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Review: Tube Audio Design TAD-60 Tube amp

Category: Amplifiers

I'll start by saying that I've been into higher-end audio for a few decades now, and quite a lot of equipment has been through my hands to this point (half the fun of this hobby). Somewhere around 12 years ago, I'd come to realize that I preferred tube amplification over solid state in terms of an overall involving presentation of the music, and ever since then have owned tube stuff (brief flirtations with various solid state devices only helped to enforce this notion).

Which brings me to the discovery of Tube Audio Design, the provider of components conceived by Paul Grzybek (of Bizzy Bee Audio fame), built to his specifications by a very reputable Chinese manufacturer, and then hand-finished by Paul in his shop located in Wheaton, IL. (His offerings are available exclusively online; detailed product info is found at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/index.html)

The TAD-60 amplifier is built like the proverbial tank; overall appearance and heft (not to mention its specifications) in my experience indeed belie the modest asking price. With its stainless steel chassis and almost 1/2"-thick black anodized face, the relatively compact package portrays a masculine but elegant stance (also included is a lift-off stainless steel tube cage). All function controls are easily accessible from the chassis top, as are the tube bias test-points and adjustment pots (a digital voltmeter is included too).

EL34-based, the TAD-60 is rated at 60wpc in UL-mode, and 30wpc in switchable-on-the-fly triode-mode. Other standard features include adjustable input sensitivity and adjustable global feedback, adding flexibility to a host of possible preamp and speaker combinations (the input sensitivity control may also be used as a volume pot in a single-source direct input configuration).

Listening to the TAD-60 after the recommended 30 hour break-in period and beyond, the music really began to open up, and along with the TAD-150 preamp, I was experiencing just about every CD I spun in a whole new manner - I'm particular to small-ensemble jazz and female vocals - there was an in-the-room conveyence of the music that I found startling at times - present is deep, tight bass, a glorious midrange, detail, depth, and an overall natural presentation that allows hour after hour of enjoyable listening. I've found that the feedback adjustment permits a fine-tuning of balance between dynamics and warmth, and was able to "lock in" the amp to my speakers for what sounds to be a perfect sonic match (just a tad of feedback along with the triode-mode setting seems to be the magic spot in my case).

Without attempting to describe every sonic attribute I'm hearing (though I'm happy to answer any particular inquiries), suffice it to say that the TAD-60/TAD-150 combination strikes a synergy and glow that is especially musical, and is among the finest I've had the pleasure of owning. The TAD-150 has already been highly praised in at least a few user and online reviews, and I bet the TAD-60 will soon be recognized as a similar standout. If you happen to be in the market for high quality, reasonably priced, excellent-sounding gear, just take a listen for yourself, and you will hear what these components can do for music. (Paul also offers a 15-day in-home trail period.)

Note: I have no financial interest or business relationship with Paul Grzybek or Tube Audio Design.

Associated gear
Magnepan 1.6QR, California Audio Labs CL-10, Music Hall MMF-5/Goldring G1012

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ggeers222
scooby_scrappy
2 posts
 
I have owned the TAD-60 for six months and I am ready to tube roll. I adjusted the bias to single ended and noticed that the music is more smooth but not as dynamic.

I have read many tube posts and it seems that the most sought after 12ax7 is the Mullard 10M. Has anyone tried this tube in your TAD-60? I want to get some feedback before I spend $150 for the tube.

Thanks in advance.
m0osof01-7f2a
1 posts
 
Bud,

I run my TAD 60 as an integrated. I only have one source so this makes things simple. Currently I am using a Mullard copy 12AX7 from Groove Tube in the middle position. This is a great new production tube. The 12AX7 that Paul shipped with my amp was a JJ. The JJ is good, but I prefere the tone of the Mullard copy. The 12AU7 tubes that came with the amp were EH, but am now using NOS Mullards. Got all these tubes from Upscale Audio.

Michael
onotu2
20 posts
 
Scooby, the 10M was the first tube I rolled into the x7 slot (paid $150 on ebay, seems to be the going price) and overall I found it too be very warm and smooth, especially the mids. The low end was deep but not boomy, but the highs (while not bad) were not as sweet as you'd find in a Tele x7 or Raytheon 5751. Overall, a great tube if you're system is in need of a "warming" influence. If that's the sound you seek, you may want to save some cash and go for a regular Mullard short plate (which is what the 10M is only "hand selected for balance, yada, yada) and move on from there before laying out some serious cash. The GrooveTube x7 (a current production) that is supposedly modeled after the Mullard shortplate is a really nice tube (cheap too) but its much more dynamic and lively (not as warm and creamy) as the 10M. If you can get deal on one, I'd also try a Mullard longplate.

Lou
bizzybee
5 posts
 
Another X7 replacement to try rolling:
I have Chinese Triple Mica Mullard T7 knock-offs that are amazing! Yes, a T7 in the X7 socket. Only $10 + ship.
This is the same tube I supplied in the TAD-150 preamp that many seasoned tube rollers stated they could not top. Sounds better than the real Mullard triple mica T7! Paul, Tube Audio Design, Available on the Sale price page.
scooby_scrappy
2 posts
 
I decided not go for the 10M because of the cost and I wanted a more lively and dynamic sound. I read many reviews of the Mazda 12ax7 silver so that is what I purchased. The stock tube China 12AT7 had a wider soundstage, more gain and overall more pleasing sound than the Mazda tube. I noticed that the Mazda tube is generating a moderate hum audible from 20 inches away from my TAD-803 even with the preamp turned off. Did I get a bad tube?
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