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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
darkknight8586's avatar
darkknight8586 OP
33 posts
 

@kofibaffour 

Thank you very much for the advice. I’ll try adjusting the speaker placement as your suggestion.

During the measurements, the Kinki actually went into protection several times. On the VTL, the volume was around 40/95 on the dial, and the Kinki started turning red when sweeping around 35–50 Hz. Because of that, I had to lower the volume to about 35 to complete the measurements safely.

At the moment, I’m considering a few power amplifiers that should handle impedance more confidently:

  • Accuphase A-250
  • McIntosh MC611
  • Gryphon Antileon Signature
  • Luxman M-10x
  • Audia Flight Instrumento No.4 MkII

All of these are available at roughly the same used-market price in my area.

deep_333
2,420 posts
 

Hmm.  Not convinced kinki is culprit...your speaker isn't all that much a difficult load either

Do you have a different preamp laying around, preferably SS and without any tubes in it this time? If so, hook it up and crank it up, see what happens.

 

 

ng fast drum/bass track with moderate loudness, the Kinki turned red and shut off. I made some measurements, and the current Kinki B7 can not withstand the CE1s if it reaches down 35Hz too often. And it never happened with Scala, that’s why I also want to upgrade the power amp also.

darkknight8586's avatar
darkknight8586 OP
33 posts
 

@deep_333 Yup, the same problem occurred while I changed from the VTL to Parasound Pre (Pure Solid State). So I guess the problem is coming from the Kinki. Both VTL/Parasound + Kinki combo played normally with my previous Focal Scala Evo

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
744 posts
 

Add a Coda 16 to that list, it can drive anything. Class A. 

toronto416
318 posts
 

I have been living with the TAD CE1tx for two moths driven by Accuphase A-300 class A monoblocks.  It is a wonderful combination!  The A-250 on your list would perform very similarly.  Both the A-250 and A-300 double down to 1 ohm - lots of power in reserve - liquid and effortless.

The TAD CE1tx goes down to 34 or 35 Hz before rolling off, and I have never felt the need for subwoofers as I don’t listen to electronic music.  The upright and electric bass go down to 40 Hz, and the piano goes down to 27 Hz (but most of the action is well above that).  A jazz piano trio sounds robustly full bodied and lifelike on my system.

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