Интегральные усилители — TAD TAD-A1000

The TAD-A1000 is the first integrated amplifier from Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, the Japanese company that began as Pioneer's professional driver brand and renamed itself in 2007. Launched in 2025 in TAD's Evolution line, one step below the Reference series, it combines the preamplifier technology of TAD's separates with a Class D analogue power amplifier platform, and is designed to partner the Evolution Series speakers.

Key specs that matter

Output is 250 W per channel into 4 ohms at 1 kHz, with rated distortion below 0.05% at 125 W into 4 ohms. Frequency response is 10 Hz to 50 kHz (+0/-3 dB), signal-to-noise is 100 dB or more and gain is 41.5 dB. Inputs are four balanced XLR at 100 kohm and two unbalanced RCA at 50 kohm. Power consumption is 130 W and standby below 0.5 W. The chassis measures 440 x 200 x 553 mm and weighs 29 kg.

Engineering and use context

The preamplifier stage uses a single-stage current-feedback flat amplifier developed for TAD's Reference preamplifiers, with FET devices selected in matched pairs for the positive and negative halves. Volume is set by TAD's resistor-ladder electronic attenuator, with distortion below 0.0005% at 1 Vrms. The circuit and layout are fully symmetrical, and a bridge-tied load arrangement drives each speaker from two amplification stages in a balanced configuration from input to output. Each channel has its own transformer windings, rectification, smoothing and regulation, and three power transformers are laid out symmetrically. The Class D output stage uses Direct FET devices with very low on-resistance, fed by twin high-capacity toroidal transformers and four TAD-designed 33000 uF capacitors. It runs cool enough to need no conventional heatsinks. Non-magnetic resistors and capacitors, and OFC leads without nickel plating, limit magnetic distortion. Preamplifier, power stage, transformers and control circuits sit in four separate chambers, and the chassis stands on three feet with internal inverted spikes. Speaker terminals come from the Reference power amplifiers.

Pairing

The balanced inputs suit sources with XLR outputs, and the high gain gives ample level from any line source. The output power handles low-sensitivity floorstanders, including TAD's own Evolution One and Evolution Two. The A1000 has no digital inputs, so a DAC or streamer with analogue outputs is required.

Alternatives

TAD's A1000D adds a digital section with AES/EBU, coaxial, optical and USB inputs to the same amplifier platform.