A floor-standing speaker system that has emerged from the long tradition of TAD’s proprietary speaker technologies.
As is the case with the critically acclaimed TAD-E1TX and TAD-ME1 speaker systems, the TAD-E2 features a tweeter with a 25-mm beryllium diaphragm that delivers a polished sound in the mid-to- high frequency range—a signature of all TAD speakers. The directivity of the tweeter is optimally controlled by a newly developed waveguide on which it is mounted. The guide is made of rigid cast aluminum to suppress unwanted resonance and helps disperse soundwaves smoothly over an extended frequency range. The shape of the diaphragm is determined by an advanced optimization method based on the HSDOM (Harmonized Synthetic Diaphragm Optimum Method) computer analysis to provide a frequency response up to 60 kHz.
The combination of a newly developed MACC (Multi-layered Aramid Composite Cone) diaphragm and a delta bracing structure incorporated into the twin woofers produces a powerful bass with smooth directivity changes. The vibration-suppressing center cap with excellent flexibility and the corrugated surround back-coated with damping material contribute to a clear, distortion-free, powerful mid- to low-range sound. In addition, a long voice coil with a short magnetic gap, which is responsible for delivering considerable driving force with exceptional linearity, has the long pole piece structure that generates a symmetrical magnetic flux and is positioned in a double short ring to minimize its inductance fluctuations over the entire frequency range and reduce dynamic distortions.
In order to maximize the capability of the CST Driver, we developed the new ISO (isolation) drive technology that involves including a mechanism that blocks vibration produced by the driver unit from entering the enclosure, thus structurally separating the CST Driver from the cabinet. The CST Driver, with its powerful drive capability, is prevented from exciting the enclosure, which reduces the radiation of secondary sound. It also limits the influence of the energy from the powerful bass drivers. Delivering only sound radiated from the CST Driver diaphragm, which is the source of single-point sound, improves resolution to convey accurate detail, allowing, for example, the differences in tone color that vary subtly according to how the performers play or sing to be heard with unmatched clarity.
The port positioned on the bottom of the enclosure has openings to the front and the rear, essentially creating a port area the size of a large bass reflex port. This ingenious design lets the air pass through the port more slowly and contributes to a clear sound with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Embodying the long tradition of delivering single-point-of-source sound for which all TAD speakers are known, the TAD-E2 employs a slanted smallest-possible baffle that reduces the diffraction of the sound waves to deliver precise sound-field reproduction. The twin woofers are mounted to the optimum positions relative to the size of the enclosure to reduce internal standing waves. Inside the enclosure, sound-absorbing materials are positioned midair onto the braces that make up the SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) enclosure to control resonance effectively.
In order to take full advantage of the linear performance of the 20 cm (8.0 in.) bass driver and its suspension, the flare-shaped bass-reflex port is aerodynamically optimized by using the fluid design technology originally developed for professional TAD systems. This port effectively eliminates air noise and helps the bass driver unit perform smoothly and deliver a clean, crisp bass sound—even at the limit of its excursion range. In addition, the heavy 27.5 mm (1.1 in.) thick aluminum base at the bottom lowers the center of gravity of the entire speaker system and minimizes changes in tonal quality regardless of how the speaker is positioned, contributing to incredibly tight bass.
Type: 2.5-way bass-reflex floor-standing speaker system
Drive Units: Woofer: 15.5 cm (6 1/2 in.) cone x 2 - Tweeter: 2.5 cm (1 in.) beryllium dome
Performance Data
Frequency response: 30 Hz to 60 kHz
Crossover frequencies: 90 Hz, 2.8 kHz
Maximum input: 150 W
Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
Nominal impedance: 6 Ω (Minimum impedance: 4.5 Ω)
Weight:
32 kg (70.5 lb) per unit
Dimensions:
320 mm (W) x 1,085 mm (H) (1,113 mm with spikes) x 405 mm (D)
(12 5/8 in. (W) x 42 23/32 in. (H) (43 13/16 in. with spikes) x 15 15/16 in. (D))
There is one aspect of the performance that is worthy of note though; the bass. Your spatial cues are reinforced by that sub-30Hz region and this helps tell you the difference between recordings made in their own acoustic space and the use of echo and pan on the mixing desk. The speaker rolls off perfectly, never once upsetting the status quo as it fades away in the bass… but somehow it preserves that sense of ‘in the room’ that normally only comes with full-range loudspeakers. more...