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!
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. |
Like the others have mentioned, get a good sub or pair. I own one (Coda 8 V1) and w/o breaking the bank, the Amps for headroom are so critical. 75 amps, I believe is what the Coda has to offer for a very fair price. I bought mine used with meters, great deals are out there. The Coda will make them sing. |
Dear @darkknight8586 : Well you already received very good advise for several gentlemans. For he amp the Gryphon is just unbeatable and your last amp.
Before you decide to buy an amp ( I think that anything else you are satisfied with your today amps and I think that you can keep it with no change ) it’s a must to add a pair of self powered subwoofers ( your speakers alone can’t do it no matter what ) to handled the bass range ( try first with the subs in your system before change amp. ), something like this that comes with high pass filter that’s a must to have:
Velodyne Acoustics Digital Drive Plus Subwoofers – Velodyne USA
Regards and enjoythe MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R.
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