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TAD Reference loudspeakers-How good are they?

Just wondering if the TAD Ref 1 and/or TAD Compact Ref 1 are as good as some of the show reviews suggest, although a recent review did mention a slightly "dark" presentation, albeit state of the art sound.

Does anyone know if the implementation of concentric tweeter/mid is superior to that of KEF/Thiel, or perhaps the Berylium constructed drivers and/or crossover sophistication.

I'm thinking about the TAD Compact Ref One as my "final" loudspeaker, as I have a small listening room at 14 x 16; Quite expensive at MSRP of $37K. I would appreciate any and all opinions and experience with the TAD Reference loudspeakers.

Thanks so much!
opinions
audiobrian

Showing 8 responses by knghifi

knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Waking up this thread....anyone with more recent and additional comments on TAD Reference 1 Mk I or Mk IIs, please post them!
Go listen and decide for yourself.  To my ear, it's one of the best speaker available!    Checkout the TAD thread on WBF ...
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Thank you all for the feedback both on the thread and to those who responded privately.  The choice has been made recently and it looks like I will get to experience these speakers for a long time to come...
Congratulations @zephyr24069!  When I can finally move on from tube amps, I will be replacing my TAD E1 with R1.   SS is getting closer and closer to tubes so hopefully soon :-)

What amps are you planning to drive the R1s?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
and Ayre http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/12/looking-through-solid-ayre-qx-5-twenty-internals-factory-t...
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Melbguy1 prefers a thick and dark class A sound of his Vitus electronics so understandable why TAD is NOT his cup of tea.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
zephyr24069, I'm driving the TAD E1s with ARC REF250SE and Hegel H30 (350Wpc into 8 ohms and 675Wpc into 4 ohms) in the summer. Preamp is VAC SigMKIIa SE preamp.   E1 is 88db @4ohm so easier load than your R1.  My room is fairly large so I need all the power.

emailists, I'm looking into adding 2 REL G1 MK2 subs. How many and model of Velodyne subs are using with CR1?   I NEVER EVER considered subs but I think this is most cost effective improvement until I upgrade to larger speakers. 
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
From my research, close to 100% consensus REL is superior for 2 channel and JL for HT. 
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I bet a six pack of Rel G1 mk2 would solve the deep bass problem.  😁
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
You should PM and checkout babybear system page.  He has six pack with Rockport Arrakis 2.
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