Compact Reference One

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.

CST TECHNOLOGY

Reference One – CST Driver Unit (Coherent Source Transducer)

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

The bass driver was designed to achieve total linearity of the magnetic circuit, diaphragm and suspension. The magnetic circuit features our unique short voice coil OFGMS (Optimized Field Geometry Magnet Structure). With a long gap of 20mm (0.8 in.), it linearizes the magnetic flux density along the gap. This stabilizes drive performance from small to large amplitudes, achieving high linearity and consistently accurate waveform reproduction. 

The TLCC (Tri-Laminate Composite Cone) aramid diaphragm has a triple-laminated construction that provides near ideal physical properties. It delivers rich and clear low-bass with a mid-bass free of coloration. The suspension system employs TAD’s traditional corrugated edge, further contributing to the high linearity.

SILENT ENCLOSURE – ULTIMATE STRENGTH

The SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) cabinet, inherited from the TAD Reference One, is a compact 63cm (25 in.) in height. It has a strong internal framework formed by 21mm (0.9 in.) thick CNC machined birch plywood clad with high frequency hot press formed laminated MDF panels, resulting in extremely high strength. The 27.5mm (1.1 in.) thick aluminum base lowers the center of gravity and stabilizes the cabinet against the forces generated by the powerful bass driver motor system. Combining differing materials in this way both distributes and minimizes the enclosure resonances and achieves high vibration control. Its flowing teardrop shape minimizes sound diffraction and unwanted resonance from internal standing waves. With a beautiful piano-like finish of natural Pommele Sapele wood, the cabinet imparts an air of elegant craftsmanship.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model No

TAD-CR1MK2

Model

3-way bass reflex compact speaker

Drive Units

Bass: 20cm (8.0 in.) driver

Midrange/Tweeter: concentric 16cm (6.5 in.) cone/3.5cm (1.4 in.) dome

Performance Data

Frequency response: 32Hz to 100kHz

Crossover frequencies: 250Hz and 2kHz

Appropriate amplifier power: 50W to 200W

Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V @ 1m free space) 

Nominal impedance: 4Ω

Others

Weight: 46kg (101 lbs.)

Dimensions: 341mm (13.4 in.) (W) × 628mm (24.8 in.) (H) × 444mm (17.5 in.) (D) 

Accessories

Cleaning cloth, shorting links × 2, cone spikes × 3, 
round spikes × 3, spike holders × 3, cork sheets × 3, owners manual • Warranty • Woofer grille

Unpacking instructions (attached to outside of box)

OPTION

TAD-CR1MK2 Speaker Stand
TAD-ST1 (Sold Separately)
Embodies the same concepts as the TAD-CR1MK2 to achieve high vibration control performance accompanied by high strength. This dedicated speaker stand maximizes the performance of the TAD-CR1MK2.

Specifications

Weight: 16kg (35.3 lbs.)
Dimensions: 407mm (16 in.) (W) × 532mm (20.9 in.)
(H) × 525mm (20.7 in.) (D)

Accessories

Accessory kit: cone spikes × 3, alignment pins × 2, Allen head cap screw, hexagonal wrench, owner’s manual