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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
zephyr24069's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
zephyr24069
1,239 posts
 
Great,...now that we have the Magico topic out of our system, can we return to discussion of the TAD R1 MkIIs?
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,467 posts
 
@melbguy1 I see 3db compression from the tweeter in Chart B on the measurements link I provided above. I stated that for a low build cost speaker this is not unusual - so no big deal. I was just explaining what this would sound like versus a high quality reference speaker that would not heavily compress the dynamics of the audio signal at 95 db SPL. The reference speaker would sound harsh and "make ears bleed" at loud levels whereas the heavily compressed sounding speaker will be much more congested and polite.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Shadorne, we can argue about 1db till the cows come home. I suggest you stop looking at graphs and go out and listen to a properly setup pair of S5 Mk1’s. Maybe you’ll be so enamored you’ll snap up a pair? They are relative bargains on the used market now. Enjoy them in good health my friend! Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy my S5 Mk2’s ;).
thieliste's avatar
thieliste
813 posts
 
TAD Ref 1 is my favorite speaker by far but since i will never be able to afford them, i own what i consider to be the second best speaker after the big TAG : Thiel CS 3.7
If you are fortunate enought to have the budget for a pair of TAD Ref 1 you will never regret your
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,467 posts
 
@melbguy1  

Agreed, I also apologize to the OP for my part in making this TAD thread about how fantastic Magico is or isn't.
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