The Big Rooms At FLAX 2023
Florida International Audio Expo's large rooms.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin

House Of Stereo And TAD
TAD Labs' room, well, it was bound to happen as neither my wife Heather nor I were impressed with their Reference One TX ($145,750). I know, it is bad form to give less than positive listening notes yet not everyone can get great sound at a show... and here's the perfect example. Perhaps they were new out of the box speakers?

My wife and I agreed the music sounded flat, with dynamic compression and a bit of aural irritation. Let's chalk it up to the typical you win some you lose some at shows. Have heard the exact same gear setup sound great at one show, and not at another show. Seriously, shows are a big challenge.

TAD is well respected, so as always try within your listening room / gear before you buy. As I recall, this room was part of the local dealer House Of Stereo in Jacksonville. I remember their Jacksonville store from about 25 years ago, a fun place even back then and heard their current location is bigger, better, and so if you're in the area go hear some gear for yourself and decide accordingly. They carry many impressive brands, so again, go check them out when you're in the area.

There was another system with TAD's new Compact Evolution One ($25,000). Once again it sounded flat dynamically. During our review of their $20,000 Evolution Two floorstanders, Senior Editor Tom Lyle commented about the lack of sensitivity of their design. Some speakers are very power and amperage hungry.

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