Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, Inc. (TAD) has announced the TAD-R1TXLTD, a new addition to its Reference Series. These are essentially the TAD-R1 Reference One speakers that have been around since 2019, but in a new Santa Maria aquamarine finish that, according to the manufacturer, “emphasizes the almost three-dimensional elegance of the texture.” However, the limited edition’s features don’t end with the color.
TAD classifies these floor-standing speakers as Hi-Fi class acoustic systems, and they have every reason to do so. With a sensitivity of 90 dB (2.83 V at a distance of 1 m), they are capable of receiving power up to 300 W, working out a frequency range of 21 Hz – 100 kHz.
Until now, the TAD-R1TX speakers have been available in Beryl Red and Emerald Black, and the finish actually uses beryl, the ore from which beryllium is obtained. The TAD-R1TXLTD model, in addition to the Santa Maria aquamarine finish, also received a ring around the CST driver in gold Aurelia.
Reference TAD-R1TXLTD floorstanders in Santa Maria aquamarine finish
In addition, the TAD-R1TXLTD received an upgraded SILENT cabinet made of laminated hybrid materials with strong transverse baffles on a 12-kg aluminum base in the same gold Aurelia finish, lowering the center of gravity for more powerful bass. The entire column, by the way, weighs 162 kg, resting on three spiked supports, which for the TAD-R1TXLTD were seriously upgraded. The supports have a specially developed vibration-damping vibration-elastic structure.
The updated version also features a special sound tuning. According to TAD, it allows “maximum use of the SILENT Enclosure’s capabilities with improved static and dynamic strength and vibration damping characteristics.” As a result, “the outstanding sound quality expected from a limited edition, top-of-the-line speaker system in the Reference Series” is promised.
Ultimately, the TAD-R1TXLTD floorstanders in Santa Maria Aquamarine will be available worldwide to order in quantities of just 25 pairs. Pricing has not yet been announced, but the TAD-R1TX, an unlimited edition model, retails for $160.000 in the U.S.
