TAD Labs is better known for its award-winning loudspeakers that are used in some of the most respected studios in the world and that includes the TAD CE1TX Loudspeakers that we just reviewed.
When it comes to its components, the iconic Japanese brand has more of a following overseas where the products have wider distribution. All of that appears to be changing with the new Evolution Series which is now available in North America.
Technical Audio Devices Laboratories (TADL) has announced the TAD-C1000 preamplifier, the newest addition to its Evolution Series of hi-fi audio components.
Sharing design language with existing Evolution Series components including the TAD-D1000TX disc player, TAD-DA1000TX DAC, and TAD-M1000 power amplifier, the TAD-C1000 masterfully amplifies signals from any source component without compromising accuracy and purity in signal processing, transmission, and output amplification.
Preamp Circuit
TAD Labs has developed a preamplifier version of a single-stage, current-feedback amplifier originally developed for the M700 power amplifier and other TAD hi-fi components and incorporated it into the flat amplifier section of the C1000.
To achieve the highest level of complementarity of signals, TAD has tested the performance characteristics of each FET device and chosen matching pairs for positive and negative elements for the C1000. This attention to detail has taken the stability of the preamplification circuit to a high level.
Center-mounted, ball-bearing-supported volume knob
The volume knob has an exquisite look and feel. It is mounted on high-precision ball bearings to ensure an exceptionally smooth rotation. Its center-mounted design signifies the symmetrical layout of the internal circuits in the tradition of Evolution Series of hi-fi components.
Perfectly symmetrical circuit layout
To suppress even the smallest amplification errors of positive and negative signals, as well as between right and left channels, the audio circuit patterns and parts are symmetrically laid out on the bottom chassis. The pursuit of perfectly symmetrical design does not stop there. TAD has even gone as far as to lay out two power transformers, the chassis construction, and rear-panel jacks symmetrically to achieve optimum weight and vibration balances. With these elaborate symmetrical designs, signals that go through the C1000 are amplified in a unified electrical and mechanical environment, which contributes to a sound with a greater stereophonic impact.
Intricate vibration-control design
The heavy, sturdy body of the C1000 is supported by the signature spike-shaped feet of the Evolution Series. The minimum contact with the surface on which the C1000 sits keeps external vibrations from travelling through the feet and eliminates any adverse effect on circuits and parts inside the case. Furthermore, two power transformers are each mounted on a 6-mm thick brass base that dampens transformer-induced vibrations.
High-purity power circuit
To increase the purity of power supply, the internal coil of the transformer is directly connected to the power supply circuit, minimizing the contact points with lead wires. Moreover, terminals for directly connected coils, mounting terminals for motherboards, and clamping screws are all made of oxygen-free copper coated with nonmagnetic materials to eliminate even the slightest magnetic distortions.
The audio and control circuits are each powered by a dedicated large toroidal transformer. The one for the audio circuit has independent internal coils for right and left channels. This ingenious grounding system ensures perfect symmetry between positive and negative signal levels and between right and left channels.
Custom Parts
TAD’s custom-made electronic volume control circuit boasts ladder-resistance switching that achieves exceptionally precise attenuation performance and an ultra-low distortion of less than 0.0005% at 1 Vrms input. In addition, the power circuit employs TAD’s custom-made electrolytic smoothing capacitors, as well as large-capacity, ultra-low distortion film coupling capacitors to achieve a wider low cut-off frequency range.
Price & Availability
The TAD-C1000 will be available in October 2023 for $24,950 USD at select specialty retailers.
Specifications
- Input jacks:
- 4 balanced
- 2 unbalanced
- Output jacks:
- 2 balanced
- 2 unbalanced
- Rated output voltage:
- 1.6 V (balanced)
- 0.8 V (unbalanced)
- Maximum output voltage:
- 14 Vrms (balanced)
- 7 Vrms (unbalanced)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
- Frequency response: From 10 Hz to 100 kHz at -1 dB
- Power requirements:
- AC 120 V, 60 Hz (USA);
- AC 220 V to 240 V, 50 Hz /60 Hz (Europe, Asia)
- Power consumption: 26 W (0.5 W or less during standby)
- Dimensions:
- 440 mm (W) x 150 mm (H) x 406 mm (D)
- 17-5/16 in. (W) x 5-14/16 in. (H) x 16 in. (D)
- Weight: 17.0 kg (37.4 lbs)
For more information: technicalaudiodevices.com/evolution/
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