Japanese audio firm, TAD, has brought in renowned luxury furniture maker Tendo Mokko of Yamagata to create a stronger and quieter enclosure that is also beautiful to see and touch. As a result, TAD has achieved both improved sound quality as well as an aesthetic masterpiece worthy of the Reference tag.

Naturally, the drivers remain an essential aspect of any loudspeaker, and the R1TX is no different. Here, a CST (Coherent Source Transducer) driver embodies the ideal single point sound source concept of TAD.

The midrange cone controls the directional characteristics of the concentrically mounted tweeter, thereby unifying the acoustic centre of the tweeter and the midrange as well as reconciling the phase and directional characteristics through the crossover range. The result is both an ultra-wide range reproduction of 250Hz–100kHz and a direct-radiation pattern that neatly dampens uniformly across all bands. The upshot here is the promise of extremely clear and stable imaging, a wide frequency response, and incredibly rich and natural sounding reproduction.

The R1TX uses a beryllium diaphragm for the tweeter dome and midrange cone. TAD has developed a vapour deposition technique that provides superior material strength and uniformity as well as high-frequency resonance damping. The midrange features a maximum-size 16 cm-diameter cone for the beryllium diaphragm. Moreover, TAD has used their computerised HSDOM (Harmonised Synthetic Diaphragm Optimum Method) to design the tweeter's shape, achieving accurate control of differential vibration and ultra-wide range reproduction up to 100 kHz.

The new R1TX woofers boast a TLCC diaphragm and promise a fast-response, with clear, and vibrant reproduction with no colouration. TAD says that this is the result of a lightweight structure using high-rigidity foamed acrylamide, as used in the aerospace industry, sandwiched by aramid fibres - a combination that gives improved strength and stiffness.

By moulding the foamed acrylamide and aramid fibres separately as well as processing them with a lamination method that utilises the anisotropy of woven fabric, the TAD engineering team reduced minor resonances in axisymmetric modes.

To always correctly reproduce audio waveforms, TAD uses magnet-circuit short voice coil OFGMS (Optimised Field Geometry Magnet Structure) circuits. This design linearises the magnetic flux density along the 33 mm long gap and stabilises operation during wide range amplitude and realises high movement linearity. Moreover, high linearity is maintained thanks to the corrugated edge in the suspension components.

The aerodynamic flare-shaped port system reduces air noise and operates stress-free even during large input and amplitude, producing clear bass with a good S/N ratio.

The SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) enclosure features a laminate combining different materials. The static and dynamic strength, as well as damping effect, is maximised by utilising the merits of its frame and monocoque structure.

As mentioned at the top of this piece, TAD designed and constructed the enclosure in collaboration with one of Japan's most famous luxury furniture makers Tendo Mokko, founded in Tendo City, Yamagata in 1940. The SILENT enclosure has become even stronger by utilising traditional Japanese artisanal techniques during moulding and processing.

The cabinet consists of a robust framework of 21 mm-thick birch plywood partnered with a transverse bulkhead that is glued to 50 mm-thick side panels produced by high-frequency hot press forming. Moreover, by building on the teardrop form and rounding the shape of the speaker's head, TAD has achieved increased strength, reduced sound diffraction anomalies, and elimination of unwanted resonance and standing waves inside the enclosure.

The new TAD-R1TX line-up now sports a pair of finishes inspired by the rare mineral beryl, which is the raw material of the beryllium used for the diaphragm. Firstly, Emerald Black which TAD tells us is suggestive of a deep-green gem.

Additionally, there is Beryl Red (which we openly admit to initially reading as Beryl Reid, who was a different kind of treasure). Both colour tones feature a deep lustre and elegance and make the most of the beautiful feel of the natural wood.

Jürgen Timm, TAD's Marketing Director Europe, told StereoNET:

Building on the TAD-R1 and the TAD-R1MK2, which have received excellent ratings on the audiophile market as flagship models of the Reference Series since their original release, we are launching the pinnacle of floor speaker systems, the new TAD-R1TX, as the next generation. We have pursued sound quality to its utmost limits by pooling the skills of technical experts.

Price and availability

The R1TX Reference Speaker System is available through TAD's highly qualified retail partners from summer 2019 at a suggested retail price of €135,000 per pair (inc VAT)