TAD Reference loudspeakers-How good are they?

The R1s are excellent speakers. True reference quality. With the right amplifier (minimum 100 WPC, must have an open and extended top end) they are hard to beat. Match made in heaven with the Dartzeel monos.

Thank you all for the feedback!

I've only had the opportunity to hear the Compact Reference, but it left an indelible impression on me.   I would go out of my way to get another shot at hearing those again and for a longer period of time.  The build quality was superb and they sounded wonderful, and boy are they beautiful in the red Birdseye (I think that's what it was).

I own the TAD Evolution Ones.  The speakers I owned previous to the E-1s were Magico V3 and Thiel 3.7.  I have had a very positive experience with the E-1s for the past 8 months. I could not disagree more with those posters who said TAD speakers sound bright or metallic. The sound quality to me is very neutral and comparable to Magico units but there is something magical in the coherence of the mid/tweeter unit. Also the E-1s are more extended in the highs and lows than the V3s.  Before I bought the E-1s I looked hard  at Q3s and S5s but purchased the TADs at less money than either of those. 

The Reference Ones are really great in my estimation and the beryllium midrange is very pure-- making it one of my favorite speakers cost no object. The Compact Ref Ones for a smaller room will be awesome though.  My advice is to shop around as there were significant discounts available from dealers and in the used market the speakers sell for less than half of list.  

Thank you both for your feedback! I believe the finish is reported to be Sapele Pommele wood with Red Birdseye finish very highly polished reminiscent of TIDAL finishes.