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TAD Evolution 1 vs Thiel CS3.7

I have done some listening with the Thiel CS3.7 and I love the sound from that speaker. However, I am not able to purchase these speakers for about another year due to room issues. I am most likely going to pair the new speakers with a Bryston 7B-SST2 (or the 28B SST2)
While I impatiently wait to purchase I have become interested in the TAD speaker design’s since they seem similar to the Thiel. Specifically the $29,000 TAD Evolution 1, it is in the ball park of the $15,000 Thiel. There are some demo/used TAD for around $21,000.
I thought I would ask here if anyone has any opinions of the 2 speakers relative to each other. I have not heard the TAD yet and will do so in a few months’ time. I doubt I will be able to demo both speakers at the same location. I am sure the TAD is also a great speaker but do the materials used in it justify the 2X price? What are the differences between the 2 speakers from a technical perspective and also a sound perspective? I plan on sticking with my next speaker for a very long time so warranty and repairs are also a consideration.
yyzsantabarbara
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The Thiel with a high powered SS amplifier and the Tannoy with a tube amp are so vastly different in presentation. I can't imagine someone truly preferring one would have any remote interest in the other, these are two unrelated camps of listeners.
Regards,
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
"Specifically the $29,000 TAD Evolution 1, it is in the ball park of the $15,000 Thiel"

That's one heulluva ball park. Akin to saying a Hyundai is in the ballpark of a Lexus. I guess so, you can buy either of them for under 100K.

Shakey
richardyc
28 posts
 
I’ve just upgraded from a pr of CS2.4s to CS3.7s, it’s a big jump in performance and I think and hope I am done upgrading my L&R speakers for a long time. I love the CS3.7s’ holographic image with a wide soundstage. Maybe it is my room, with the CS2.4s, the soundstage is somewhat limited to the space between the L&R speakers, with the Cs3.7s, I hear stuff 3-4ft outside of the L and R speakers. Even movies sound better and a lot more realistic, it’s scary sometimes. The boring sound might be due to the Mcintosh amp. I find that is one of the characteristics of Mcintosh amps, along with the natural sounding CS3.7s, it might sound boring to some. The TAD should have better bass extension according to the specs(28hz vs. 35hz) than CS3.7s, and might do something better than the Thiel, it should be as it’s in a different price point. Is it worth the extra $5-$10k more, that’s for you to decide?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I recently bought a pair of TAD Evolution One and VERY VERY happy with the purchase. They are like horns without the bass issues but you have to drive them with high quality electronics. TAS review is deadon. Plan to keep them for a while.

I'm familiar with most Thiels but not the CS3.7. With proper electronics and high current amps, they can be very enjoyable. I heard 7.2 driven with all McIntosh and it was excellent.

In this price range, there are many choices. Rockport Avior, Magico Q3/S5, Vivid, Hansen ... just demo and buy the ones you like the best.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Agree at that price level you should broaden your options, especially since you have some time. You're starting with two good ones, but sometimes it's the one off your radar screen that surprises you and ends up being "the one." Knghifi brought up some good ones, and I'll add Revel, Vandersteen, and Joseph Audio as others worth checking out. Best of luck.
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