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Driving TAD CE1s (Upgrade from Kinki to Gryphon?)

Hey guys,

I recently made the switch from Focal Scala Evos to the TAD CE1. I’m currently looking for the right power amplification to drive the CE1 to their full potential.

My Current System:

• Streamer: HiFi Rose RS130

• DAC: Gustard R30

• Preamp: VTL TL-7.5 Series II

• Power Amp: Kinki Studio EX-B7 (Monoblocks)

• Cabling: Full Neotech UP-OCC

 

The Issue:

While I am loving the upgrade, I feel the Kinki EX-B7s are the bottleneck. They lack the grip and headroom required to control the TADs properly. On highly dynamic tracks (like Ein Straussfest), the amps clip and go into protection mode.

Sonically, this combination yields a thin tonal balance, particularly in the lower mids, with a somewhat forward treble presentation.

Comparing the TAD vs. Focal:

The good news is that the TAD CE1 offers significantly better imaging and soundstage than my previous Scalas. The holographic presentation and micro-detail are lifelike and deeply insightful. However, I am missing the bass response and excitement of the Focals.

So, I am considering upgrading to the Gryphon Antileon Signature to solve the power shortage and add body to the sound.

Has anyone paired Gryphon with TAD? Will the Antileon bring back that bass weight and "excitement" I’m missing from the Focal, without sacrificing the holographic detail of the TADs?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

darkknight8586
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,693 posts
 

I use a single JL 10 filter set at roughly 55 hz

kofibaffour
713 posts
 

do you know what your speakers are doing in terms of room coupling? why is the first response to bass loss always an amp issue wen clearly said amp is more than competent unless you listen at unsustainable SPLs

deep_333
2,428 posts
 

Get 2 kef kc62 microsubs. Set it up and see if you still need an amp.

kennymacc
722 posts
 

@darkknight8586 

It’s quite understandable as to why you’re now missing the increased bass response and excitement of the Focal speakers, as you went from a pair of practically full-range, floorstanding speakers, with a bass response of  27Hz, to a pair of stand-mount, bookshelf speakers, with a bass response of just 34 Hz.  It makes sense.  If you really love the sound of your TAD speakers, I would just add a couple of high quality subs (you can always upgrade your amp at a later date as well), or save more $$$ and upgrade within the TAD line for a more full-range, floorstanding model with better bass response.  Happy listening.            

soix
11,233 posts
 

Given what you’re looking for overall I think looking at a beefy Class A amp is a good idea.  These Clayton M300 Monos could fit the bill on all counts (read the stellar reviews) and would save you a bundle over the Gryphon, and although they no longer sell new amps I believe the designer still services them if they ever need new caps, etc. but worth checking on that to be sure.  Just another option FWIW, and I agree with others that adding a couple good subs would be an excellent idea especially coming from good-sized floorstanders.  Best of luck. 
 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226819088041

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