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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
jallen
502 posts
 
I just listened to a pair and they are indeed special. They were the Large ones, the 75K ones or there abouts. The size of stage, dynamics, ease of dynamics, live music transient response, and on and on. Now, before you plunk down the money, listen to the new Legacy Whisper which is also a great speaker. I heard both this weekend, and they both do things good and really good. Both need only modest power, and are near the end of the road as far as I am concerned. The new Legacy will also be having a special edition in the future with V-caps in the Xover which is said to be just spectacular. The price will be a little over 20k, but well below the TAD sticker. I have heard the legacy at length and was at a loss to recall anything at the CES show that really did anything better overall. Listen and see what you think. Jallen
blinkhighend's avatar
blinkhighend
7 posts
 
The TAD's are very good speakers, we went with Raidhos - there is nothing else that we've heard that does so many things so amazingly well.
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,183 posts
 
Waking up this thread....anyone with more recent and additional comments on TAD Reference 1 Mk I or Mk IIs, please post them!
jafant
10,525 posts
 
I auditioned these speakers back in 2014- was not impressed for the price-point.  One can do better for much, much less money.
knghifi
1,667 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 ...
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