TAD CR1TX Compact Reference One TX Speakers

Description

Overview

The CR1TX (Compact Reference One TX) is TAD‘s reference stand-mounting loudspeaker, taking the technologies of the larger Reference One TX and applying them to a more compact enclosure. It is a three-way, bass-reflex design built around TAD’s point-source philosophy, and it is intended to deliver reference-grade sound in rooms where a full floorstander would be too much. It sits among the finest compact loudspeakers TAD produces.

Design & build

The enclosure uses TAD’s SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) construction with an Aerodynamic Port System, and is offered in Emerald Black and Beryl Red veneers with a piano-lacquer finish. It is a substantial stand-mount at 46kg per unit, and is supplied with cone spikes, alignment pins and the necessary tools for careful setup.

Sound & performance

As a three-way design the CR1TX separates the range across dedicated drivers for an open, coherent presentation. TAD quotes a frequency response of 32Hz–100kHz, crossover points at 250Hz and 2kHz, a sensitivity of 86dB (2.83V/1m), a rated impedance of 4 ohms and 200W maximum input — a reach and resolution unusual for a loudspeaker of this size.

Key features

At the heart of the CR1TX is TAD’s CST (Coherent Source Transducer) coaxial driver, combining a 3.5cm beryllium tweeter dome with a 16cm beryllium midrange cone, both formed by TAD’s proprietary vapour-deposition technique. A 20cm woofer with a TLCC (Tri-Laminate Composite Cone) aramid diaphragm handles the low frequencies, using TAD’s OFGMS (Optimized Field Geometry Magnet Structure) motor.

Technology

The coaxial CST driver places the tweeter at the acoustic centre of the midrange, so both radiate as a single point source with controlled directivity across a wide band — the foundation of TAD’s imaging. Beryllium’s stiffness and low mass push break-up modes well beyond the audible range, while the SILENT enclosure and OFGMS motor keep enclosure and driver distortion low.

Specifications

Type: three-way bass-reflex stand-mount loudspeaker. Drivers: CST coaxial (3.5cm beryllium tweeter, 16cm beryllium midrange), 20cm TLCC aramid woofer. Frequency response: 32Hz–100kHz. Crossover: 250Hz and 2kHz. Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83V/1m). Impedance: 4 ohms. Maximum input: 200W. Dimensions: 341 × 628 × 446 mm (W × H × D). Weight: 46kg each. Finishes: Emerald Black, Beryl Red. Supplied with spikes, alignment pins and tools.

Who it’s for

The CR1TX suits the discerning listener with a small-to-medium room who wants reference resolution and imaging without a large floorstander, or who wants a compact loudspeaker capable of anchoring a serious system. On suitable stands and partnered with quality amplification, it repays careful placement with a wide, precise soundstage.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A loudspeaker of this calibre rewards proper stands, placement and system matching. We can demonstrate the CR1TX, advise on amplification and positioning, and arrange delivery and setup across the South. Speak to our team to hear them or to discuss the right finish for your room.

The wider view: TAD CR1TX reviews in brief

The CR1TX is TAD’s Compact Reference One, a three-way speaker for a stand. TAD took the technology of its flagship Reference One and put it in a smaller cabinet. The tweeter sits at the centre of the midrange cone and both are made of beryllium, so the two work as a single source.

Erin’s Audio Corner measured and listened to a pair in June 2024. It found that the midrange clarity and neutrality stood out and that the tone stayed consistent as the listener moved around the room. Its measurements showed “excellent frequency response linearity”. A writer at The Absolute Sound looked back on the original CR1 in 2023 as “one of the few truly great dynamic driver speakers I’ve heard”. TAD has updated the design since.

It is worth knowing that Erin’s Audio Corner got its best bass only after moving the speakers closer to the wall and pointing them off axis, so placement matters.

It suits a small or medium room where a floorstander would be too much and the listener still wants TAD’s reference sound. At 46 kg each it is a heavy speaker for a stand and it rewards a serious amplifier. We sell TAD’s own M700 power amplifier and we can demonstrate a pair of CR1TX, so ring us to arrange it.

Sources: Erin’s Audio Corner, “TAD Compact Reference One (TAD-CR1TX) Speaker Review”, 6 June 2024. The Absolute Sound, “2023 Golden Ear: TAD CR1 Loudspeaker”, 22 December 2023. TAD Laboratories, Compact Reference One TX product page.

Read what the critics say about more of our speakers in The Hi-Fi Review Bible.