Preamplifiers — TAD TAD-C700

The TAD-C700 is a preamplifier from TAD, a Japanese manufacturer with a considerable reputation for uncompromising engineering, built with a substantial separate power supply and comprehensive connectivity. The TAD-C700 brings TAD's meticulous engineering to line-stage preamplification.

Key specs that matter

Four balanced XLR inputs and two single-ended RCA inputs are provided, with two balanced and two single-ended outputs - a comprehensive six-input, four-output connectivity set. Input impedance is a high 100k ohms balanced or 50k ohms single-ended. Frequency response spans an extraordinary 10Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio (unweighted) reaches 120dB. The main chassis measures 450 x 150 x 440mm at 29kg, with a separate power supply unit at 220 x 185 x 430mm and 15kg, reflecting TAD's uncompromising approach to isolating sensitive preamplifier circuitry from power-supply-related noise.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean signal handling reflecting the strong 120dB signal-to-noise figure combined with the extraordinarily wide 10Hz-100kHz bandwidth, benefiting from the genuine advantage of a physically separate power supply.

Pairing

The comprehensive six-input, four-output connectivity comfortably accommodates an elaborate multi-source, multi-amplifier system, and TAD's own TAD-M2500MK2 amplifier shares the brand's coherent engineering philosophy.

Alternatives

TAD's broader preamplifier catalogue offers alternatives for buyers wanting a different chassis configuration within the same uncompromising Japanese engineering philosophy.