TAD Compact Reference One MK2

THE COMPACT REFERENCE ONE

TAD’S POINT-SOURCE SOUND PHILOSOPHY. RE-DEFINED.

With the flagship TAD Reference One, TAD gained the wholehearted trust and respect of many of the world’s top artists and engineers. As the final goal of the point-source sound idea, it was created by merging advanced technologies with our engineers’ experience in order to achieve the ideal sound in a dwelling space. Now, we have reached a new zenith with the TAD Compact Reference, which takes advantage of all of the top-level technologies that went into the flagship models. Our objective was to achieve, in a compact size, point-source sound of such high quality that listeners will forget about the existence of the speaker. Its extraordinarily resonant sound will surely exceed your expectations.

The CST (Coherent Source Transducer) has enabled us to achieve our goal for the TAD Compact Reference: reproduction with controlled directivity over a wide range from a single point with uniform phase. The design of the midrange cone is based on detailed calculations, so not only does it have superior acoustic characteristics, but it also controls the directivity performance of the tweeter due to the concentric configuration. This unifies the acoustic center of the tweeter and midrange and reconciles the phase and directional characteristics through the crossover range. The CST Driver is thus a large step forward for coaxial speakers, enabling ultra wide range reproduction of 250Hz to 100kHz, accompanied by a directivity pattern which neatly dampens without disruption across all bands. The result is extremely clear and stable imaging, a wide frequency response and incredibly rich and natural sounding reproduction.

BERYLLIUM – UNIQUE VAPOR DEPOSITION TECHNIQUE

The tweeter dome and midrange cone are made of beryllium, the lightest and most rigid of metals, which makes it a superior diaphragm material, and one which boasts a history of more than 30 years of TAD achievements. The diaphragm is produced using a vapor deposition technique developed by TAD and refined over many years. It provides strength and uniformity, combined with high internal loss, for smooth superior performance. The tweeter diaphragm shape is derived by using an advanced optimization method based on HSDOM (Harmonized Synthetic Diaphragm Optimum Method) computer analysis. It accurately controls differential vibration produced by the diaphragm and moves it out of the audible band, providing response to as high as 100kHz. The large midrange cone features a direct radiation, vapor deposition beryllium diaphragm. The resulting sound is astonishingly transparent, direct and precise across a wide frequency range.

ISO DRIVETECHNOLOGY

The CST Driver is mounted into a high-stiffness enclosure that is precisely shaped to minimize the diffraction of the radiated sound. In order to maximize the capability of the CST driver, we developed new ISO (isolation) technology. This involves including a mechanism to block vibration from the driver unit entering the enclosure, thus structurally separating the CST Driver from the enclosure. The CST Driver, with its powerful drive capability, is prevented from exciting the enclosure, thus reducing the radiation of secondary sound. It also limits the influence of the energy from the powerful bass drivers. Delivering only sound radiated from the CST Driver diaphragm improves resolution to convey accurate detail, allowing, for example, the differences in tone color that vary subtly according to how the performers play or sing, to be heard with unmatched clarity.

LOW LOSS, HIGH LINEARITY

SILENT ENCLOSURE – ULTIMATE STRENGTH

AERODYNAMIC PORT SYSTEM

In order to make the most of the linear performance of the 20cm (8.0 in.) bass driver and its suspension, the bass reflex port is aerodynamically optimized based on precise fluid design technology refined by TAD professionals. This flare-shaped port produces absolutely no air noise or rectification effects, even when the bass driver unit is driven at the limit of its excursion range, achieving deep, clear bass.

BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED

The enclosure is beautifully finished with natural Pommele Sapele wood that imparts an artistic air of elegance.

• Isolated bass, midrange and treble crossover networks eliminate electrical and magnetic interactions.
• Rear terminal panel is made of 27mm (1 in.) thick aluminum to act as a heat sink for the network.
• Custom-made parts include air-core coils, non-inductive resistors and PP film capacitors.
• Large custom-machined speaker terminals have thick gold plating to ensure reliable connections.
• All wiring is carefully routed away from magnetic parts to prevent degradation of sound quality due to magnetic distortion.
• Not only the speaker system itself, but also the drive units are subject to strict quality control based on serial numbers.

OPTION