Полочная акустика — TAD MICRO EVOLUTION ONE ME1

The Micro Evolution One, model code TAD-ME1, is a compact stand-mounted speaker from Technical Audio Devices Laboratories of Tokyo, Japan, and it brings the coaxial Coherent Source Transducer idea into a cabinet smaller than that of the Compact Evolution One. The pair was priced at USD 12,495 with a five-year parts and labour warranty, and TAD later released a TX version under the code TAD-ME1TX. Two finishes were listed - TAD-ME1-K in piano black and TAD-ME1-S in titanium silver.

Key specs that matter

The ME1 uses a three-way bass reflex layout. A 16 cm woofer with a MACC diaphragm covers the low range, and a 9 cm CST unit places a 2.5 cm beryllium dome tweeter at the centre of a magnesium midrange cone. Crossover points sit at 420 Hz and 2.5 kHz. TAD rates the response from 36 Hz to 60 kHz, sensitivity at 85 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m and impedance at 4 ohm, with a maximum input of 150 W. Each cabinet is 251 mm wide, 411 mm high and 402 mm deep and weighs 20 kg.

Engineering and use context

TAD describes the CST driver as shrunk further in pursuit of a point source, with midrange and tweeter mounted on one axis and matched in directivity so their outputs do not interfere. The beryllium diaphragm is picked because it is light yet very stiff and handles everything above the lower crossover point. MACC stands for Multi-layered Aramid Composite Cone - aramid fabric and non-woven layers are formed separately and then laminated, aiming at high strength with low internal loss. The enclosure combines MDF and Baltic birch plywood and is reinforced with a 4 mm steel plate. Instead of a front or rear port, the Bi-Directional Aero-Dynamic Slot uses slit-shaped vents on both side panels with flared openings toward the front and back, and TAD states that this symmetrical layout cancels unwanted port output and standing waves. The rear panel has two sets of heavy-duty five-way binding posts joined by jumpers, and the box includes two short cables, a cleaning cloth and four anti-slip pads.

Pairing

The low nominal impedance and modest sensitivity point to a solid-state amplifier able to deliver generous current into difficult loads, while staying within the maximum input rating given above. Owners can bi-wire the speaker or drive woofer and CST from separate amplifier channels through the doubled terminals. TAD offers the ST3 stand in black or silver versions, each weighing 16 kg and measuring 376 x 652 x 460.2 mm when assembled, at USD 1,795 per pair.

Alternatives

The TAD Compact Evolution One TX is the bigger stand-mounted model, using an 18 cm woofer, a 14 cm magnesium CST unit and a 29 kg cabinet.