TAD Compact Evolution One
Not to be underestimated – this is a very serious speaker.
On permanent demo at WInters Audio – by appointment only!
"The Artistic Intent, Intact"
This TAD strap line says everything you need to know about the listening experience. Masses of detail and precision for sure, but with passion and emotion in equal measure too, creating a truly rewarding sound.
About the Compact Evolution One
Although it might not look it, this is a genuine 3-way, bass-reflex speaker, even though its of bookshelf proportions. That's thanks, of course, to the TAD coaxial midrange/tweeter, which is used here. The coaxial unit has many benefits, particularly with the pinpoint imaging that it produces. But it also saves front baffle space, allowing for a true three-way design in a box that would only normally have room for a conventional tweeter and a mid/bass driver. The benefit goes further, because it means that sensitive upper mid frequencies are being produced by a dedicated driver that's best designed for the job – it can be lighter, more responsive in the midband, and better damped for mids, without having to also be strong enough (and therefore heavier) to deal with bass energy. And dopler distortion in the mids is avoided in bass heavy programme too. Then of course you have the bass driver that starts to roll in at 250Hz, so it can be optimised to low-mids and bass.
Build quality and design are abundant here too. For long term reliability and pride of ownership, it is hard to beat a TAD product.
About the Compact Evolution One
Although it might not look it, this is a genuine 3-way, bass-reflex speaker, even though its of bookshelf proportions. That's thanks, of course, to the TAD coaxial midrange/tweeter, which is used here. The coaxial unit has many benefits, particularly with the pinpoint imaging that it produces. But it also saves front baffle space, allowing for a true three-way design in a box that would only normally have room for a conventional tweeter and a mid/bass driver. The benefit goes further, because it means that sensitive upper mid frequencies are being produced by a dedicated driver that's best designed for the job – it can be lighter, more responsive in the midband, and better damped for mids, without having to also be strong enough (and therefore heavier) to deal with bass energy. And dopler distortion in the mids is avoided in bass heavy programme too. Then of course you have the bass driver that starts to roll in at 250Hz, so it can be optimised to low-mids and bass.
Build quality and design are abundant here too. For long term reliability and pride of ownership, it is hard to beat a TAD product.
Tech Insight
For their compact speakers, TAD employ their 18cm driver for lower-mid and bass duties. Made of five layers of woven and non-woven fabric to optimize the vibration characteristics of the shell-shaped diaphragm that integrates the center cap and cone into a single piece. Other ingenious woofer design features include a molded rear cradle that fully conveys the powerful driving force of the large neodymium magnet, and the turbulence-suppressing aerodynamic design of the rear side. Tad's attention to detail even extends to the material, configuration, and finish of the surround:
Specifications
Drive Units: Midrange/tweeter: Coaxial 14 cm (5 1/2 in.) magnesium cone and 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.) beryllium dome, Woofer: 18cm (7 1/16 in.) cone
Frequency response: 34Hz to 100kHz
Crossover frequencies: 250 Hz and 1.8 kHz
Maximum input: 200W
Sensitivity: 85dB (2.83V, 1m)
Nominal 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))
Matching & Setup
It's worth comparing this model to the Micro Evolution One when we talk about matching. The 'micro' is also a three way, but employs the 16cm mid bass driver, as opposed to the 18cm unit here. In measurement terms it only gives a 2Hz difference at the bass roll-off point, but when listening the 'compact' has considerably more perceived extension. So this speaker will work in a larger room – that's the takeaway here. And good system quality and accururacy of speaker positioning will be paid off handsomely. With amplification, consideration needs to be taken with the slightly below average efficiency and 4Ω impedance. Solid state amplification of say 60W plus is a sensible minimum, likewise a good valve amp of 40W with 4Ω output taps.