Review: Tube Audio Design TAD-60 Tube amp


Category: Amplifiers

I'll start by saying that I've been into higher-end audio for a few decades now, and quite a lot of equipment has been through my hands to this point (half the fun of this hobby). Somewhere around 12 years ago, I'd come to realize that I preferred tube amplification over solid state in terms of an overall involving presentation of the music, and ever since then have owned tube stuff (brief flirtations with various solid state devices only helped to enforce this notion).

Which brings me to the discovery of Tube Audio Design, the provider of components conceived by Paul Grzybek (of Bizzy Bee Audio fame), built to his specifications by a very reputable Chinese manufacturer, and then hand-finished by Paul in his shop located in Wheaton, IL. (His offerings are available exclusively online; detailed product info is found at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/index.html)

The TAD-60 amplifier is built like the proverbial tank; overall appearance and heft (not to mention its specifications) in my experience indeed belie the modest asking price. With its stainless steel chassis and almost 1/2"-thick black anodized face, the relatively compact package portrays a masculine but elegant stance (also included is a lift-off stainless steel tube cage). All function controls are easily accessible from the chassis top, as are the tube bias test-points and adjustment pots (a digital voltmeter is included too).

EL34-based, the TAD-60 is rated at 60wpc in UL-mode, and 30wpc in switchable-on-the-fly triode-mode. Other standard features include adjustable input sensitivity and adjustable global feedback, adding flexibility to a host of possible preamp and speaker combinations (the input sensitivity control may also be used as a volume pot in a single-source direct input configuration).

Listening to the TAD-60 after the recommended 30 hour break-in period and beyond, the music really began to open up, and along with the TAD-150 preamp, I was experiencing just about every CD I spun in a whole new manner - I'm particular to small-ensemble jazz and female vocals - there was an in-the-room conveyence of the music that I found startling at times - present is deep, tight bass, a glorious midrange, detail, depth, and an overall natural presentation that allows hour after hour of enjoyable listening. I've found that the feedback adjustment permits a fine-tuning of balance between dynamics and warmth, and was able to "lock in" the amp to my speakers for what sounds to be a perfect sonic match (just a tad of feedback along with the triode-mode setting seems to be the magic spot in my case).

Without attempting to describe every sonic attribute I'm hearing (though I'm happy to answer any particular inquiries), suffice it to say that the TAD-60/TAD-150 combination strikes a synergy and glow that is especially musical, and is among the finest I've had the pleasure of owning. The TAD-150 has already been highly praised in at least a few user and online reviews, and I bet the TAD-60 will soon be recognized as a similar standout. If you happen to be in the market for high quality, reasonably priced, excellent-sounding gear, just take a listen for yourself, and you will hear what these components can do for music. (Paul also offers a 15-day in-home trail period.)

Note: I have no financial interest or business relationship with Paul Grzybek or Tube Audio Design.

Associated gear
Magnepan 1.6QR, California Audio Labs CL-10, Music Hall MMF-5/Goldring G1012

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ggeers222
what speakers are you using with the 150 and 60 combo? i have totem arros with the 150 and a ss amp with 200wpc. considering moving to tube amp, totem recommends antique s l and prima luna.
I have a pair of spendor s5e's with 150/60 combo and it really sings....very synergistic match
The 6CA7s from Paul are da BOMB! Get them. I have them setup in Class A mode and totally agree with previous comments. Tight, deep bass, extended highs (not harsh), and huge soundstage. Big improvement. You won't miss the KT88 or the lushy mids of the EL34s. They do need sometime to break in but you'll notice it (kinda jumps out at you) after @ 20hrs, but really start to settle in after 50. And get them from Paul because he really does matching, and having an extra tube always helps.

Lou
Lou..I agree with you about the 6ca7's. I found the same thing you did..that the el 34's just didn't have tightness that the 6ca7 do in the bass especially in the set mode. I don't know if any further rolling would improve on these. What do you think?
Lou:
I have appox. 12 hrs. on my 6CA7s. Everything said here is right on the money. I also noticed they have more power in the bass. I can actually feel more air being moved by my speaker as compaired to the EL34s. They are more dynamic than EL34s. The 6CA7s sound so good now, I cannot wait until they are fully burnt in.
Lou what input and P/S tubes are you using in the TAD60? Have you found changing the P/S tube makes much of a difference?
Thanks.
Michael