TAD CR1TX Reference Loudspeakers - Are These The Best Japanese Loudspeakers?

Here is my real-time evaluation of these speakers from 2 years ago!

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What Makes the TAD CR1TX So Special?
At around 100 lbs per speaker, this isn’t your average standmount. Pair it with the optional matching TAD stands (another 20 lbs each), and you have one of the most refined compact speaker systems money can buy.

What sets the CR1TX apart? The proprietary CST driver — Coherent Source Transducer — made entirely of beryllium. Both the tweeter and midrange driver use beryllium, offering unmatched transparency, speed, and resolution.

And let’s talk about bass. With an 8-inch woofer, the CR1TX digs surprisingly deep. I've been playing them for 24–48 hours straight, and they’ve filled my room with rich, detailed low-end that defies their size. For a standmount, it’s exceptional.

Efficiency and Power Requirements
These are 86 dB efficient speakers, which means they are extremely power-hungry. Fortunately, I’ve got them paired with my Gryphon Apex Monoblocks and the Solution 701 stereo amplifier — more than enough current to control these beasts.

If you’re planning to run these, bi-amping is highly recommended. TAD includes four high-quality binding posts for this reason. Avoid cheap jumpers at all costs — they bottleneck performance. In fact, I recall a conversation with Magico’s CEO, Alon Wolf, who removed bi-wire terminals from the Q7 MKII for this very reason — people misused them.

Bottom line: if you're going to invest in speakers like these, feed them quality power and proper cabling. It matters.

Build Quality and Aesthetics
The side panels on the CR1TX are finished in a stunning deep red wood veneer, which I find far more appealing than the emerald green version. This red finish screams luxury and class — a true statement in any listening room.

First Impressions — Are They Worth It?
Let me be clear — these are still early impressions. I’ve only had them for a couple of days. But based on initial listening, here’s what I can say:

Transparency: Next-level. Honestly, they may even be slightly more transparent than my $310,000 Marten Coltrane Supremes, which is shocking. That CST driver does not hold back.

Bass: While they don’t hit as low as the Martens (CR1TX reaches 32Hz vs. Marten’s 24Hz), they still offer more than enough low-end for modest-sized rooms.

Dynamic Range: These speakers scale beautifully. The soundstage is wide and deep, and they respond to power effortlessly.

Truthful Presentation: If you love warm, romantic, sugar-coated sound, these may not be for you. The CR1TX is brutally honest. Every flaw in your system will be exposed — for better or worse.

Setup Tips & Room Placement
Positioning is everything with the TAD CR1TX.

I’ve spoken to David, a former TAD distributor, who recommends 15-degree toe-in, so the speakers cross behind your head. This takes some edge off the beryllium tweeter and offers a more forgiving presentation without losing resolution.

I haven’t even placed them in my optimal speaker location yet (currently where my Martens sit), so there’s a lot more potential to unlock. I also plan to install Critical Mass footers underneath, which I currently have in stock on my website — check them out if you’re interested in taking your system to the next level.

Final Thoughts (So Far)
The TAD CR1TX is, without a doubt, a reference-level standmount speaker. With proper setup, power, and attention to detail, it can rival floorstanders at twice the price. It’s not perfect — no speaker is — but it delivers world-class transparency, top-tier resolution, and a unique Japanese engineering signature that’s unmistakable.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for follow-up videos as I tweak placement, experiment with accessories, and compare them head-to-head with my other ultra-high-end gear.

🔗 Subscribe if you want to see what happens when I place these where the Martens currently sit. Things are about to get very interesting.









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