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!
The coda 16 will give the gryphon a run for its money for a fraction of the price it is a pure curent monster capable of delivering 100 amps and made in the Us and still a manageable size and weight
It is 100 watts pure class A operation 300 watts into 4 Ohms It is fast articulate and has a slightly warm full bodied sound while still possessing superb resolution
We use ours with a zesto Leto balanced tube preamp and the sound is amazing Dave and troy AUDIO INTELLECT Nj Coda and zesto dealers
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I just bought a a pair of Tad Ce1tx second hand, they will be conecte to my actual pass labs x250.8 - pre amp pass labs xp 22, also have a rel 4 pack line array of s 510. The tads will substitute focal sopra 1. |
TAD makes a range of speakers in their Reference and Evolution series, but interestingly no subwoofers. If they thought the CE1tx needed a subwoofer they would make one, or encourage you to look at one of their bigger floor standing speakers. https://www.technicalaudiodevices.com Pairing the CE1tx with a subwoofer is a matter of musical taste, but not a necessity. |
@drbit12 hope to hear your feedback on the synergy between the TAD and Pass Labs. Clearly, the TAD is an upgrade from Focal in terms of transparency, coherence, soundstage, and realism. This is what I experienced when switching from the Scala to the CE1. |
