Final Speaker Decision: TAD R1 vs SF Strad


Final decision coming up.... I have listened and auditioned and hemmed and hawed long enough.

Narrowed down from Wilsons Alexia/Sasha 2, Vandersteen 5A Carbon, Martin Logan Summit X, Magnepans, and BW 800 Diamond to these final two.

Both sound good to me, but I am unable to audition both back to back, nor in the same room.

Would like to get some opinions on the two from the group. I am looking for a speaker with longevity. Really hate to change up speakers prematurely from here.
joey_v
What amps did the dealer use with the TADs? I ask because I heard them with a solid state class D amp (admittedly an early one) and was impressed but not moved, but when the dealer put a tubed (I think; might hsve been a hybrid) amp on them they gave me the goosebumps you're looking for.
Joey_v, what electronics used in the demo? Does the Strad gives you goosebumps? You can't go wrong with either.

Recently I replaced a SS amp and dac with tubes so now running all tubes driving my E1 and it's a huge improvement. More musical, 3D, decay, and especially the timbre. After 2 months, I sold the SS amp. Was planning to use in summer but can't imagine rotating it back in the system again.