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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
wetsodacracker
6 posts
 
Jeff,

I've got only about 15 hrs. on the Pentas but I really like what I'm hearing so far. From top to bottom they are an improvement over the EL34s with great balance and more articulate bass so I'm looking forward to what 50+ hrs. on them will bring. Do you know if Paul's single-ended class A bias is adaptable to the KT88s or is it just for the EL34s?
meerp1
17 posts
 
Dave,

From the bias levels it would be used for the EL34's. I did try it with my stock tubes & it did sound nice. Especially in the mids. Worth a try. Nice to have alternatives.

Jeff
onotu2
20 posts
 
I asked Paul the same question earlier today. Here's what he writes: "It appears the bias pots on the 60 do not swing low enough to do the class A mode with larger tubes.
Definitely try with 34's. So far all are really liking the A sound. Could try quasi-A mode - setting the bias low as possible on one 88, maintaining ~700 on the other. This will offer similar results, just not as ideal. Another twist - try running an 88 at 700 and a 34 at 175. Who knows this might even be better." Paul mentions a 700 reading in his reply because 2 of my KT88 are reading at 710. So it appears that you can't do it with KT88s unless you're willing to mix them in with a pair of EL34s. I'm going to try it tonight. I'll let you know how it goes. Btw, has anyone tried the Class A bias with all EL34s?
meerp1
17 posts
 
I tried the Class A Bias with good results. Most noticeably the mids sounded great. I may even try & mix the 34's with the KT88's.

Jeff
onotu2
20 posts
 
Ok. So I rolled in the stock EL34s at V1 & V3 matched with my EH KT88s as suggested by Paul, and I've listened to about 20 songs (some on cd some on vinyl) that i know very well, and the first thing i noticed was that the highs were a bit rolled off; you could say a little warm or softer. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing because the EH KTs can sound bright. The bass has nice punch, and the mids are lush and defined (just like having all 88s in), but the added warmth of the highs makes for a different and pleasant setup. Its not better, just different. Also this setup makes for a friendlier volume control. I have the TAD150 pre, and set between 9-10:00 it has good definition now. With all 88s, I was at high volumes with the dial at 10-11:00. Not cool when the wife and kids are sleeping. Yeah, i sneak in late night listening. I'm going to try the Class A setup with all EL34s next, and then i think I'm going to get those Penta KT88s. After that I'm going to chill for a while cause all this new vinyl is killing my budget - got a an MMF-7 (first table ever) and I'm loving it.
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