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  1. #1
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    Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Auditioned several including tad m2500, Pass 250.5, JRDG 201, 625, ayre mx-r, musical fidelity, and Viola labs symphony. Best so far is Symphony. Low level detail whether listening quietly or loud just phenominal. Sadly just too large for my desk location. Awaiting Viola concerto new amp slighly smaller chassis to audition after NY audio show. I think this amp if powerful enough(125-8ohm, 250-4ohm, but conservatively rated) or Dag stereo will end up pairing beautifully with my xp-20 and cr-1s.
    Nick

  2. #2
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    Hi Nick,

    Thanks for the update. I was recommended to hear Viola Labs but have not yet. So far the D'Ag stereo sounds superb on my CR-1's. I love the Dartzeel but feel I need cables other than Nordost TYR2 for that combo. Nordost woks great on the D'Ag.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

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  3. #3
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    Any update Nick?
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Any update Nick?
    Interested as well...


    Allen



  5. #5
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    For the past week I've been using my D'Agostino momentum stereo amp on my CR-1's. I am really liking what I am hearing, a more balanced sound from the TADs with plenty of fullness. The treble is not as in your face as some amps. It is definitely a great combo.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  6. #6
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    For the past week I've been using my D'Agostino momentum stereo amp on my CR-1's. I am really liking what I am hearing, a more balanced sound from the TADs with plenty of fullness. The treble is not as in your face as some amps. It is definitely a great combo.
    Joe
    How much longer before the Momentum Pre-amp is scheduled for delivery?
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
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    Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest

  7. #7
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    If your looking for more tone density with the Dart, you may want to try the Shunyata Zitron cables. I recently bought the cobras after comparing to Wireworld Eclipse, SR Element Copper, and Sablon Panatella. The zitrons were a clear winner.
    Preamp: Hegel P20
    Amp: Hegel H20
    Analog: Sumiko Pearwood Celebration II > Rega P5 > Heed Quasar
    Digital: 4 TB Vortexbox > Squeezebox Duet > Marantz SA8004
    Speakers: Revel Studio2
    Cables: Shunyata Zitron / Analysis Plus

  8. #8
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Hi Jim

    I'm thinking about 3 more weeks, certainly before the end of the month.

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    Joe
    How much longer before the Momentum Pre-amp is scheduled for delivery?
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  9. #9
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Hi Jay

    Thank you for your recommendation. I do plan on adding Shunyata cables, both IC's and power cords.


    Quote Originally Posted by Jay View Post
    If your looking for more tone density with the Dart, you may want to try the Shunyata Zitron cables. I recently bought the cobras after comparing to Wireworld Eclipse, SR Element Copper, and Sablon Panatella. The zitrons were a clear winner.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  10. #10
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Sorry for delay
    This week Merrill And Rowland 525
    Fingers crossed it will float my boat like viola symphony in a smaller package
    Nick
    Nick



    Main system :TAD CR1 speakers, Viola Labs Symphony amp,Pass XP-20 preamp., MSB Discrete DAC with twin power supplies and V2 Renderer module, Gigafoil V4 inline ethernet filter with uptone LPS-1 power supply with Ghent audio Gotham 2.1mm to 2.5mm cable and AG diamond ethernet cable, Sonicorbitor Roon Audiophile 6 TB network server-player , MG Audio Design Planus III jumpers & speaker cables, Zitron Cobra power cords, Shunyata Hydra AV, and acoustic zen absolute copper IC,. Room treatment ASC tower traps, Vicoustic absorber premium cinema wall and ceiling panels, and MSR acoustic trifusser side wall panel

  11. #11
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Quote Originally Posted by veindoc View Post
    Sorry for delay
    This week Merrill And Rowland 525
    Fingers crossed it will float my boat like viola symphony in a smaller package
    Nick
    Looking forward to your impressions.
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    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  12. #12
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Rowland 525 had power for little amp but never warmed up sonically or thermally. Not a bit of heat, cool to touch and I think this particular amp may b not working normally. Other 525 owners have said amp get warm not hot but mine stay totally cool. Merril just ok sonically with my CR-!. Today my Vitus rs-100 came, no sound from right speaker output back to dealer for fix but I still would love to give it an honest trial. I hope to make a decision any decade now.
    Nick
    Nick



    Main system :TAD CR1 speakers, Viola Labs Symphony amp,Pass XP-20 preamp., MSB Discrete DAC with twin power supplies and V2 Renderer module, Gigafoil V4 inline ethernet filter with uptone LPS-1 power supply with Ghent audio Gotham 2.1mm to 2.5mm cable and AG diamond ethernet cable, Sonicorbitor Roon Audiophile 6 TB network server-player , MG Audio Design Planus III jumpers & speaker cables, Zitron Cobra power cords, Shunyata Hydra AV, and acoustic zen absolute copper IC,. Room treatment ASC tower traps, Vicoustic absorber premium cinema wall and ceiling panels, and MSR acoustic trifusser side wall panel

  13. #13
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Ha!

    Nick, I know what you are going through. I really think I'm done with finding what I like on my TADs. The D'Agostino combo is simply awesome. I'd like to hear Constellation and Viola at some point but it's not imperative. There is a little heat from the Momentum amp but in my opinion, the warmth of an amp correlates to the quality of sound - within reason. Heat, up to a point, is necessary in my book.

    Please keep us updated.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  14. #14
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    I agree all electronics have a break in and function within an optimal temp. range. I dont mine heat as long as my room does not become a sweatbox. But I think this 525 sonically has some issue. Class D switing amps r efficient but all I have tried do put out some heat. Delighted you have found some Zen synergy with your Dag pre & amp
    BTW which cables did u change out?
    Nick
    Nick



    Main system :TAD CR1 speakers, Viola Labs Symphony amp,Pass XP-20 preamp., MSB Discrete DAC with twin power supplies and V2 Renderer module, Gigafoil V4 inline ethernet filter with uptone LPS-1 power supply with Ghent audio Gotham 2.1mm to 2.5mm cable and AG diamond ethernet cable, Sonicorbitor Roon Audiophile 6 TB network server-player , MG Audio Design Planus III jumpers & speaker cables, Zitron Cobra power cords, Shunyata Hydra AV, and acoustic zen absolute copper IC,. Room treatment ASC tower traps, Vicoustic absorber premium cinema wall and ceiling panels, and MSR acoustic trifusser side wall panel

  15. #15
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    I took advantage of the sale at LAT International and ordered these bi-wire cables.

    SS-3000 SIGNATURE BI-WIRE - all spades.

    L A T International, Inc. - Speaker Cable

    I absolutely love these cables.

    I also plan on trying the Acoutic Zen Holigram II bi-wire cables.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  16. #16

    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Anybody tried the PASS XS on TAD? Have only heard good review about them, wondering if they might take the TAD higher.

  17. #17
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Tuesday repaired Vitus RS-100 comes in. My tad connection wants me to get the new Viola concerto says it really high current and perfect with CR-1 even though only rated at 175/250. I did love their much larger beast Symphony. The final dark horse candidate is to me nothing that I ever considered. It is the tube based zanden 8120 100 watts per channel with 4 kt120. Either their tube preamp with the viola or both pre and amp from Zanden may b my final choice. Usa rep said he has used Zanden amp wth Tad ref. it it was just a true sonic winner. Very musical, fast bass and very very powerful even for the less efficient cr-1. With CAS in aug. I will make my decision by mid August for sure.

    Nick
    Nick



    Main system :TAD CR1 speakers, Viola Labs Symphony amp,Pass XP-20 preamp., MSB Discrete DAC with twin power supplies and V2 Renderer module, Gigafoil V4 inline ethernet filter with uptone LPS-1 power supply with Ghent audio Gotham 2.1mm to 2.5mm cable and AG diamond ethernet cable, Sonicorbitor Roon Audiophile 6 TB network server-player , MG Audio Design Planus III jumpers & speaker cables, Zitron Cobra power cords, Shunyata Hydra AV, and acoustic zen absolute copper IC,. Room treatment ASC tower traps, Vicoustic absorber premium cinema wall and ceiling panels, and MSR acoustic trifusser side wall panel

  18. #18
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Quote Originally Posted by veindoc View Post
    Tuesday repaired Vitus RS-100 comes in. My tad connection wants me to get the new Viola concerto says it really high current and perfect with CR-1 even though only rated at 175/250. I did love their much larger beast Symphony. The final dark horse candidate is to me nothing that I ever considered. It is the tube based zanden 8120 100 watts per channel with 4 kt120. Either their tube preamp with the viola or both pre and amp from Zanden may b my final choice. Usa rep said he has used Zanden amp wth Tad ref. it it was just a true sonic winner. Very musical, fast bass and very very powerful even for the less efficient cr-1. With CAS in aug. I will make my decision by mid August for sure.

    Nick
    I would suggest a pair of Classe CAM-600's. There's a fellow on WBF who struggled to find amps for his CR-1's and was shocked when the Classe CA-2300 (which is one CAM-600 converted to stereo) was the best by a mile.

    Just a thought....
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  19. #19
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post197358

    Re-Post from WBF ...

    Stereophonic


    Junior Member Join DateJun 2013Posts9
    Thats the winner !!!





    Hello all.
    I had been listening various combos with the Tad Cr1. Here we go.
    First of all was my Dartzeel Cth 8550. I really love this amp. Is the kind of amplifier you know is something special. And sounds like that. When i put it with the Tads the pleasure was there. Really brilliant in reproduction of mids. The magic was there. But as you know, the tads are difficult to move and put the Dart in its place. There's no enough power. The treble and the bass was not controled.
    Then i put the 8550 like pre and a nhb-108. There was more control, not enough, but less coherence. The same unbalanced of treble/bass. It was a very disapointing situation to me. I know i can listen the Dart sound in this incredible speakers.
    Yesterday i was called for a demo with the Tad C2000+M2500. I was really conviced that this amplification, made ex profeso for the Tads, would reveal the potencial of Tads Cr1. But not. All were in its place. Highs, mids and bass sounds like they are. Any lack of anything but lacks of the most important. Music. The music wasn't there. Was like a teacher who imparts his lesson magistraly but not transmitted the sense of his knowledge. The Tads sounds incredible correct but like they were in the typical examination that put you nervous and dont let you relax.
    At this point, what to do? It was another amp in the room that didn't was a priori in the selected list.
    At this point, what to lose? We put it with the C2000 as preamp. push play and......woooow. Couldn't believe. The Tads become to life. Less analitical, more open, the scene was liberated. The Tads were happy with it. So happy that they put another bass driver below the real one. Like a present !!! They played under 32 Hz with easy. They sounded more like a floorspeaker than a monitor. The best surprise for me was that amplifier was the Classé Audio Ca-2300 !!! It was less perfect but more more more real. I don't understand the Tads. They are the most unpredictable speakers i have listened. If you listen Wilson, B&W, Sonus Faber, etc.... they always sound in its way. You can listen some changes with differents electronics but the philosophy of the brand is always in.
    Then i read another time the review of JA in Sterophile of the Tads and: Whats the amplifier used? The Classé Cam-600 !!!
    My budget is smiling !!!
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  20. #20
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    I've had XA100.5's on my TADs and thought it sounded great. The heat output for me would be too much in the summer but welcomed in the winter. I think the Xa160.5 or xa200 would be better on the TADs than the xa100 because of a firmer grip and tighter presentation.

    I can only imagine how wonderful the Xs150 or Xs300 would be. Based on all accounts the Xs series of amps is superb giving more depth. Bigger sound stage. A clearer window into the music. Lower noise floor. More coherent presentation. I better stop. I may want them.

    Quote Originally Posted by High Potential View Post
    Anybody tried the PASS XS on TAD? Have only heard good review about them, wondering if they might take the TAD higher.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  21. #21
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    As always Joe I really value your insightful commentary. The Zanden rep said something interesting about cr-1 vs. ref tad. He said the recommended power is 50-200 and that the cr-1 are actually designed for smaller rooms and not to play as loud as the tad ref. Speakers which are actually designed for louder playing for much larger rooms and perhaps many cr-1 owners may b pushing their speakers beyond their recommended usage. Personally my listening room is not huge(11x16) and my triangle is about 8x8x8. This is why I am open to considering more than just ss amps with minimum of 200/400. Ultimately listening will prove what is needed
    Nick



    Main system :TAD CR1 speakers, Viola Labs Symphony amp,Pass XP-20 preamp., MSB Discrete DAC with twin power supplies and V2 Renderer module, Gigafoil V4 inline ethernet filter with uptone LPS-1 power supply with Ghent audio Gotham 2.1mm to 2.5mm cable and AG diamond ethernet cable, Sonicorbitor Roon Audiophile 6 TB network server-player , MG Audio Design Planus III jumpers & speaker cables, Zitron Cobra power cords, Shunyata Hydra AV, and acoustic zen absolute copper IC,. Room treatment ASC tower traps, Vicoustic absorber premium cinema wall and ceiling panels, and MSR acoustic trifusser side wall panel

  22. #22
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    Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Thanks Nick. Your journey as of late has been tremendously valuable to me as well and I appreciate your experience. I know Zanden makes great gear and if you do try those amps please let me know. It's funny based on my experiments I think moderate to higher powered tube gear would be awesome on my TADs. I'm not sure why I have not explored it more. I do run my system a lot and that has something to do with it. I've tried my 20wpc Carver Black Beauty with great success and was thinking about adding a second one Jeff W. has for sale, giving me 40wpc. I do not play my TADs very loud, my room is not huge. I think for my taste a sweeter 100 to 200 watt tube setup would be ideal on my TADs.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  23. #23

    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    I've had XA100.5's on my TADs and thought it sounded great. The heat output for me would be too much in the summer but welcomed in the winter. I think the Xa160.5 or xa200 would be better on the TADs than the xa100 because of a firmer grip and tighter presentation.

    I can only imagine how wonderful the Xs150 or Xs300 would be. Based on all accounts the Xs series of amps is superb giving more depth. Bigger sound stage. A clearer window into the music. Lower noise floor. More coherent presentation. I better stop. I may want them.

    What's a little heat for the sake of the absolute sound!?!?

    I'm kidding of course. If it is like that in NY, then I won't even try it in Asia. Thanks for your response Joe. Your journey has been a most interesting one. Thank you for sharing it with us. By the way, I am not sure that you have a preference between the DAG and the DART. Is there a flavor that you prefer?

  24. #24
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    Re: Solid state for TAD CR-1

    Quote Originally Posted by High Potential View Post
    What's a little heat for the sake of the absolute sound!?!?

    I'm kidding of course. If it is like that in NY, then I won't even try it in Asia. Thanks for your response Joe. Your journey has been a most interesting one. Thank you for sharing it with us. By the way, I am not sure that you have a preference between the DAG and the DART. Is there a flavor that you prefer?
    Hi High,

    That's what I said until I was soaking wet from the perspiration. But oh did it sound great. It's fun to share and I'm glad I can help others not make my mistakes.

    As for my preference, I seem to go against generally accepted combos from others. I was first to nominate the TAD/Dartzeel combo. Finally others realized how good it sounds and are staying with that combo. While I still have the Dartzeels, I've come to prefer my D'Agostino Momentum amp and preamp on my TAD CR-1's. Technically I feel the Dartzeel combo is better for all the reasons audiophiles love to listen to music but for me, I feel any lack of resolution or added meat on the bone (read fullness) is a welcome addition to my listening enjoyment via the TAD CR-1's. I find the Dartzeel/TAD combo more precise and truthful, while I find the Dagostino/TAD combo more musical and fulfilling. Having the ability to use my tone controls for a -1 treble and +1 bass (sadly there is no zero point for either bass or treble) for the more hotly recorded cds has been supremely satisfying. I've always found my CR-1's to be a little forward in the treble. It's not generally a problem unless the cds are too much to take. So I have to say that while I still enjoy the TAD/Dartzeel combo, in the long run I prefer the TAD/Dagostino combo.

    Lately since buying a pair of Sonus Faber Evolutions, my Dartzeel works wonderfully on them. In the case of these speakers, the Dartzeel I feel is better and what I like about the Dagostino gear works against the warmth and fullness of the Evos giving me too much of a good thing. I feel a more precise and neutral amp works better on the Evos. I have a feeling my Job 225 (or similar amp) will be even better on my Evos and will find out this weekend.
    Last edited by joeinid; July 5, 2013 at 05:03 PM.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

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