CSS Veritas One Bookshelf Speaker Kit

Reference-level detail in a compact DIY speaker kit.

This kit was designed with a simple goal: deliver true high-end loudspeaker performance in a format that is approachable, repeatable, and genuinely rewarding to build.

At the center of the design is the Veritas LD25B-06 beryllium tweeter—chosen for its exceptional stiffness-to-mass ratio, which allows for extremely low distortion and a level of clarity that’s difficult to achieve with more conventional materials. The result is a top end that is highly detailed, but never harsh or fatiguing.

That tweeter is paired with a carefully matched midwoofer and a fully engineered crossover to create a system that is balanced, dynamic, and easy to listen to for long periods.

• Beryllium tweeter for exceptional clarity and low distortion
• Superior crossover components
• SmartNode crossover boards make assembly cleaner and easier
• Optional flat pack cabinets available for a complete build experience

If you’ve been looking for a compact DIY speaker that feels genuinely high-end, this is a great place to start.

Designed as a Complete System

Like all of our kits, this isn’t a collection of parts—it’s a fully engineered system.

Every component has been selected and validated to work together:

• Drivers matched for tonal balance and low distortion
• Precision crossover designed for smooth integration and excellent off-axis response
• Cabinet geometry optimized for performance and ease of assembly

We remove the guesswork and let you focus on the build and the final result.

Premium Components

We’ve included the same level of components you would expect in a finished high-end speaker:

• Beryllium tweeter for exceptional clarity and detail
• Superior crossover components (low-loss inductors, high-quality capacitors, and resistors)
• SmartNode crossover boards for a clean, reliable, and repeatable build process
• High-quality internal wiring and terminals
• Damping material selected specifically for this design
• Ports and all required mounting hardware

Nothing critical is left out, and nothing needs to be upgraded after the fact.

Built for Real-World Success

This kit is designed to be achievable for a wide range of builders while still delivering a truly high-end result.

If you choose the optional flat pack cabinets, you’ll get:

• Precision-machined panels for accurate alignment
• Joinery designed to simplify assembly
• A structure that supports excellent acoustic performance

With a typical finish, most customers are able to complete the build over a weekend.

What You Can Expect

• Clean, highly detailed top end without harshness
• Strong midrange clarity and natural vocals
• Controlled, accurate bass for its size
• A cohesive, balanced presentation that works across a wide range of music

This is the kind of speaker that scales with your system—better electronics and better recordings are immediately noticeable.

What’s Included in the Kit

Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.

Each kit includes everything you need to complete a pair of speakers, with no critical components left out:

• Matched pair of Veritas LD25B-06 beryllium tweeters
• Matched pair of LDW7 midwoofers
• Fully engineered crossover
  • 2x 5.6 uF Jantzen Superior Z-Cap
  • 2x 8.2 uF Jantzen Superior Z-Cap
  • 2x 3.0 mH 14 gauge air core inductors
  • 4x 0.20 mH 18 gauge air core inductors
  • 2x 0.22 uF poly caps
  • 2x 6.2 uF poly caps
  • 2x 2 Ohm resistors
  • 2x 6 Ohm resistors
  • 2x 8 Ohm resistors
  • 2x 10 Ohm resistors
• SmartNode crossover boards for clean and repeatable assembly
• Internal wiring and quick connects
• Binding posts
• Damping material selected for this design
• Ports matched to the enclosure tuning
• All required mounting hardware (screws, fasteners, etc.)
• Optional flat pack cabinets (if selected)

The goal is to provide a complete, frustration-free build experience—no sourcing additional parts, no second-guessing compatibility, and no surprises.

How Does This Compare to the Criton 1TD-X?

The Criton 1TD-X has been one of our most popular kits for good reason: it offers excellent bass extension, very low distortion, and a big, full-range presentation that surprises a lot of people for a bookshelf-sized speaker.

The Veritas One kit still has the same great bass and midrange the 1TD-X is know for, in fact overall it has an almost identical frequency response both on and off-axis. However, this kit leans more toward top-end refinement, resolution, imaging, and detail retrieval.

Who This Kit Is For

• Builders looking for a true high-end result without starting from scratch
• Customers who value low distortion and long-term listenability
• Anyone looking to step into a reference-level system at a fraction of retail cost

Specifications

Crossover Point: 1600 Hz

Recommended Power: 20 watts and up

Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohm

Frequency Response:

• +/-3 dB from 41 Hz to 40 kHz
• 30 Hz to 40 kHz in room

Sensitivity: 87 dB @ 2.83 V

Fb: 39 Hz

F3: 41 Hz

External Dimensions: 14"H x 8.5"W x 12"D

Assembled Weight: 25 lbs each (Superior Crossover) / 23.5 lbs each (Standard Crossover)

Data

Availability

We build and assemble these kits in batches, and certain components—particularly the beryllium tweeter—can have longer lead times depending on supply.

If this is a project you’re considering, it’s generally best not to wait too long.

Instructions and Plans

Looking for instructions? Click here. The cabinet plans for this kit are the same as the 1TD-X cabinet. The only change is that you must notch out a spot in the tweeter through hole for the tweeter terminals.

Questions?

If you’re not sure if this kit is the right fit for your room or system, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help point you in the right direction.