TAD M700 / M700S Power Amplifier

Description

Overview

The M700 and M700S are the reference power amplifiers from TAD, offered as the M700 monaural amplifier or the M700S two-channel amplifier. Both distil TAD’s engineering philosophy into a fully-balanced, end-to-end symmetrical design intended to drive demanding loudspeakers without alteration to the signal. They sit at the top of TAD’s amplification range and suit the most revealing systems.

Design & build

Both models use a newly designed cast-aluminium monocoque chassis with a high internal loss factor, chosen to suppress sympathetic vibration and resist the sound pressure radiated by nearby loudspeakers. A wide-stance construction inherited from the earlier M600, with a low centre of gravity set by the angle of four height-adjustable spike feet, provides a solid, resonance-controlled base. Each foot makes a single point of contact with the surface beneath it.

Sound & performance

The M700 monaural delivers 700W into 4 ohms and 350W into 8 ohms; the M700S two-channel delivers 350W per channel into 4 ohms and 175W per channel into 8 ohms. Both are rated at less than 0.005% distortion, a signal-to-noise ratio above 125dB, a frequency response of 1Hz–100kHz (+0/-3dB) and 29.5dB of gain — figures that reflect TAD’s pursuit of a powerful yet unadulterated presentation.

Key features

The amplifiers adopt a BTL (bridged transformerless) configuration to achieve total symmetry, extended right down to the circuit topology and circuit boards. Twin power transformers rated at a combined 2.8kVA, with insulating sheets wound by hand around a bobbin-less core, feed four custom 33,000µF capacitors. A matched pair of hand-selected FET devices keeps the input stage minimal, true to TAD’s “simple is best” principle.

Technology

End-to-end symmetry is the guiding idea: input to output, the layout is balanced against the influence of temperature, magnetic fields and vibration inside the case. A DC servo circuit stabilises operation against changes in temperature and input level. Because the input FETs are hand-matched, every M700 measures alike and each M700S delivers identical performance between channels.

Specifications

Type: fully-balanced reference power amplifier (M700 monaural / M700S two-channel). Output — M700: 700W/4 ohms, 350W/8 ohms; M700S: 350W/ch /4 ohms, 175W/ch /8 ohms. Distortion: less than 0.005%. S/N: more than 125dB. Frequency response: 1Hz–100kHz (+0/-3dB). Gain: 29.5dB. Transformers: twin, 2.8kVA combined. Capacitors: 4 × 33,000µF. Chassis: cast aluminium. Dimensions: 516 × 296 × 622 mm. Weight: 74.5kg (M700), 75.5kg (M700S).

Who it’s for

The M700 and M700S suit the two-channel listener building a reference system around demanding loudspeakers, who wants effortless power with control and neutrality. The monaural M700 offers the ultimate in channel separation and current for the most difficult loads; the M700S provides the same engineering in a single stereo chassis.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

Amplification at this level rewards careful matching to the loudspeaker and room. We can advise on the right configuration — monaural or stereo — arrange a demonstration, and handle delivery and setup across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to specify your amplifiers.