Published On: January 30, 2025

TAD Just Launched a New Speaker – And It’s Not for the Faint of Wallet!

Published On: January 30, 2025
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TAD Just Launched a New Speaker – And It’s Not for the Faint of Wallet!

Luxury audio brand TAD has unveiled the ME1TX, a compact yet ultra-premium speaker designed for audiophiles who demand precision (and have deep pockets).

TAD Just Launched a New Speaker – And It’s Not for the Faint of Wallet!

Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, Inc. (TADL) has unveiled the TAD-ME1TX, a three-way standmount speaker that takes over from the TAD-ME1, which first launched in 2016. Part of the brand’s Evolution Series, the ME1TX aims to refine and enhance its predecessor with upgraded driver materials, a more rigid enclosure, and an advanced porting system.

For those familiar with TAD, these are still the smallest and least expensive speakers in the company’s lineup. But with a price tag starting at $18,200 per pair, they’re very much in the luxury category. The ME1TX is set for global release in April 2025, with matching speaker stands available separately.

At the heart of the ME1TX is TAD’s Coherent Source Transducer (CST), a 9cm midrange driver designed to improve sound imaging and create a cohesive, natural soundstage. The CST driver allows the midrange and tweeter to work together across an extended frequency range, which helps produce a more seamless and lifelike audio experience.

TAD ME1TX-K in black finish.

The tweeter gets a notable upgrade with a 25mm beryllium diaphragm, made using TAD’s vapor deposition technique—a process also found in the company’s high-end flagship models. This contributes to the speaker’s extended high-frequency range, reaching up to 60 kHz.

Meanwhile, the midrange driver now features a magnesium alloy diaphragm, which is both lightweight and resistant to unwanted resonance. TAD has also adjusted the frame basket structure to reinforce stability and ensure cleaner midrange performance.

TAD ME1TX speaker driver.

The 16cm woofer in the ME1TX is made of Multi-layered Aramid Composite Cone (MACC) material, a combination of woven aramid fabric and non-woven layers that balances clarity and bass depth. TAD has also redesigned the woofer’s basket to improve structural integrity, helping the driver remain stable even during demanding bass-heavy tracks.

The ME1TX keeps the Bidirectional Aero-Dynamic Slot (ADS) port system from the previous ME1. This system places flared ports on both sides of the enclosure, smoothing airflow and reducing port noise at higher volumes. The design also helps control vibrations caused by internal air movement, contributing to a more natural bass response.

The ME1TX cabinet is built using TAD’s SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) design, which combines birch-plywood braces and MDF panels to minimize resonance. To further stiffen the structure, TAD has added 5mm steel panels to the sides of the enclosure, keeping unwanted cabinet vibrations to a minimum.

TAD ME1TX in silver finish.

Inside, strategically placed acoustic absorbent material reduces internal standing waves, which can otherwise distort sound and impact imaging. The end result is a speaker enclosure designed to stay out of the way and let the drivers do their job.

The ME1TX is available in two finishes: Black (TAD-ME1TX-K), and Silver White (TAD-ME1TX-SW).

Specifications of TAD-ME1TX-K and TAD-ME1TX-SW speaker systems per unit:

  • Type: 3-way, bass-reflex bookshelf
  • Woofer: 16 cm cone
  • Midrange and Tweeter: Concentric 9 cm midrange and 2.5 cm dome tweeter​
  • Frequency Response: 36 Hz to 60 kHz
  • Crossover Frequencies: 420 Hz and 2.5 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 85 dB (2.83 V @ 1 m)
  • Maximum Input Power: 150 W
  • Rated Impedance: 4 Ω
  • Unit Polarity: LF (+), MF (+), HF (+)
  • Dimensions: 254 mm (W) x 411 mm (H) x 402 mm (D)
  • Weight: 21 kg​
  • Supplied Accessories: Woofer grille, Shorting cable x 2, Non-slip pad x 4, Cleaning cloth, Owner’s manual

Specifications of TAD-ST3TX-K and TAD-ST3TX-SW speaker stands per unit:

  • Dimensions: 376 mm (W) x 642 mm (H) x 437 mm (D) (without spikes)
  • Weight:16 kg
  • Supplied Accessories for pair: Cone-shaped spike x 6, Tip-resistant spike x 4, Spike holder x 6, Cork sheet x 6, Assembly screw x 16, Screw for mounting speaker firmly on top plate x 4, Owner’s manual
TAD ME1TX close up view.

TAD is also offering matching speaker stands, designed specifically to complement the ME1TX. These stands feature an angled design to improve sound projection while reducing unwanted reflections.

Here’s the pricing breakdown:

  • TAD-ME1TX-K (Black Finish): $18,200 / £14,600 / €17,300
  • TAD-ME1TX-SW (Silver White Finish): $19,200 / £14,800 / €17,500
  • TAD-ST3TX-K (Black Stands, Pair): $2,800 / £2,400 / €2,800
  • TAD-ST3TX-SW (Silver White Stands, Pair): $2,900 / £2,450 / €2,900

The ME1TX will be available worldwide starting spring 2025, through select dealers.

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