T+A Criterion S 230: A New Standard in High-Fidelity Audio

On February 27, 2024, in Herford, Germany, T+A elektroakustik, Germany's leading high-end specialist, announced the launch of the first model in the new Criterion series, the Criterion S 230. This new model promises to bring the refined design, innovative technologies, and exceptional craftsmanship of the Solitaire series to a more accessible price range, with a suggested retail price of 9,500 euros.

Obvious Kinship with the Solitaire Series

During the presentation of the Criterion S 230, T+A's Head of Strategy and Development, Conradin Amft, emphasized that the Solitaire series serves as a technology showcase and design benchmark for all new speaker models. Thus, the Criterion S 230 is directly inspired by the Solitaire S 430, particularly adopting T+A's "Symmetric Directivity Design". This approach uses two midrange drivers and a tweeter to minimize harmful reflections and sound impurities. However, this technology wasn't simply reused; it was fundamentally reworked to integrate a new magnesium tweeter, paving the way for a new price category.

Multi-Resonator Transmission Line Technology

The Criterion S 230 also benefits from the latest generation of T+A's Multi-Resonator Transmission Line Technology. Inspired by the Multi-Resonator and compensated transmission line systems of previous series, this technology relies on a precisely calculated multi-resonator structure inside the speaker, similar to an organ pipe. This design maximizes sound pressure in the bass range while ensuring excellent transient and impulse response. Thus, sound colorations and inaccuracies are eliminated before they can occur.

An Audiophile Art Deco Design

Siegfried Amft, the visionary behind T+A, emphasizes an audiophile Art Deco design. This philosophy is embodied in the Criterion S 230, which is available in three refined finishes: matte black satin lacquer, matte silver satin lacquer, and Makassar.

The shapes of the Criterion S 230 are both harmonious and slender, with an elegant inclination that gives it a very refined appearance. This clean and sophisticated aesthetic is inspired by Art Deco principles, combining clean lines and flowing curves to create a speaker that is both a work of art and a high-performance audio device. The inclined design also improves sound distribution, minimizing interference and unwanted reflections.

This diverse aesthetic choice allows every music lover to find the ideal look for their home, making the Criterion S 230 not only a pleasure for the ears but also for the eyes.

Technical Specifications

The Criterion S 230 is a three-way floor-standing speaker incorporating advanced transmission line technology. Here are the technical specifications in detail:

• Speakers:

  • Woofers: Two 170mm woofers deliver powerful and precise bass.
  • Midrange: A 150mm midrange driver for clear and detailed mid frequencies.
  • Tweeter: A 25mm magnesium tweeter, designed to deliver crystal-clear and distortion-free highs.

• Performance:

  • Rated Power: Designed for a rated power of 200 watts, ideal for use in audiophile setups.
  • Frequency Range: Covers a wide frequency range from 29 Hz to 45 kHz, reproducing the finest music details.
  • Impedance: 4 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers.
  • Sensitivity: 87 dB, ensuring good efficiency and faithful sound reproduction.

• Design:

  • Dimensions: 118 cm height, 26 cm width, and 44 cm depth, including the base plate and spikes.
  • Weight: 37.5 kg, indicating the robustness and quality of the materials used.

• Crossover Technology:

  • Crossover Frequencies: 200 Hz and 2 kHz, for perfect sound transitions between the different speakers.

Availability and Price

The Criterion S 230 is available for order now at Expert HiFi, the official T+A dealer, and will be delivered to authorized dealers starting April 2024. With a suggested retail price of 9,500 euros, this speaker promises to make T+A's technological and aesthetic excellence accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, the Criterion S 230 is available for audition at Expert HiFi by appointment.

In conclusion, the Criterion S 230 marks a new era for T+A by bringing performance and design to a more accessible price range without compromising quality. With its technological innovations and elegant finishes, the Criterion S 230 is an essential choice for discerning audiophiles.