TAD-803 2 way speaker review


This is a review of the TAD803 2 way speaker currently on sale. I am not associated with Bizzy Bee Audio, but have actively watched the website due to recommendations in other forums.
I had a need for additional speakers to compliment my existing speakers - I have two systems - 1 is vintage McIntosh tube - the other is an Solid State 2ch/multichannel system for 2 ch. Audio and Home Theater. Laziness prompted me to want a second set of speakers to avoid swapping speaker cables. I also thought it would be fun to add an alternate speaker brand. I decided to try the Bizzy Bee Audio discontinued 2 way speakers currently on a blow out sale of $129.00 first and then buy the current single driver model if I found the original 2 way design appealing. This review is for those wondering about the 2 way sonics.
Upon receipt of the speakers, I unpacked them to set up for testing and while doing so, thought these probably will just sound okay, but not anywhere near "audiophile" grade. Worst case - I give them to my son for college. I used the C22/MC240 McIntosh tube set up along with my Phillips 963a SACD player. I chose a set of CD's that have recently been in rotation for my nightly listening. First choice - DeeDee Bridgewater - J'ai Deux Amours. I set the levels at 82-84db using my dB Meter. Sat down - pressed play - and my jaw hit the floor.....and stayed there the entire night! The fidelity of these speakers has to be heard to be believed! And this was out of the box - no break in time! I spent the next 4 nights running a variety of music through them. 30 plus hours DOES make a BIG difference for these 803s. Experimenting with setup and toe in has yielded a HUGE sound stage. Detail is amazing and the range,while limited at either extreme, is quite impressive for such a relatively small speaker! Imaging is very precise with instruments and voices placed in a 3 dimensional soundstage. Inner detail is amazing, especially after I had 30+ hours of break in time. When pushed hard, I have noticed a slight edginess to the upper midrange - lower treble - but this is at loudness levels I seldom used (90+ db). At the close out price, these are simply the most amazing speaker I have heard - even at 500.00 these would still be an awesome deal! I still find myself thinking that something this cheap should NOT sound this good! Get some before they are gone!! 3 sets have now been purchased by friends after hearing them at my house. Thanks Paul for offering such a great speaker! I am already planning on buying the current version which, from the description, must truely be a giant killer!
mkinsman
Azstereo, I'm not sure what you're implying with your statement, but it seems to be something negative from the many .........'s

Since you're in AZ, I invite you to pop by and check my pair out sometime and see if you're not impressed...........

With a name like Azstereo, I assume that you're a dealer..........
Wow Azstereo! You seem to be a "one man marketing department" for e-Ticket Cables as about half of all of you post are touting that brand. And a guy comes along suggesting he is thrilled with a $129 speaker purchase and you call him a shill......

What's that all about? Do you think you can corner the market on free advertising?

Enjoy,

TIC
Azstereo,
I am in no way affiliated with Paul or Bizzy Bee Audio - this review is also on his old design - currently being sold off. I still have not heard the new design. I may be fairly new (although I have sold a center speaker here - Klipsch RC35 - a few months ago) - but I have lurked on the site for a few years.
All I'm doing is spreading the word about a great deal - something that simply should not sound as good as it does, expecially for the money. The cabs are fairly light weight, the tweeter looks inexpensive, yet, all in all, it's a great sounding speaker - and a down right steal at $129.00. It does have limits, but what the 2way 803 does, it does with an amazing, quality sound. Take it for what it is - just a recommendation. If any of you do decide to try them - give them 30-40 hours of burn in time - then listen seriously.
HUGE soundstage from a 2 way???? Already you've got my skepticism and total disbelief.
Now you say 129.00. Just a single Seas' driver costs more than 129.00.
I thought audiogon was about FINE stereo equipment? We can leave the junk to our local dealers.
Nice Day
Why can't a two way speaker throw a huge soundstage? You've piqued my interest. You must know something the speaker designers at Wilson, ProAc, Spica, Monitor Audio, Epos, Totem, Harbeth, etc. don't know. Explain.