Technical Audio Laboratories (TAD) has unveiled its latest monitor speaker, the ME1TX. This new model features enhancements to TAD’s proprietary CST driver, along with various design improvements.
The TAD-ME1TX serves as the successor to the TAD-ME1, which was launched in 2016. Notable upgrades include the integration of a tweeter within the Coherent Source Transducer (CST) driver, which utilizes a beryllium diaphragm produced through a patented vapor deposition process, similar to that found in TAD’s higher-end models. Additionally, the ME1TX retains the effective Bidirectional Aero-Dynamic Slot (ADS) port design from its predecessor.
The TAD-ME1TX is equipped with TAD’s exclusive concentric CST driver, which effectively manages the directivity of the midrange and tweeter that are mounted concentrically, covering an extensive frequency range from the point of matched phase. With a diameter of 90 millimeters, the CST driver of the TAD-ME1TX delivers clear imaging and a natural sound field. The midrange cone is designed to control the directivity of the tweeter, ensuring that their output is phase-aligned and consistent in the crossover region. This design allows the CST driver to achieve wide-band sound reproduction from 420 Hz to 60 kHz, while maintaining natural damping and directivity across all frequency bands.
TAD ME1TX: Tweeter with beryllium membrane
Additionally, the TAD-ME1TX features a newly engineered, lightweight yet robust 25mm beryllium diaphragm for its tweeter, produced using a patented vapor deposition method. TAD has utilized a computer-analyzed optimization technique known as Harmonized Synthetic Diaphragm Optimum Method (HSDOM) to refine the diaphragm’s shape. This approach facilitates precise control over the diaphragm’s distributed vibrations and pistonic movements, enabling a broad range of sound reproduction that extends up to 60 kHz.
The midrange diaphragm, constructed from a magnesium alloy, is designed to be lightweight while exhibiting high internal loss properties. The application of anodizing and surface coating enhances its durability and further increases internal loss. This design effectively minimizes even the slightest resonance that may arise from the connection of the lead wire to the voice coil, resulting in a clear and distortion-free midrange sound. Additionally, the frame basket arm, which supports the magnetic circuit, has been re-engineered to provide significantly improved structural integrity, facilitating smoother sound wave propagation behind the midrange diaphragm.
The woofer features a 160-millimeter diameter and utilizes a Multi-layered Aramid Composite Cone (MACC) diaphragm, which is made from laminated layers of woven and non-woven aramid fabrics. This construction enables the woofer to produce rich and clear low-frequency sounds, as well as neutral sound in the mid to low frequency range. The integration of a refined Linear Drive Magnet Circuit (LDMC) with a corrugated foamed polycarbonate surround ensures excellent linearity and delivers deep, clear bass. Furthermore, the redesign of the woofer basket arm enhances its structural strength, allowing it to endure the vigorous movement of the woofer while promoting smoother sound wave propagation behind the diaphragm.
TAD ME1TX boasts a woofer equipped with a MACC membrane
The TAD-ME1TX features a SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) design, which integrates robust birch plywood braces with high-loss Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) panels. This combination ensures exceptional structural integrity and minimizes resonance. Additionally, the enclosure is reinforced with 5-millimeter-thick steel panels on both sides, significantly reducing cabinet vibrations. Inside, carefully selected acoustic absorber materials are strategically placed based on detailed analyses of internal standing waves, effectively mitigating any standing waves that could negatively influence the speaker’s sound field and imaging capabilities.
Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the TAD-ME1TX utilizes the Bidirectional Aero-Dynamic Slot (ADS) port design. This innovative approach incorporates slit-shaped ports on the side panels, featuring flared openings at both the front and rear to facilitate smoother airflow. This design minimizes port noise at high volume levels and prevents internal standing waves from escaping, resulting in a rich and responsive bass output. The symmetrical arrangement of the port openings, both laterally and along the front-rear axis, effectively cancels out vibrations caused by port movement, ensuring a natural bass response.
TAD ME1TX inputs
The TAD-ME1TX is available in two color options to complement your interior design. In addition to the classic black finish offered by its predecessor, a new silver white finish is also available. Each enclosure is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, who dedicate hours to the finishing process, which includes applying a high-quality clear coat, polishing the base coat, and performing final surface polishing. The TAD-ME1TX is equipped with non-slip pads for placement under the enclosure, a cleaning cloth, and a woofer grille that minimally impacts the speaker’s performance.
The TAD-ST3TX-K and TAD-ST3TX-SW stands are specifically engineered to optimize the performance of the TAD-ME1TX. Their angled design effectively minimizes sound reflection and diffraction, enhancing structural integrity and providing superior vibration damping properties.
Optional matching speaker stand specially designed for TAD-ME1TX
TAD specifies a frequency response ranging from 36 Hz to 60 kHz, with crossover points at 420 Hz and 2.5 kHz. The system has an impedance of four Ohms and a sensitivity rating of 85 dB (2.83 Volt / 1 meter). The dimensions of the TAD ME1TX are 254 x 411 x 402 millimeters (W x H x D), and it has a weight of 21 kilograms without the stand. Each stand itself weighs 16 kilograms.
The ME1TX is scheduled for release in May, and optional stands in coordinating colors will be offered.
Prices:
TAD ME-1TX, black: $17,300 per pair
TAD ME-1TX, silver white: $17,500 per pair
TAD ST3TX, black: $2,800 per pair
TAD ST3TX, silver white: $2,900 per pair
