Any experience with TAD speakers ?

Hello Foxtrot,

I haven't heard the 2401, but I've heard (and built) several speakers using TAD drivers. Yup, they're superb! Classic Audio Reproductions also uses TAD drivers in their speakers, and Westlake uses TADS (or so I've been told). I've yet to hear (or build) a speaker with a configuration like the 2401's.

Just curious - were the 2401's sitting on the floor? If so, were you aware of the sound source being below ear level? Subjectively, how was the top end extension? Did they seem to have a reasonably wide sweet spot? Did the tonal balance change significantly as you moved off-axis?

Thanks!

Duke

Hi Duke, thanks for your reply.

First of all I was wondering how much did you spend building the speakers and how do they compare with ´´brand´´ speakers with same or more price level.

As for your questions, I can say that these speakers could go way low and have a big sweet spot, you could move around and still be in it.
Tonal balance remained quite constant as I moved off the axis.
The associated equipment were krell monoblocks, krell cd player, ML Dac and Tranparent reference speaker cables.

Brgds.

Foxtrot -

Thanks for the information on the sound quality and presentation of the 2401's.

So far I'd have to characterize my own work with TAD drivers as "prototyping" - I have yet to build an identical pair of loudspeakers using TAD components. If I ever do "get it right", hopefully a commercial product will result. Unfortunately it won't be cheap, but it won't have a ridiculous markup either.

I would think you could build an excellent home-brew speaker using TAD parts. Unfortunately, TAD does not sell the crossover network for the 2401, so it would be difficult to clone that speaker. On the other hand, they do sell the crossover networks for the 2402 and 2404, which are similar single-woofer speakers. Actually you can probably do a bit better than the originals - I think there's some room for improvement in the cabinet itself. If you're interested in purchasing some TAD parts I might be able to help you get a pretty good price. I can't pass along my crossover designs unfortunately because I'm sharing this project with a couple of other people and that would be proprietary information, but the Pioneer crossovers would probably work better with their horns anyway (I've been experimenting with alternative horns to get different radiation characteristics).

Best wishes,

Duke

Hi

I have experience with TAD 2001, 2002, 1102, 1201h, 4001. 4002, TSM-300 and the large TAD 4001 horn.

All Tad I've heard is very very good, but you have to treat it right due to very low internal loss. Sound will when depend on your skills and gear. Tube amps are mostly needed - we do need some distortion and TAD do not offer much of that in their speakers.

The TSM-300 is a great speaker really for a very low cost. On this speaker you can hear what your system is really worth. Harshness and you'll know for sure.

However, all TAD are NOT typical audio equipment, but studio high performance units. If you want decent audio sound, try out the TAD 2001 and the 1102 for a small two way. Very very smooth and great soundstage. The 4001/2 are very hard to work with and need direct small tube amps and biwiring for optimal performance.

Have fun, The Tadman

"Tube amps are mostly needed - we do need some distortion and TAD do not offer much of that in their speakers."

This statement indicates a fundamental lack of understanding about not only tubes and the way they sound, but about audio in general.