S 230

Floor-standing loudspeaker

The S 230

In the Criterion S 230, an apparent contradiction comes together: sophisticated elegant design, audiophile music reproduction, and complex long-lasting internal construction unite. 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 minimizes harmful sound reflections. With its slim form and three subtly elegant lacquer versions, the Criterion S 230 effortlessly integrates into any environment and becomes the perfect embodiment of T+A's claim: Unique sound reproduction brought to life in a timeless elegant form.

Transmissionline

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 Transmissionline technology for the new Criterion series: a delicately folded and precisely calculated multiresonator structure on the inner back of the speaker creates standing waves that maximize sound pressure in the low-frequency range. The energy acting on the high-performance bass drivers is effectively maximized thanks to this technology, preventing it from being lost. To prevent the energy from affecting the drivers as unwanted interference, airtight chambers protect the sensitive high-midrange combination.

Desing & 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 symbolizes 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: nothing from the vision behind the music should be taken away or added 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 behavior of the Solitaire speakers to a new price range. By using two 12 cm Star-Stabilizer midrange drivers, the displacement of each individual driver is halved, the distortion factor is reduced, and linearity is 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 center of the listening area. Harmful radiations on 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 localization 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 tones, causing subtle but nonetheless audible colorations in the high-frequency reproduction.
The T+A OrganicBaffle Design represents our consistently scientific solution to this problem. In all Criterion speakers, the baffles are completely 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 afterwards. This innovative design ensures accurate mid-high-frequency reproduction without any impairments and ensures that the sound can be experienced in its purest form.

Chassis

Each Criterion speaker is driven by five chassis. Two 17 cm high-performance woofers, with their modern aluminum die-cast baskets, perfectly couple the rear energy into the transmission line system thanks to precisely matched resonance frequencies. Due to their strong 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 12 cm high-performance midrange drivers are also equipped with aluminum 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 StarStabalizer prevent partial vibrations and 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 free from any hardness or 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 future 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 bandpasses 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.

REVIEW & AWARDS

Review T+A experience at AVNUE: speakers, receiver and Eindhoven hospitality - Read More

"What can I add to the above experience? Perhaps I am glad that AVNUE in Eindhoven made time and space available, because lugging 37 kilos twice to the third floor is no easy task. I can easily handle a receiver weighing 14 kilos, but we really wanted to introduce the combination to our readers. I was given all the space I needed and was able to tune it myself to my own preferences.  Sitting on the comfortable couch, I enjoyed the music. Tracks that I knew very well and therefore used, because the system and environment were strange and some musical support was welcome. Whatever music I presented myself with, the longer I listened and got to know the beauty of the T+AS 230 loudspeakers and the R 2500 R receiver in detail, the more enthusiastic I became. T+A was always better known to me as a maker of electronics, the eyes, or rather ears, are open to reproducers. What a powerful loudspeaker is playing at AVNUE.

With an unexpected price tag, I actually thought the price per pair was indicated as per piece. How lucky! Maybe I should ask if it is possible to stay overnight in the store."

Image Hifi 6/2024 - Read More

"Let five be five

The T+A Criterion S 230 lets all its fives be five, whatever signal is currently served to it. Among passive floor-standing speakers, achieving audiophile statement and authentic sovereignty, even in acoustically diverse rooms, so harmoniously under one roof is the special merit of its developers. And a long-term pleasure for its owners."

Audio-Stereoplay 6/2024 - Read More

"Heaven is a place on earth

The Criterion S 230 proves that true high-end speakers can also be offered for amounts below five figures. And that saving is worthwhile again, because where else could you create a lasting piece of paradise on earth for under 10,000 euros?"

Test floorstanding speaker T+A Criterion S 230: with a long lead to top sound - Read More

"The S 230 combines many advantages: great workmanship, high level stability and a high maximum level. Ultimately, however, it is its high level of neutrality and this dry, deep bass that sets it above the majority of speakers in its class (just under 10,000 euros). With it, T+A demonstrates that the transmission line is far from being outdated, but rather – when done right – sets standards. " - Holger Biermann

SPECIFICATIONS