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The TAD is a tube pre-amp utilizing 12AT7's or you can use 12AU7's, or 12AX's as you see fit. This review utilized the pre-amp with the stock 12AT7's. The TAD-150 replaced a Counterpoint SA-1000 hybrid pre-amp and the difference is not subtle. The rest of the system comprises a Valhalla Linn LP-12 with an Ittok and a Sumiko Talisman S cartridge. Amplification is a PS Audio 100C amp and AudioQuest DiamondBack IC's and AQ Indigo Speaker in a shotgunned configuration, connected to Martin-Logan Clarity's supported by a Velodyne F-1000 subwoofer. All reviewing is done with the analog source only.

The first thing one notices with the TAD-150 is that the soundstage naturally extends past the edges of the speakers, causing the speakers to disappear into a soundstage of remarkable depth and dimensionality.

Vocals on the Opus 3 Test Record "Depth of Image" had a level of dimensionality that I previously had not heard; the integration between the front and the rear of the soundstage was impressive. The acoustic environment of the recording comes to life. Concurrently, dry recordings, such as the "Soundtrack to Countryman," stayed dry. Studio recordings generally sound like studio recordings. This is no syrupy, euphonic unit. It simply reveals what is there with no added colorations. On the "Holst: Suites for Band" on Telarc, the bass drum has awesome impact, one can almost count the cycles as the note decays away. On "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie," Ella Fitzgerald has a realistic presentation and a detailed modualtion to her voice that is inspiring to hear. That detail comes through clearly on "Night in Tunisia" and one wonders if Ella is in the room with them.

The highest compliment I can pay this unit is that I once again am plowing through my music collection, discovering gems and finding new details in old albums from reggae to classical.

At the retail price this is a compelling pre-amp, at the price you can buy it, $799.00 factory direct, it is ridiculous. Compare this to unit's costing three times as much, you won't be disappointed and you can use the money yopu save to buy more albums.

Product Weakness:	Taking the price in to account this product is perfect (at the price).
Product Strengths:	The frequency response and extension at both ends of the spectrum is exceptional. Soundstaging is awesome, height and depth are incredible and help to recreate a realistic experience.

• Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) - machani 12:04:00 02/17/05 (0)
  In Reply to: REVIEW: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by risabet on February 15, 2005 at 20:17:05:

  Good review, risabet!

  I received mine less than two weeks ago and I must say I was awestruck on first listen. But it just keeps getting better and better! Its line stage is highly transparent and realistic, and not particularly tube like either. I cannot cease to me amazed at the huge soundstage, excellent image separation and layering it produces. Some live recordings appear holographic 3D! It's dead quiet and able to convey tonal nuances and micro dyamics of sound objects further back in the soundatage. What a huge improvement the TAD-150 brings to my Cayin TA-30, which sounds like an entirely new animal now. I don't feel like tweaking anymore... just sitting back to enjoy the music.
  ___________

  C N Machani
  
  

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• This preamp has both fono and line sections and uses only 2 tubes? - jeffreybehr 09:44:35 02/16/05 (3)
  In Reply to: REVIEW: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by risabet on February 15, 2005 at 20:17:05:

  How is that possible?
  
  

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  • Re: This preamp has both fono and line sections and uses only 2 tubes? - risabet 13:37:15 02/16/05 (0)
    In Reply to: This preamp has both fono and line sections and uses only 2 tubes? posted by jeffreybehr on February 16, 2005 at 09:44:35:

    Sorry, should have been clearer, the unit has a solid state phono stage, but it doesn't sound like one. This might be the influence of the tube line stage but the phono section is light years better than the Counterpoint's.
    
    

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  • looks like it uses a transistor phono stage - Bruce from DC 10:16:49 02/16/05 (1)
    In Reply to: This preamp has both fono and line sections and uses only 2 tubes? posted by jeffreybehr on February 16, 2005 at 09:44:35:

    The description says something like "100% tube, line-level signal path" and the specified gain appears to refer to the line-level premap only. It's way too low to be a phonostage.

    Using this tube (12ax7), the classic Dynaco PAS-3x preamp required 4 tubes to provide both phono and linestage gain. Two of the tubes provided phono amplification and RIAA equalization; and the other two provided linestage gain and the various tone and filter controls that were common on preamps of that vintage. There as a fifth tube that was a rectifier for the B+ voltage; the PAS-3x used unrectified AC for tube filaments.

    
    
    

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    • Re: looks like it uses a transistor phono stage - risabet 13:52:05 02/16/05 (0)
      In Reply to: looks like it uses a transistor phono stage posted by Bruce from DC on February 16, 2005 at 10:16:49:

      Sorry, I should have been more specific, the unit has a SS phono gain/riaa section feeding the tube line stage. The phono section has none of the sound of SS, and is very quiet in the MC section.
      
      

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• Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) - audiobasic2000 07:43:31 02/16/05 (1)
  In Reply to: REVIEW: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by risabet on February 15, 2005 at 20:17:05:

  Hi risabet:
  Nice review! Can you tell me if you had modded the Counterpoint SA-1000 in any way before the change over? (This off course would include tube rolling.) Mine is modded with an IEC using a Cardas Quadlink power cord and 12AT7s instead of 12AX7s. I had come across and was interested in the Audcom AP-100 (much lower cost and which has now been replaced by the AP-120) which apparently was/is the basis for the TAD-150 (which uses better parts?). I had found a site/store that used to carry the Audcom but somehow lost the the account because of a change in the redistrubution chain. The reason I am asking you this question, is that, a modded component can sometimes bring about similar results without the sometimes considerable additional expense of purchasing a new/used component. I'm not saying one isn't justified in their buying decisions to better their systems/music enjoyment, I'm just wondering if different avenues were explored prior to the change-over. Thanks.

  K.D.
  
  

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  • Re: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) - risabet 13:44:48 02/16/05 (0)
    In Reply to: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by audiobasic2000 on February 16, 2005 at 07:43:31:

    I did roll the tubes in the Counterpoint using both 12AT7's and AU7's. The sound certainly changed but in a side by side comparison I definitely preferred the TAD.

    I did not have any mods done by Michael Elliott of Alta Vista Audio, the original designer of Counterpoint gear, due to the expense of a complete rebuild, though I hear that the mods make a good pre-amp much, much better. Generally, the reviews I read of the TAD and the risk-free trial period (small restocking fee only) led me to go the way I did.
    
    

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• Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) - bublitchki 00:51:21 02/16/05 (1)
  In Reply to: REVIEW: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by risabet on February 15, 2005 at 20:17:05:

  That is one bee-yoo-tiful looking preamp. Congratulations!
  
  

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  • Re: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) - risabet 13:46:26 02/16/05 (0)
    In Reply to: Tube Audio Design TAD-150 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by bublitchki on February 16, 2005 at 00:51:21:

    Thanks, I agree, this is one unique looking unit, you should see it in a darkened room, AWESOME!
    
    

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