Best speaker in the US $ 30-45.000,00 range

These truly are the real deal...look here

TAD speakers. Audio Video Logic (Des Moine, IA) just picked them up. They're right up there with the best.

12-23-10: Johnnyb53
After the review in Abso!ute Sound a few months ago, I wouldn't buy anything in that price range without auditioning the Pioneer TAD-CR1 Compact Reference, at about $36K. Make sure to leave budget for their dedicated stands, as the spkrs weigh 100 lbs each.

I haven't heard 'em, but the review sure sounds enticing. I get the impression that these have the speed to keep up with the electronics driving them. With a frequency response out to 100 KHz, their rise time should outpace just about every other speaker out there.

Finally, someone familiar with TAD. My local dealer, Audio Video Logic (an A-Gon member) just picked up TAD. I got to spend some time listening to the big TAD Reference One's and oh my Gawd, these are the real deal in every way. If I had the cash and the space, these are the speakers. AVL also just picked up the $60,000 JBL Everest's and I much prefer the TAD Reference Ones's (although the Everest's absolutely take control of anything you throw at them).

Before you go with Magico, or any others, check out TAD...

But Weseixas, have you heard the TAD's? That's a fair question. The Q3 is by no means a slouch and I would love to be able to afford them. I just think the TAD's are really special and certainly a must audition if you are in the market to spend that kind of cash.

If you haven't heard them, read the TAS review. The bigger "Reference One's" are even more spectacular...incredible actually.

Give John or Mike at Audio Video logic a call and see them (hear them) for yourself....I guess if you can afford that kind of gear, what's a plane ticket to the Midwest!!?

Happy New Year!!

_Ben

Weseixas...You and I are only "sparing" now, since Frank has already made his decision and purchase - and that was really the point of this thread. That said, if you look here you too will see that no knowledgeable person would ever refer to this speaker as a "bookshelf" design.

You need to read about, understand and appreciate the technology behind their proprietary concentric driver (don't think Thiel - this is something altogether different)...TAS magazine doesn't hail just any speaker as, "...the TAD maybe the greatest stand-mounted speaker I’ve ever encountered if not one of the best speakers period..." see here

I thought they sounded extraordinary as well.

I'm just saying...!

Happy New Year to you as well!

Cheers!

_Ben

Geez Weseixas...You must hate to be wrong! Does your wife accuse of being a "control freak!"

Harbeth 40's a bookshelf speaker...LOL!

Jonnyb53:

You too seem to be impressed with the TAD speakers. Have you had a chance to hear the big Reference One's? Not sure where you live, but Audio Video Logic, out of Des Moines, will be holding a TAD, Krell and Nordost seminar on the evening of Thursday, January 27. Andrew Jones, of TAD, will be on hand and both the "mini monitors" (LOL) and the big Reference Ones will be demo’d on the $100,000+ house system. seminar

Disclaimer: I can’t afford either pair of TAD speakers…in fact, I’m going so I can meet the Krell rep and demo their new S-275 amp. The TADs are mighty impressive though. The big JBL Everest speakers will also be on display…hope to see some of you guys there (not sure if anyone is located in the Midwest…??).

Cheers!

_Ben

I apologize, Weseixas, if I left you with that impression. The simple fact is that in regard to the particulars about speaker designs Jonnyb53 and I are…well, much less incorrect than you are! I was merely pointing out this fact...

I will concede however, that this is all pretty much petty bickering at this point and completely off topic - my apologies to the OP.

Cheers!

_Ben

That's definitely a bit of a "drive" Johnnyb53!

I'm not in any way affiliated with Audio Video Logic. I have however become friends with John, the owner, over the years. I have a great deal of respect for John and other audio proprietors who have either remained committed to , or delved back into true high-end audio sales.

The last decade or more has seen many high-end dealers either close their doors or go the route of the mainstream and mid-fi markets. I’m glad to see companies like AVL picking up new lines and products like TAD, the awesome JBL Everest speakers, ARC’s Reference line, etc. These guys need to be supported though, and they need to reach an even broader audiences base than ever before. Out of appreciation, I really want to get the word out.

Be sure to support your local audio dealers and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in your market, don’t hesitate to look outside of your buying areas and even outside the state(s) you live in. These guys deserve our support. I can’t say enough kind words to do my local dealer, Audio Video Logic, justice. They’re a class act.

_Ben