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
Thanks Larry. I too have done some tube rolling of the 12AX7 and that seems to make a significant difference. I kind of thought the P/S tube probably didn't make much of a difference. I recently bought a few different pairs of 12AU7s I will try, just to hear what happens.

Michael
Swapping out the x7 makes the most dramatic change. I like the Sylvania 3mica blackplates which is 5751 with a bit less gain, but oh so nice; especially mids, but bass and highs are great too. The u7s make less of a sonic head turning difference, but a difference none the less. Better NOS tubes will clean things up and provide greater transparency. I like the RCA cleartops. If you can find them under the Conn label (made for Baldwin organs and well made) get them cause they're typically cheaper. I also recently tried a JJ/Tesla E80CC which has a slightly bigger load than u7s (Paul ok'd them) so overall they are a bit more forward, and a nice cheap alternative if you can't find the cleartops. Btw, i also tried Telefunkens & Mullards (not cheap), but really preferred the cleartops - much easier to come by which is nice when tube rolling. I'm loving the 6CA7 and do not plan on switching. I particulary like them in UL mode. Didn't think I would cause my speakers a bit forward, but right now I'm listening to Wilco's Being There LP (180gram) and its really sweet. Enjoy.
No tube rolling yet. But I am the proud owner of a 2007 TAD-60. The amp is a joy. The biasing is dead simple with the new L.E.D. readouts. I am happily surprised at the quality of the build, even better than the pictures let on.
The amp has the fatboys already installed, the ones that
the other owners have mentioned are a good roll.
But the real treat is the music that this amp can make. It
is quite good. I am the envy of my solid state buddies that try so hard to get that special sound, which this amp does easily.
I also must mention that the TAD is a great value. I haved shopped around and this amp could easily go for double the
price.
So,kudos to Paul and his craftmanship on the TAD-60.
I agree the tad-60 is a great amp, I have a 2006 model (no Led's) I really like my amp, It is now running with SED EL34's a sylvania 5751 for 12ax7 position. and RCA black plate 12au7's. Sounds wonderful biased class a. Just received a set of JJ Kt-77's I will be trying. Paul does a great job. I will also need to try his 6CA7's.
Hey Matman, can you report on the changes you heard with
rolling your 12ax's and the 12au's? I would be interested
in your views.