I had a pair for a little over 2 years. All I want to say is they were not for me. I replaced them with my Strads and I am tickled pink. I absolutely love my Strads. I know Darrin LOVES his CR-1's and I am so happy for him. They are probably the BEST low level speaker that I've heard, but my Strads are no slouch. You really need to hear the CR-1's in person to make a decision. They can be a little bit forward but the clarity is off the hook amazing. My taste is for a softer/warmer speaker. I highly respect the TAD CR-1's but could not live with them long term. You may love them.
Thanks Joe, that's very helpful. I'm also more aligned with warmer sound (hence the Lumin and 600i).
Could the brightness not be 'fixed' by matching specific equipment - tube monos perhaps?
The Strads are a similar price. Might be too large for my room though. I bet they sound amazing through the Lampi GG and monos!
I think the GG and Lampi 211's could have been a game changer on the CR-1 for me. The Music Reference RM-200 was actually one of the best amps on them for me. I tried EVERYTHING and have photos to prove it. You REALLY need to hear them. I bought them unheard and unseen. I love the form factor and looks. Maybe if I had them now, I could figure it out. Sadly, they are gone.
Thankfully I have a local TAD dealer. I'll call him tomorrow to see what he has.
That's an expensive blind purchase buddy!
I do it all the time. 7 come 11, baby needs new shoes.
Everyone said "you'll love them, best speaker ever". But now I realize that my taste and everyone else's taste is different.
My favorite thread of 2015 because the authenticity and integrity of members is captured here. My hero, Joe, is right "They can be a little bit forward but the clarity is off the hook amazing." Truer words never better stated. Right now I have the 20.7s and CR1s competing and it is like the following:
View attachment 14110
Maggies are soulful and big and musical.
TADs are perfect. Like dating a super model. It makes you look at your hairline and waist to see if you are worthy. A room with too many reflective surfaces or a system or recordings that are lean will make one question the TADs. But a properly setup system and room with right equipment will put the TADs ahead of anything out there IMHO. Gun to head I would pick the TADs as the winner and keeper. They are the most perfect speaker I have listened to.
For comfort kicking back and forget the whole audio obsession the Maggies win. Too easy to listen to and enjoy. A wall of joyous sound.
My favorite thread of 2015 because the authenticity and integrity of members is captured here. My hero, Joe, is right "They can be a little bit forward but the clarity is off the hook amazing." Truer words never better stated. Right now I have the 20.7s and CR1s competing and it is like the following:
View attachment 14110
Maggies are soulful and big and musical.
TADs are perfect. Like dating a super model. It makes you look at your hairline and waist to see if you are worthy. A room with too many reflective surfaces or a system or recordings that are lean will make one question the TADs. But a properly setup system and room with right equipment will put the TADs ahead of anything out there IMHO. Gun to head I would pick the TADs as the winner and keeper. They are the most perfect speaker I have listened to.
For comfort kicking back and forget the whole audio obsession the Maggies win. Too easy to listen to and enjoy. A wall of joyous sound.
Wonderful, thanks.
Which have the better soundstage? Do both put the artist in the room with you?
More like a live event with Maggies. More like a reach out and touch the singer with the TADs.
More like a live event with Maggies. More like a reach out and touch the singer with the TADs.
Pardon my jumping in, but this matter hits home. Never, ever make a blind purchase on any significant scale without an audition. As a jaded audiophile and music lover first and as a dealer as a distant second, it becomes increasingly obvious to me as time goes on. Try before you buy, don't buy something with the mind to flip it if you don't like it. It's not so much about the money, it's about feeling you've arrived at an informed, satisfying decision you can live with longer. Spend a few bucks to go hear what you're considering, or better yet get the dealer to send it to you to audition. I do it all the time, and although some customers are surprised that I do, they most certainly appreciate it and reward me with their business, and they get a very fair deal, too. I'm old school.Thankfully I have a local TAD dealer. I'll call him tomorrow to see what he has.
That's an expensive blind purchase buddy!
Pardon my jumping in, but this matter hits home. Never, ever make a blind purchase on any significant scale without an audition. As a jaded audiophile and music lover first and as a dealer as a distant second, it becomes increasingly obvious to me as time goes on. Try before you buy, don't buy something with the mind to flip it if you don't like it. It's not so much about the money, it's about feeling you've arrived at an informed, satisfying decision you can live with longer. Spend a few bucks to go hear what you're considering, or better yet get the dealer to send it to you to audition. I do it all the time, and although some customers are surprised that I do, they most certainly appreciate it and reward me with their business, and they get a very fair deal, too. I'm old school.