Japan’s Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, Inc. (TAD) has launched a new floorstanding speaker. It’s called the TAD-E1AX and comes in both white and black. The TAD-E1AX is the latest addition to the Evolution speaker series and succeeds the TAD-E1TX, which was introduced in early 2019 .
TAD-E1AX: floor standing three-way speaker
According to the manufacturer, the TAD-E1AX features a number of improvements compared to the previous model for superior audio performance. The improved CST (Coherent Source Transducer) driver features a tweeter with a beryllium diaphragm, manufactured using the manufacturer’s own patented vapor deposition technique. This tweeter was previously featured in the monitor model TAD-ME1TX, which was released in early 2025. In addition, the refined CST driver features an improved midrange with an anodized, coated diaphragm. Structurally, the Acoustic-Filter-Assisted System Tuning (AFAST) reduces low-frequency standing wave modes within the cabinet, while the Bidirectional ADP (Aero-Dynamic Port) system contributes to the reproduction of rich bass.
TAD-E1AX: 9cm CST driver delivers ideal sound from a single point source
The TAD-E1AX features TAD’s patented CST driver, which precisely controls the directivity of the concentrically mounted midrange and tweeter across a wide frequency range from a phase-matched point. The 9cm CST driver delivers a clear, solid image and natural sound reproduction. The midrange cone controls the directivity of the concentrically mounted tweeter to fine-tune the phase and polar pattern of their output in the crossover region. This allows the CST driver alone to achieve a wide soundstage from 420Hz to 60kHz, while maintaining consistent damping and polar pattern across the entire frequency range.
TAD-E1AX: tweeter with 25 mm beryllium diaphragm
The TAD-E1AX uses a lightweight yet rigid 25mm beryllium diaphragm for the tweeter, manufactured using patented vapor deposition technology. The designers applied a computer-analyzed optimization technique known as Harmonized Synthetic Diaphragm Optimum Method (HSDOM) to the diaphragm’s shape. This technique allows for precise control of the diaphragm’s distributed vibrations and pistonic motion, enabling a wide sound reproduction up to 60kHz.
TAD-E1AX: The midrange driver features a magnesium diaphragm with high internal loss characteristics
The midrange cone is made of magnesium alloy, is exceptionally light, and has high internal damping. The combination of anodizing and surface coating further enhances its hardness and internal damping. At the same time, the suppression of even the slightest resonance originating from the connection point of the lead wire to the voice coil ensures distortion-free midrange sound reproduction. Furthermore, the arm of the frame basket housing the magnetic circuit has been redesigned to significantly improve its structural strength and facilitate the propagation of sound waves behind the midrange cone.
TAD-E1AX: Woofer is equipped with a MACC diaphragm
The two woofers, each measuring 16 centimeters in diameter, feature a Multi-Layered Aramid Composite Cone (MACC) diaphragm, consisting of laminated layers of woven aramid fabric and non-woven fabric of different materials. This design allows the woofers to deliver rich, clear sound in the low frequencies while simultaneously delivering coloration-free sound in the mid- to low-frequency range.
The combination of the refined Linear Drive Magnet Circuit (LDMC) and a corrugated foamed polycarbonate surround contributes to exceptional linearity and delivers deep, articulate bass. Furthermore, the woofer basket arm has been redesigned to enhance its structural rigidity, allowing it to withstand the woofer’s powerful movements and smoothing the propagation of sound waves behind the diaphragm.
TAD-E1AX: SILENT housing
The TAD-E1AX is housed in a SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) cabinet, which combines robust birch plywood bracing with high-damping Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) panels. This combination provides exceptional rigidity and excellent vibration damping. Furthermore, our ingenious Acoustic-Filter-Assisted System Tuning (AFAST) effectively reduces the presence of low-order standing wave modes within the cabinet. At the same time, the strategic placement of carefully selected acoustic absorption materials within the cabinet suppresses standing waves that can negatively impact the speaker’s sound field and imaging performance.
TAD-E1AX: Bidirectional ADP system delivers rich, natural bass
The bidirectional ADP (Aero-Dynamic Port) system places a port on the bottom of the enclosure, with the openings facing both the front and rear. The port has a horn-shaped interior that reduces port noise and drives the port more efficiently, resulting in clear and responsive sound in the mid- to low-frequency range. The combination of the die-cast aluminum port flare and the symmetrical front-and-back layout effectively neutralizes the physical force that causes the enclosure to vibrate, contributing to powerful bass reproduction. Furthermore, the 10-millimeter-thick steel base plate on the bottom of the enclosure enhances stability when placed on the floor, compensating for the reaction from the powerful drive force of the dual woofers.
TAD-E1AX: two color variants
The TAD-E1AX is available in two color variations to suit interior design preferences. In addition to the black finish (K) available on its predecessor, the TAD-E1AX is also available in a new gloss white finish (GW). Skilled craftsmen meticulously finish each enclosure, starting with the application of a high-quality clear coating to the surface, polishing the base coat, and polishing the surface. The TAD-E1AX comes standard with non-slip pads for secure placement, a cleaning cloth, and woofer grilles designed to minimize any negative effects on speaker performance.
