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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
yyzsantabarbara OP
4,879 posts
 
Sorry I did not reply back to this post. I did not see it listed until today.

My statement on the price being fairly close was for the used TAD E1 I see on A'Gon compared to the new Thiel CS 3.7. I have seen a few listing where TAD E1 owners have upgraded to the higher models in the TAD line and put the E1's for sale. The fact that they are not 1/2 price is kind of informative. Of course a Thiel CS 3.7 have also been listed on A'Gon for sale around 6-8k.
omsed
145 posts
 
Go listen to the beautiful, natural, dynamic, powerful JBL 1400 array and save some money.
yyzsantabarbara OP
4,879 posts
 
I have heard the JBL Array ($12,000).

I am really interested to hear a comparison between the Thiel and TAD since my limited technical knowledge leads me to believe they use similar designs.

I can of course go and listen to all the speakers listed in this thread. In fact I have listened to quite a few and owned The Revels Salons already listed on this thread. From a price/performance level I decided a few years ago that the Thiel would work best for me. That decision was made when Thiel was owned by different owners and long time staff were still working there.

Due to potential issues with the new owners I am exploring other speakers that may have the same technical designs as the Thiel. Just in case I get nervous buying from the new owners. Given my tastes in sound reproduction, I think Jim Thiel was on the right track with his designs.

The TAD, KEF, Vandersteen seem to be similar in design to the Thiel (I think).
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
The JBL S4700s are better than the 1400 Arrays, and for not too much more money ($15000 retail)

But I will say, those TADs are better than either JBLs, imo.

You could do better than the Bryston amps, though.
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