Tad me1
 

Has anyone heard these speakers? If yes, can you please provide your listening impressions... There have been 2 recent reviews in both Stereophile and The Absolute Sound. They seem to be getting a great deal of favorable comments and buzz. They seem to be standouts at the shows, with reviewers going back to the room for a second listen, and then requesting review samples. I have to admit, I think the design & overall look is just spectacular. And the price is right (at least relatively speaking for TAD). Call me very intrigued at this point.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/...ne-loudspeaker

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/arti...1-loudspeaker/

I haven’t heard them, but wish I could. I love the CR-1s, and suspect these are cut from the same cloth in all the right ways.

I see that you also have the excellent KEF LS-50. I'm wondering how the sound of the CR-1s compares to the LS50? Are they similar sounding, or totally different?

Hard to compare. My TADS are powered by 2 Accuphase A200s running with an accuphase c-3800 and similar surrounding sources. The KEFs are cranking tidal and podcasts, etc via a wyred4sound modded sonos connect. Not a fair fight ....

That said, I love the KEFs - overkill for the kitchen and their normal duty, but great nonetheless. Had the desired effect as I now hear my daughter turning down music from crappy systems because “it just doesn’t sound good Papi.”

The key differences I've heard between the ME-1 and CR-1 are in bass and treble. The CR1 are kind of ruthless - I don't mean that in a bad way but imagine them as being ultra precise so if you have any issues in your chain or music you will hear it clearly. The ME-1 have similar dynamics and sound stage but the top end is way more forgiving (softer, rolled off, lower volume?) The other thing is that they are lacking in bass so if you like thump you will need subs. I'm personally a firm believer in subs no matter what you're using if they can be integrated well but that's another topic.

I'd say give Ivan a call, the pricing point for TAD is incredible to step into the brand. I think they're only going to get more popular from here on out.

The key differences I've heard between the ME-1 and CR-1 are in bass and treble. The CR1 are kind of ruthless - I don't mean that in a bad way but imagine them as being ultra precise so if you have any issues in your chain or music you will hear it clearly. The ME-1 have similar dynamics and sound stage but the top end is way more forgiving (softer, rolled off, lower volume?) The other thing is that they are lacking in bass so if you like thump you will need subs. I'm personally a firm believer in subs no matter what you're using if they can be integrated well but that's another topic.

I'd say give Ivan a call, the pricing point for TAD is incredible to step into the brand. I think they're only going to get more popular from here on out.

Here is a very good review;https://www.cnet.com/news/the-tad-me...udio-speakers/

I heard them in Munich. Absolutely knocked my socks off, even when driven by pedestrian pioneer electronics. Of all the many awesome speakers heard while there, these really stand out. My buddy is in the process of purchasing a pair as a result.

And, as mentioned above, the price <> performance ratio was astounding.

Update: so I ended up ordering a brand new pair of ME1's (in the new Titanium Silver finish) and I could not be happier with the performance so far. I am absolutely amazed by the pin-point imaging, sound-stage, coherence, dynamics and musicality of these speakers. They just seem to do everything right! Even the low-end bass extension is quite stunning for a bookshelf sized speaker, and supremely accurate and textured. Vocals are so natural and lifelike. The build quality and overall fit & finish is beyond reproach. It has been a joy to rediscover my favorite music recordings with these speakers.

That’s what I thought your reaction would be. I love my cr-1s. Congrats.

I'm glad you're still loving your CR1s, and it was great to hear that the ME1s really stood out for you when you are at the Munich show.

Anyone considering the new E-1s?

http://tad-labs.com/jp/corporate/pre...914.php/?bz=fb

I have the ME-1 which I'm happy with, though I would prefer a bit more bass. It looks like the E-1 share the same characteristics of the ME-1 so they should be pretty good? Anyone own the current/older E-1s?

I know this thread is a bit old but I just signed up to hopefully share more experiences with the ME-1. I also, just attained a set and they are glorious. :) (first post, couldn’t start my own intro thread yet)

Low325... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Welcome aboard. You will love them.

@masterlu @weirdcuba thanks for the welcome!

New ME-1 owner here. Also first time poster here. I just picked mine up about a month ago.

I do have two questions.

What do you think break in time is? I'd read it could take upwards of 1500 hours to fully break them in. The previous owner indicated they may have had up to 200 hours of play time in his 2+ years of ownership. I've got 100-150 hours on them myself now. I have no complaints with their sound now. If they get better as they break in I won't be complaining.

Also, what would be a good speaker cable match for these? They are currently connected with Nordost SPM. I'm in the mood for an update and want the cable to be a good match for these. Right now they are driven by an Edge M8m amplifier and an AR LS17SE preamp with Nordost SPM interconnect also. From time to time they will also be used in my other system which consists of Plinius SA-103 amp and Aesthetix Calypso preamp and I plan to use the speaker cables with that set up also.

Thanks for any input.

Congratulations. These are awesome speakers that punch way above their size and price.

I have the CR-1s and the R1. I bought the cr-1 new and didn’t find a long break in period - sounded great from day one. I bought the R1 used, so can’t speak there.

Your choice on cables. And, enjoy. You are about to be very impressed.

Mike O... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Wierdcuba - so are you saying they aren’t that sensitive to cables?

Looking forward for Me1
 

I am looking as well for these great speakers :tresbon:

Interested by any feedback from owner or people familiar with their sound in different rooms.

They are on short list with Magico A1 :scratch2:

The TAD ME1 are amazing speakers. I would love to spend a few hours with them to get to know them better.

Even in this very bright and reflective room, along with the D'Agostino Progression Preamp (schweet!) and TAD amp, they retain a very organic and palatable presentation. https://youtu.be/pz4Sl8Dhxk0

I’ve added a couple of REL carbon specials to the mix. Tuned just enough to add extra warmth and body to my room. The ME-1 still puts a smile on my face. My neurotic-ness is telling me to match up with other Japanese exotic like a luxman.

I own the R-1sand previously owned the cr-1s. I still say the ME-1s are the best bang for the buck and footprint. I suspect I will have a pair some day. Congrats. Must be awesome with the RELs.

Getting ready for a pair of the ME 1 speakers to arrive hopefully by Friday…
Waiting sucks…. But once they get here, should be a fun time listening to everything…

Wow. Report back - they are awesome.

Congrats! Please share when you can - as a fellow TAD owner (CR-1’s) I’d love to hear how you find them…

+1…!

Mitch

Tracking shows Thursday delivery for the ME1

Gonna be a good weekend

Speakers arrived today on a pallet…..
Got them unpacked and used my sound anchor stands…really nice looking bookshelf speakers…. Build quality is excellent…
Glad I have a subwoofer, as these benefit greatly with one….crossed over at 80hz, and can reach a nice volume…
Powered with a MAC MC452…..liking the sound very much…
Highs are very articulate… mids clear… bass could be stronger…. But it’s not a large speaker…that’s why you need the sub….. it rounds out the sound very nicely….

This is the second set of speakers I purchased unheard….
I have heard the Evolution 1 …. So I was a little familiar with the TAD sound…
Also unheard , and purchased were the Alta Audio Celeste FRM 2…Nice speakers, but not the speakers for me…. They did produce a lot of bass, but overall, to me, not worth the money…. The Celeste FRM2 were returned….
The ME1 are keepers…..very happy with them…

Shelly

Congrats. Let us know as they burn in.

Mike O & Low325 - wondering about your current thoughts on your TAD ME-1s. Have they broken-in well for you? I see that Shelly40 is driving them with a McIntosh MC452 (450wpc) and I'm wondering what amp(s) you might be using with your ME-1s? Wondering if my 50wpc of Class A into 4ohm would drive them well. I generally listen at low levels, so no need to push the speakers hard.
Thanks for your thoughts.

While I realize that the MC 452 is probably overkill for the ME1, they do sound fantastic….
Have 2 JL Audio F112 subs for the low end…
At the levels I listen at, the ME1 needs a sub….
I had some friends over the other night, and they were astounded at how my system sounds….They were impressed with how clear and balanced the sound was, even at loud listening levels….

I was actually thinking of trying a tube amp with them…..
Either the PrimaLuna EVO 400, or an MC 275…
If anyone has any input about those amps, it is appreciated…

Thanks
Shelly

Shelly - you should become a subscriber. There is a great deal on a highly rated tube amp in the classifieds that would be a good start to try tubes. Plus, I'll be listing mine shortly, which I also think very highly of. But, without being a subscriber you can neither communicate with other members (except thru posts) or view the classifieds.