T+A Criterion S 230 – The first member of the new T+A Criterion Series
The new T+A Criterion Series is designed to offer the qualities of the T+A Solitaire Series in a new, particularly attractive price category, according to T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG. The T+A Criterion S 230 model marks the beginning.
- With the T+A Criterion S 230, T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG establishes the new generation of the T+A Criterion Series.
The presentation of the T+A Criterion S 230, the first model in the new T+A Criterion Series, should be seen as part of the reorganisation of the loudspeaker portfolio as a whole, according to the German company T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG. What is particularly exciting in this context is that the Herford-based company deliberately wants to raise very high expectations.
The models in the new T+A Criterion Series, for example, are said to bring the design language, innovative technologies and unique build quality of the T+A Solitaire Series into a new, attractive price category.
The T+A Solitaire Series as the technological basis
The company T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG goes so far as to cite the products of the T+A Solitaire Series as the technological basis for all other loudspeaker systems; the entire new product range in the loudspeaker system sector is to be based on this model series.
“Our Solitaire loudspeaker series is both a technology carrier and a design benchmark: we are deriving all new loudspeaker models from it – both technically and visually.”
Conradin Amft, COO of T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG
T+A Symmetric Directivity Design
A clear indication of how close the new T+A Criterion Series is to the aforementioned T+A Solitaire Series is shown by a glance at the front of the new T+A Criterion S 230, the loudspeaker system that forms the basis of the new product line, and a comparison with the T+A Solitaire S 430.
In both cases, the T+A Symmetric Directivity Design is used to bundle the sound with two midrange drivers and one tweeter, thus reducing harmful reflections and clouding of the sound, as the manufacturer explains.
In this context, it is expressly pointed out that the T+A Symmetric Directivity Design was of course not adopted one-to-one, but adapted accordingly with regard to the magnesium tweeter used in the T+A Criterion S 230.
“With the new tweeter, we can now make our unique Symmetric Directivity System accessible to completely new price classes.”
Max Kirschke, Project Manager at T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG
T+A MultiResonator Transmission Line Technology
Another key feature of the new T+A Criterion S 230 is the latest generation of T+A MultiResonator Transmission Line Technology, which in turn is based on the T+A MultiResonator and Compensated Transmission Line Technology of the last T+ Criterion Series.
The company refers to this as a precisely calculated MultiResonator structure on the inside of the loudspeaker resembling an organ pipe, which maximises the sound pressure in the low frequency range and at the same time ensures excellent transient and impulse response. T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG promises to eliminate sound colouration and inaccuracies before they can arise.
Form inspired by classic art deco
The manufacturer explicitly emphasises that the solutions in the new T+A Criterion Series place the highest value on outstanding design and want to offer customers the widest possible selection of different variants. However, three is not quite a large selection, as the new T+A Criterion S 230 will ultimately only be available in a satin matt lacquer finish in black, silver and macassar.
“Despite all the focus on technology, one thing was particularly important to us. With the Criterion, we didn’t just want to set ourselves a technical challenge, we wanted to do one thing above all: bring to life our idea of an uncompromisingly audiophile-tuned, high-quality and uniquely designed loudspeaker that combines audiophile sound reproduction with a progressive design.”
Siegfried Amft, Founder and Managing Director of T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG
Technical data of the T+A Criterion S 230
The new T+A Criterion S 230 is designed as a three-way transmission line floorstanding loudspeaker system, with two 170 mm diameter woofers being used for the bass range. The midrange driver has a diameter of 150 mm and a 25 mm tweeter is used as the tweeter.
According to the data sheet, the speaker system is designed for a rated load of 200 watts and should be able to reproduce a frequency range between 29 Hz and 45 kHz. The crossover is set at 200 Hz and 2 kHz. The impedance is 4 ohms and the sensitivity is stated in the data sheet as 87 dB.
With dimensions of 118 x 26 x 44 cm including base plate and spikes, the T+A Criterion S 230 speaker system weighs an impressive 37,5 kg.
Prices and availability
According to T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG, the new T+A Criterion S 230 can be ordered immediately and is expected to be delivered to specialist retailers in April 2024. The recommended retail price is listed at € 9.500,-.
Getting to the point
It sounds very exciting when T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG is talking about the new generation of the T+A Criterion Series as being based on the innovative technology and high build quality of the T+A Solitaire Series, with an appealing design language and at a particularly attractive price. The new T+A Criterion S 230, which establishes the new generation of the T+A Criterion Series, is intended to prove this promise. The new T+A Criterion S 230 combines the T+A Symmetric Directivity System of the T+A Solitaire Series with the latest generation of T+A Transmission Line Technology, which is the result of forty years of development and experience, according to the high-end HiFi manufacturer from Herford.
| PRODUCT | T+A CRITERION S 230 |
|---|---|
| Price | € 9.500,- |
| BRAND | T+A ELEKTROAKUSTIK GMBH & CO. KG |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG |
| Distribution Austria | Handelsvertretung Ing. Gert Weber |
| Distribution Germany | T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
