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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
jafant
18,825 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
1,668 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 ...
markxiii
109 posts
 
The R1s are excellent speakers. True reference quality. With the right amplifier (minimum 100 WPC, must have an open and extended top end) they are hard to beat. Match made in heaven with the Dartzeel monos.
zephyr24069's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
zephyr24069
1,241 posts
 
Thank you all for the feedback!
bcgator's avatar
bcgator
355 posts
 
I've only had the opportunity to hear the Compact Reference, but it left an indelible impression on me.   I would go out of my way to get another shot at hearing those again and for a longer period of time.  The build quality was superb and they sounded wonderful, and boy are they beautiful in the red Birdseye (I think that's what it was).
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