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 is everyone using for the one 12AX7 and two AU7 tubes? Is anyone using alll 12AX7 or do you need to replace with the same type of tubes. I just put two GT AX7 in the preamp and while I am still evaluating I think the total system performance or net change may not be evident until I replace the AU and AXs in the TAD-60...
Eagleman, in the the u7 slots, Paul suggests keeping u7s. I'm using RCA cleartops, but have some Telefunken's i like to use as well. The greatest difference in sound comes from the swapping the x7 position. I'm currently using a GT "Mullard" reissue, but i've also tried a Mullard 10M (nice tube, but too bloomy & boomy for me), an RCA 5751 blackplate (really like this one and 5751 in general, yeah I read Joe's Tube Lore), and a Mullard x7 long plate, which has great warm mids, and nice bass. I've also tried a Tele u7 and Tele t7 in the center position, and find the t7 pushes the mids too forward for my taste. The u7 has nice seperation and clarity but lacks the presence of a t7 or x7. I also found the highs were rolled off a bit. One nice thing about the "relaxed" sound stage of the u7 was that you could turn up the volume and things didn't get messy; seperation and clarity remained. Have fun.

Lou
I use a Mullard 12AX7 in the A7 socket and a pair of GE 12AU7 in the U7 sockets. My TAD-60 came with some unknown U.S.A. made 5814A's and a Sovtek 12AX7WXT+. Changing out the Sovtek to a Mullard is a big improvement as one would expect. Also the very slight thump on power off is completely gone. This set up along with the VA KT88s results in a very tight bass, a beatiful midrange and slightly rolled of highs.

Just wanted to share a tweak that has made a HUGE difference; Herbie's Hal-o Dampers http://herbiesaudiolab.home.att.net.
Wasn't expecting much, but I couldn't believe how much microphonic smear and noise my tubes were emitting until I slipped these on the power and pre tubes. The sound stage went silent and clarity/separation were night & day. And talk about controlled tight bass. My jaw was on the floor. It's like having new gear. Seriously. Can't say enough good things about them. Best of all, they're affordable, and you get a 90 day trial. Some folks on the web have commented that dampers also dampen music, but I did not find that to be the case. Things are more musical and enjoyable than ever. Play some busy passages loud and be prepared to smile.
Hi Lou,

Where did you get those U7 RCA Cleartops? From reading about them it appears to be a good fit for my speakers. Vandy 2ce sigs. I have the Groove tube in the X7 spot and it seems to be a nice improvement over the Sovtec. More punch and air...