TAD Reference loudspeakers-How good are they?


Just wondering if the TAD Ref 1 and/or TAD Compact Ref 1 are as good as some of the show reviews suggest, although a recent review did mention a slightly "dark" presentation, albeit state of the art sound.

Does anyone know if the implementation of concentric tweeter/mid is superior to that of KEF/Thiel, or perhaps the Berylium constructed drivers and/or crossover sophistication.

I'm thinking about the TAD Compact Ref One as my "final" loudspeaker, as I have a small listening room at 14 x 16; Quite expensive at MSRP of $37K. I would appreciate any and all opinions and experience with the TAD Reference loudspeakers.

Thanks so much!
opinions
audiobrian
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. 
teeshot-

how does the Magico V3 fare against the Thiel CS 3.7?
I have spent some time w/ the Thiel, but not had an opportunity to demo the Magico.

Happy Listening!
I concur,
at this level of price and performance, one most certainly requires audition time in full effect.
I am fortunate to own the TAD Ref 1 for a little over 4 years now.  During this time I have many friends that have brought their preamps, dacs and amps over to evaluate the sound and the TADs have sounded well with all the equipment.  Most equipment that was used would be considered Hi-End.  The only issue is the base control with some tube amps.  I have CAT JL3 Signature Mk2 monos which cannot control the 2 12" woofers well enough.  I also have Pass Labs XA 160.8 monos that do a fantastic job with woofer control.  The 'beryllium concentric driver has a richer sound that delivers a predictable sound that IMHO is fantastic.  I evaluated many high end speakers before I decided on the TAD because they produced a richer sound.