Opinions on TAD CR-1 vs Magico S1 ? ....

joeinid

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TAD CR-1 specs:

Model: TAD-CR1 (Three-way bass reflex compact speaker)
Driver Unit: 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
Physical Data: Weight: 46kg (101 lbs.)

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



Magico S1 specs:


Driver Complement:

  • 1 X 1” MB30 Tweeter
  • 1 X 7” M390 Mid-Woofer
Sensitivity: 86dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Frequency Response: 32 Hz – 50 kHz
Recommended Minimum Power: 50 Watts
Dimensions: 43" H x 8.5" D x 9.75" W (109 cm x 22 cm x 25 cm)
Weight: 95 lbs. (43 kg.)



Any thoughts?
 
Ah just get the s1 and listen side by side. :) I'll take em off your hands if the tads are better.
Just think Joe for the price of the Tads used, you could have 2 really cool pairs of speakers!!
I'm just sayin lol
 
Hi Joe,

I have heard the TAD CR-1 speakers twice and have heard the Magico S1 speaker for the first time just recently at RMAF and I enjoyed what I heard from the S1. I like both TAD and Magico speakers. My opinion for what its worth is that if you have the TAD CR-1 optimally set up in the appropriately sized room, with optimal electronics for it and do the same with the Magico S1, you have the potential for achieving an all around better sound with the TAD CR-1. I say this because the TAD should have the ability to provide better bass extension than the S1, and also better resolution in the midrange than the S1 since the single mid-woofer S1 driver is doing double duty as both midrange and woofer and there has to be some compromise there. Of course, the proof is in the listening. Now, if you had asked about the Magico S5 instead, I might favor the S5 in a similiar comparison given its true midrange driver and dual bass drivers, but again, you can never be sure until you hear the comparison for yourself.
 
They are both fine speakers. If money isn't a concern then I would choose the TAD's. If I was looking to get a nice speaker and wanted to purchase some other gear then I might consider the S1's. Now if it was me I would easily choose MBL over either of them.
 
Arnie

Thank you so much. I actually may get to hear both this weekend. I do have to admit that my TADs with my ART monos or, believe it or not, my Job225 with a tube preamp, sound so good right now that I am so torn. I know that I may be driving some people crazy but some nights everything just clicks and I am in heaven. This is a crazy hobby but when you feel the music, it's wonderful.

My Job and ART monos are so three dimensional with natural voices, I can't believe it. They really bring out the best of my TADs.
 
They are both fine speakers. If money isn't a concern then I would choose the TAD's. If I was looking to get a nice speaker and wanted to purchase some other gear then I might consider the S1's. Now if it was me I would easily choose MBL over either of them.

I have never heard MBL, but I have been told they are transient response champs but lack heft/body. ...instantly impressing, but over the long term they feel ghostly.
 
Jim,

I am at the point where I've really found gear (amps and preamps) that really lets me enjoy my speakers. Ugh. I need to hear other speakers before I go crazy.
 
Norman

I think MBLs would sound awesome but I think they need to be considered in the context of a system and probably need power. Lots of power.
 
Arnie

Thank you so much. I actually may get to hear both this weekend. I do have to admit that my TADs with my ART monos or, believe it or not, my Job225 with a tube preamp, sound so good right now that I am so torn. I know that I may be driving some people crazy but some nights everything just clicks and I am in heaven. This is a crazy hobby but when you feel the music, it's wonderful.

My Job and ART monos are so three dimensional with natural voices, I can't believe it. They really bring out the best of my TADs.

Hi joe,

You're welcome. If you hear both the S1 and S5 in NYC I am guessing at Ears Nova at his fairly new location which I have visited. I'll be furious to learn what electronics (preamp and amps) that he uses with the Magico speakers.

Have fun.
 
Ah just get the s1 and listen side by side. :) I'll take em off your hands if the tads are better.
Just think Joe for the price of the Tads used, you could have 2 really cool pairs of speakers!!
I'm just sayin lol

Steve, I think the deal should include you taking the TAD's off Joe's hands if he likes the S1's better as well... :evil:
 
Doug Thank you for thinking of me. I'm glad you got my back. Yeah Steve, what Doug said. Ha!
Steve, I think the deal should include you taking the TAD's off Joe's hands if he likes the S1's better as well... :evil:
 
Driving to Santa Barbara. I can't really compare them. I seriously considered q1 before my cr-1. S1 look nice but honestly not same level as tad. Now if u have room s5 vs. Cr-1 is a much more interesting discussion. Certainly the magicos will b easier to drive than cr-1. Has d2 or d3 left the discussion for now?
Cheers
Buck
 
Don't make me ban you for a week :)

John

I think you don't believe that the Job is powerful enough for you but you really need to hear one on your Ref Ones. Amazing.

Raidho, Alexia and Magico are all in play. I need to hear them first.
 
A friend of mine has sold his MBL 121 after he demoed the S1s in his system (all-Reimyo).

I think the S1 will be much smoother, with more resoluton, at a cost of absolute slam and weight.

I would also consider the lil Raidhos, as they seem work well with tubes.
 
Adam

Thank you so much. How are the S5's treating you?

:)
 
Very happy with them. That beeing said - I didn't have the time for any extended listening sessions in the past 2 months (or any listening sessions for that matter ...) as I'm busy on a project right now.
 
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