CES 2009

TAD has a new Compact Monitor under development, and while it's still a year or so away from commercial availability, it was on demo at this year's CES. Driven by prototypes of new TAD class A monoblock amplifiers (150Wpc into 8 ohms, 600WPC into 2 ohms), it sounded sensational, with the apparent ability to convincingly replicate the weight and power of a full symphony orchestra, an ability that escapes most loudspeakers.

I can't say it was the best sound at CES; I didn't hear all the candidates, and the program material was limited to the Reference Recordings version of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man." But it was the best sound I heard at the show. There will also be a matching center channel.

Price? Well, since the big TAD Monitor goes for $60,000/pair, designer Andrew Jones, shown here with his baby, would only commit to between $1 and $60,000. Actually I think he said between zero and $60,000, but if they decide to give these babies away for free, sign me up!