Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Very high transparency, very neutral, very accurate sound elevates the reproduction of music
  • Extraordinary leading edge response makes instruments, especially brass, sound lifelike
  • The beryllium tweeter provides some of the best high-frequency response reviewers have heard
  • Spatial aspects of recordings are delivered incredibly well, with imaging that is wide, spacious, and tall
  • Solid construction uses birch wood bracing inside the cabinet and thick aluminum side plates for structural rigidity and dampening

Product Considerations

  • The speakers are expensive, requiring a significant financial investment
  • Low sensitivity rating of 85 dB potentially requires a high-powered amplifier for optimal performance
  • While the bass response is clean and tight, some listeners may prefer to supplement with subwoofers for deeper bass extension, particularly for genres like electronica or organ music
  • One reviewer found that the NAD M23 Class D amplifier pairing was a bit too transistory, too hard, not enough warmth—not enough soul

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Klipsch Jubilee: The Jubilee offers greater scale, plays louder with greater ease, and has bigger bass and dynamics, excelling in larger rooms
  • Vs PureAudioProject Due at 15: The PureAudioProject offers greater scale and energizes the room more completely, representing significantly better value for the money
  • Vs Kharma Elegance dB7-S: The Kharma offers greater bass shove but a less neutral, 'flamboyant' sound profile compared to the more 'modest, measured' CE1TX

Takeaway: The TAD-CE1TX offers high accuracy and neutral sound that audiophiles who value imaging and clarity will enjoy. With its high resolution, this is a speaker that rewards you with a quality sound.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

TAD-CE1TX

reviews

[{"title":"TAD CE1TX loudspeaker","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/tad-ce1tx-loudspeaker","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"TAD Compact Evolution One TX Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1214-tad-compact-evolution-one-tx-loudspeaker","source":"Soundstage! Ultra","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"TAD CE1TX Loudspeakers: Review","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/tad-ce1tx-loudspeakers","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Review TAD CE1TX monitor – off the scale","link":"https://www.alpha-audio.net/review/review-tad-ce1tx-monitor-off-the-scale-2","source":"Alpha Audio","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"TAD CE1TX: BEST 'Small' Speaker on the Planet!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTT6pw4DV7o","source":"Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Is the TAD CE1TX Audiophile Bookshelf Speaker Really Worth It?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li4bhwoVEn8","source":"Jiles McCoy","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Are Japanese HiFi Speakers Better? TAD Compact Evolution One REVIEW","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCN5rQhRq14","source":"Pursuit Perfect System","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Type: 3-way, bass-reflex bookshelf speaker system
  • Drive Units: Woofer: 18cm (7 1/16 in.) cone; Midrange/tweeter: concentric 14 cm (5 1/2 in.) magnesium cone and 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.) beryllium dome
  • Frequency response: 34Hz to 100kHz
  • Crossover frequencies: 250 Hz and 1.8 kHz
  • Maximum input power: 200W
  • Sensitivity: 85dB (2.83V, 1m)
  • Rated impedance: 4Ω
  • Weight: 29kg (63.9 lb) per unit
  • Dimensions: 287mm (W) × 510mm (H) × 447mm (D) (11 5/16 in. (W) x 20 1/16 in. (H) x 17 5/8 in. (D))
The critically acclaimed TAD-CE1 speaker system was known for its innovative design inside and out to reproduce musical sounds down to the last detail of the original—without adding or subtracting anything that might alter the subtleties and nuances intended by recording artists and producers. We have taken the already impressive performance of the CE1 to the next level when designing the new TAD-CE1TX—by incorporating refinements and innovations inside and out. The TAD-CE1TX gives a whole new meaning to the two-channel reproduction of music. The CE1TX combines the pinpoint localization of sound images with three-dimension-like sound-field reproduction between the right- and left-channel speakers to create a 'being-there' experience for a listener.
The critically acclaimed TAD-CE1 speaker system was known for its innovative design inside and out to reproduce musical sounds down to the last detail of the original—without adding or subtracting anything that might alter the subtleties and nuances intended by recording artists and producers. We have taken the already impressive performance of the CE1 to the next level when designing the new TAD-CE1TX—by incorporating refinements and innovations inside and out. The TAD-CE1TX gives a whole new meaning to the two-channel reproduction of music. The CE1TX combines the pinpoint localization of sound images with three-dimension-like sound-field reproduction between the right- and left-channel speakers to create a “being-there” experience for a listener. You would feel as if you were in a recording studio, listening to musicians play their parts. The CE1TX has exquisitely honed its quality to provide an immersive sound-field experience to you.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • TAD utilizes a proprietary Coherent Source Transducer (CST) driver, featuring a concentrically mounted tweeter and midrange, designed for exceptional imaging and phase coherence.
  • They blend their professional audio engineering heritage with consumer-focused designs, aiming for a sound that balances studio-level accuracy with an engaging listening experience.
  • A key feature is the Bi-Directional Aero-Dynamic Slot (ADS) porting system, which minimizes port noise and allows for flexible speaker placement closer to walls.
  • TAD emphasizes the use of premium materials, such as beryllium for tweeters and meticulously crafted cabinets, resulting in products that exhibit exceptional build quality and fit and finish.

TAD Evolution Two

  • Positioning: The mid-range floor-standing speaker in TAD's lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
  • Description: Features a beryllium tweeter and MACC diaphragm woofers, providing clear high frequencies and powerful bass. Compared to the Reference One TX, offers a more compact design suitable for medium-sized rooms, while still delivering TAD's signature sound quality. Its price point makes it accessible for those seeking high-quality sound without the premium cost of the Reference series.

TAD Evolution One TX

  • Positioning: Positioned as a high-end floor-standing speaker within the Evolution series, offering advanced technologies for audiophiles.
  • Description: Features TAD's CST Driver and Bi-Directional ADS port, delivering a wide frequency range and natural sound dispersion. Offers a more refined soundstage compared to the Evolution Two.

TAD GE1

  • Positioning: Part of the Grand Evolution series, positioned as a premium offering with advanced acoustic technologies.
  • Description: Features CST Driver and MACS II diaphragm, providing clear mid-to-high frequencies and rich bass. Offers a more sophisticated sound profile than the Evolution series.

TAD Reference One TX

  • Positioning: The flagship model in TAD's lineup, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology.
  • Description: Renowned for its groundbreaking CST Driver and beryllium diaphragms, delivering unmatched clarity and soundstage. It surpasses other models with its expansive frequency range and precise imaging, making it ideal for large rooms and professional settings. Its premium price reflects the exceptional build quality and cutting-edge technology, offering the ultimate audio experience for discerning audiophiles.
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Avg. Product Price
$30,001-$40,000
Used For Sale
10
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
197
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
17
Founding Year
2007

Our take on the brand

Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Borresen
01 Silver Supreme Edition
55000
55000
/
3
Reviews

The Silver Supreme Edition loudspeakers are the absolute flagship versions among the Børresen loudspeakers. By replacing the copper pole rings by in-house manufactured, hand-crafted silver rings the inductance is reduced substantially. Additionally, all metal components, are subjected to a cryogenic treatment. These loudspeakers set a new and unsurpassed benchmark. Clarity, refinement and sound staging at its very best.

The patented Børresen iron-free magnetic system has been further refined. Børresen uses iron-free drivers in all its loudspeakers. Their inductance is about ten times lower than that of conventional drivers. This exceptionally low inductance has now been even further reduced to an unprecedented new minimum level – about 12 times lower than the inductance level of conventional, iron-based drivers. Since silver has 6-8% better conductivity than copper, we replaced the copper pole rings with in-house manufactured, handcrafted silver rings.

Cryogenic treatment of all metal components of the loudspeaker results in a further significant improvement in conductivity – unleashing finest and most subtle musical details. When metal components undergo cryogenic processing, they are subjected to extreme cooling. In the wake of this process, the crystal structure of the metal contracts more and more. Alloying elements are pushed out of the grain structure of the metal, which now becomes very similar to a monocrystal.

The Børresen membrane consists of a composite of two layers of very thin carbon on both sides of a 4 mm Nomex honeycomb core. This composite structure – like the one used in formula 1 type of racing cars – provides the ultimate combination of stiffness to weight ratio. The exceptionally low weight of only 5.5 grams allows a very high acceleration factor in the driver, resulting in both outstanding resolution and higher efficiency.

The cabinets are heavily braced, block milled, compressed wood structures, beautifully veneered in walnut and fitted with solid walnut inserts. They follow the best of Danish furniture design traditions paired with the stylish shapes that were initially created by the late Franco Serbelin from Sonos Faber. The tweeter section is vented to balance out the build-up of air pressure. The bass sections consist of tuned ports calibrated for musically relevant frequencies.

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exquisitely built with walnut veneer and artisanal fit and finish
  • Uses patented iron-free magnetic motor, which reduces inductance
  • Produces full-thickness bass down to 50Hz, and good, well-controlled bass down still further
  • Presents an extremely accurate rendition of music played, offering a fast, reactive and uncolored performance
  • Connectivity options should be considered

Product Considerations

  • Requires 50–100 hours of music replay for break-in, with gradual improvements over the next few hundred hours
  • Poor recordings sound really poor because of its revealing nature

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Magico Q1, Raidho D-1 and Alta Audio FRM-2M Celestas, the Børresen 01 Silver Supremes are superior in every way

Takeaway: The Børresen 01 Silver Supreme Edition speakers offer exceptional clarity and refinement and a superb soundstage, and they reveal the artistry of musicians. They provide an amazing musical experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Borresen
01
38500
/
Released
The Børresen 01 guarantees a transparent and authentic musical performance. The artistic design of the cabinet and the stand turn this loudspeaker into a perfect amalgamation of outstanding musicality shaped into a piece of art.
Check Amazon
Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Creates a realistic sense of scale, moving beyond the walls and ceiling to adapt the room to the recorded venue
  • Exceptional immediacy and clarity across the musical spectrum
  • Capable of producing deep and accurate bass, especially given its size
  • Offers a very accurate rendition of music—completely uncolored and offering ultimate refinement
  • Retrieves a high level of detail, harmonic separation, and immediacy due to fast and efficient drivers
  • Speaker terminals will only accept banana/BFA-styled cable terminations

Product Considerations

  • Has limited low-frequency extension given it is a stand-mounted monitor
  • Requires careful system matching to ensure optimal performance
  • Poor recordings will sound really poor due to the speaker's revealing nature

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Franco Serblin Accordo Essence: Børresen has the upper hand on resolution and transparency

Takeaway: The Børresen 01 offers a high-fidelity experience by communicating musical nuances, capturing a live experience. These speakers excel in presenting the artist's intent, bringing listeners closer to the original performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Børresen Acoustics stands out for its iron-free magnetic motors and cryogenically treated metal components, which reduce inductance for clearer sound. The brand's speakers feature unique elements like zirconium-based 3D-printed baskets and a patented ribbon tweeter design, combined with series crossover networks for phase-locked electrical current across frequencies.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Wilson Benesch
Discovery 3Zero
31000
/
Released
2023
The third generation of a Wilson Benesch classic. The original 'Discovery' name was a reference to the development of the unique acoustic presentation that the first Discovery loudspeaker delivered when it was launched in 2002. A 2.5-way standmount monitor like no other, the Discovery 3Zero deploys the same unique drive topology as the original classic, placing the Fibonacci Tweeter and a dedicated Tactic 3.0 midrange drive unit in close proximity to the powerful Isobaric Drive System that sits directly on the underside of the loudspeaker in the vertical plane.
Check Amazon
Wilson Benesch pioneered the use of carbon fiber in audio products, starting with their 1991 turntable, and continues to use this material extensively in their loudspeakers for its unique structural advantages. Their speakers feature an isobaric driver configuration that enables deeper bass from smaller cabinets, and they manufacture almost all components in-house, including their distinctive curved monocoque enclosures that reduce resonance.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional transparency and insight reveal details in recordings that other speakers miss
  • Vivid dynamics and an ability to communicate shifts in musical mood explicitly
  • Impressive engineering and design, with a cabinet that minimizes unwanted sound and resonances
  • A convincingly layered and precisely focused soundstage is produced, with cohesive drive unit dispersion
  • Highly differentiated bass reproduction reveals structure, fine dynamic gradations, and delicate shadings

Product Considerations

  • A top-class partnering system is demanded due to its high level of transparency, and it will not hide weaknesses in other components
  • Placement can be sensitive, requiring careful positioning close to a wall
  • Frequency response rises noticeably towards the highs, which can be too much of a good thing with poor recordings
  • Deep bass extension is lacking compared to larger alternatives
  • Sound is sensitive to placement and acoustics

Takeaway: The Discovery 3Zero is a transparent and revealing speaker that offers an electrostatic-like sound, freeing music from any earthly weight. When partnered well and carefully set up, it is capable of sounding magical and delivering a highly exciting acoustic discovery journey.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wilson Benesch pioneered the use of carbon fiber in audio products, starting with their 1991 turntable, and continues to use this material extensively in their loudspeakers for its unique structural advantages. Their speakers feature an isobaric driver configuration that enables deeper bass from smaller cabinets, and they manufacture almost all components in-house, including their distinctive curved monocoque enclosures that reduce resonance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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