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
Update: It's been just about 3 years since posting my TAD-60 review, and my TAD 150/60 combo still shines as brilliantly as ever. After the first few months of ownership I'd exchanged the stock EL-34 tubes with EH 6CA7's, and then later with Tung Sol KT-66's - A very nice transformation in each case with regards to bass depth & control plus added midrange holography & presence. And zero reliability issues to boot with either unit. Keepers for sure! -gg
I've owned my 60 for approaching 2 years and feel compelled to mention a little here of my experiences.

I bought this amp from a fellow A'Gon-er (Thanks V.P.!), it was my first tube related purchase in about 30 years. It arrived with 6CA7EH's and a quad of JJ KT77's. The AX7's were RCA cleartops and the AU7 was an RCA grey plate. I used the 6CA7's and set it up in SET mode. I really liked what I heard.

Since then, I have tried a few different AU7's including some Sylvania's, GE's and Mullard (Eico) ECC82's in place of the Cleartops, I always went back to the Cleartops. The sound has more clarity and the mids and highs shimmer in comparison to the "darker" flavor of the other tubes.

Over the past 18 months, in SET mode, I've tried the following tubes:

JJ KT77's, but couldn't get them to hold biasing, so I got rid of them, I understand that there were quality issues with the older ones and that these issues have been corrected with the newer ones. I haven't tried any newer versions (yet).

Then, I tried some Flying "C" 6550 from SED. The most obvious change that I heard was more bass, it was really nice, IMO. The highs weren't as shimmery as the 6CA7's. The mids were not quite as nice, either, but still sounded excellent.

The next roll were JJ E34L's at the suggestion of a guy at AudioKarma. Inexpensive to say the least, they are currently my favorites. The highs and mids are accurate and smooth, and there is no lack of bass, either.

I recently started to notice a strange sound in the left channel on power up, and it turned out to be my RCA Grey Plate AX7, :cry:. Fortunately, I had an Amperex and Sylvania laying around, and between the two, I preferred the Sylvania.

Fortunately, I got some cash for Christmas, so, of course, I had to spend it on tubes. I just ordered a Mullard reissue, Tung Sol reissue, JJECC803S and Sovtek LPS from Doug's Tubes. The fun continues...:)

At any rate, I really like this amp, and I enjoy the seamingly endless variety of tube one can feed it.

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I would say this amp runs mildly warm. I run this amp all summer. If this amp is a good match for your speakers, I would give it an easy recommend.