweeter. This system, called Symmetric Directivity by us, was first used in the globally celebrated Solitaire S 430 and now brings the remarkably precisely defined radiation behaviour of the Solitaire speakers to a new price range. By using two 120 mm or 150 mm StarStabilizer midrange drivers, the displacement of each individual driver is cut by half, the distortion factor is reduced, and linearity hence increased. The precisely calculated control of the midrange drivers and the 25 mm magnesium tweeter by the FSR crossovers creates a sound field whose energy is most pronounced in the centre of the listening area. Harmful radiations in the direction of the ceilings and floors are thus reduced before they can develop into disturbing room influences and reflections. As a result, the Symmetric Directivity System creates a broad stage with real depth gradation and allows the precise localisation of all voices and instruments.

Organic Baffle

While the sound waves of lower bass frequencies pose significant demands on the structural integrity of the enclosure, the often only a few millimetres or centimetres short sound waves in the high-frequency range require a compensation of a completely different kind. Even tiny irregularities such as those caused by screwed chassis cradles or the smallest edges on the baffle could affect the undisturbed radiation of these frequencies, causing subtle yet audible colourations in the high-frequency reproduction.

The T+A Organic Baffle Design represents our consistently scientific solution to this problem. In all Criterion speakers, the baffles are anchored internally without external screws or fasteners. Their shape itself has been meticulously calculated to prevent any potential disturbances in sound radiation from the outset, instead of having to minimize them after the fact. This innovative design ensures accurate mid-high-frequency reproduction without any impairments leading to the purest form of sound experience.

Chassis

Each Criterion speaker is driven by five chassis. Two 170 mm or 220 mm high-performance woofers, with their modern aluminium die-cast baskets, perfectly couple the energy into the transmission line system thanks to precisely matched resonance frequencies. Due to their strong magnet drives, large voice coils, and the long-excursion design of the moving parts, they can generate very high levels even at the lowest frequencies without distortion and with very good transient response. Two 120 mm 150 mm high-performance midrange drivers are also equipped with aluminium die-cast baskets, with narrow struts preventing air turbulence and resonances. Very strong magnets ensure optimal control and driving force, and the high-quality suspension systems allow the transmission of the entire vocal range. The membrane material and the StarStabilizer imprints prevent partial vibrations as well as standing waves. All these measures lead to a completely undistorted, lively, and natural reproduction of the entire midrange.

The completely newly developed tweeter has a very rigid and extremely lightweight magnesium membrane, which we coat in a special process to eliminate resonances occurring in the upper treble range, as often found in many metal tweeters. It has outstanding impulse response, is devoid of any sharpness, and is capable of cleanly reproducing frequencies up to 50 kHz.

Each of our cone chassis is made particularly special by our in-house StarStabilizer membrane system in two ways: a precisely calculated conical shape lays the foundation for its performance, while a central star-shaped stiffening prevents modes and resonances from arising before they occur, ensuring that the membranes work pistonically even under the highest loads. The chassis only transmit the signal coming from the amplifier, undisturbed by unwanted interference signals.

Crossover

Our Criterion speakers also feature our highly complex double-sided Fast Signal Response three-way crossovers (FSR). These remarkable crossovers play a crucial role in the outstanding sound imaging and radiation characteristics of the speakers. A dedicated mass layer (power plane) ensures that even high currents and powerful impulses are processed without distortion, while optimal transient response and first-class signal transmission represent the result of precise calculations. Even the most demanding levels are effortlessly handled, as precise control in all three frequency ranges is always ensured. The filter stages and band-passes have been carefully tuned for optimal phase and group delay times. To ensure that this performance is not lost in the final transmission stages, we have selected special internal connection cables for the speaker chassis. Due to the complete separation of the boards for the bass and mid-high frequency range, the Criterion S speakers are perfect for operation with bi-amping or bi-wiring.