(August 3, 2023) Technical Audio Devices Laboratories (TAD Labs) has revealed its latest model, the TAD-C1000 preamplifier, as part of its Evolution Series of hi-fi audio components. Sharing design principles found in other Evolution Series components, including a disc player, DAC, and power amp, the C1000 is crafted to curate incoming source material without compromising accuracy or purity.
Features noted in TAD's TAC-C1000 press materials include:
1) Unique preamp circuit
"TAD Labs has developed a preamplifier version of a single-stage, current-feedback amplifier originally developed for the M700 power amplifier and incorporated it into the flat amplifier section of the C1000. To achieve the highest level of complementarity of signals, TAD has tested the performance characteristics of each FET device and chosen matching pairs for positive and negative elements for the C1000. This attention to detail has taken the stability of the preamplification circuit to a high level."
2) Center-mounted, ball-bearing-supported volume knob
"The volume knob has an exquisite look and feel. It is mounted on high-precision ball bearings to ensure an exceptionally smooth rotation. Its center-mounted design signifies the symmetrical layout of the internal circuits in the tradition of Evolution Series of hi-fi components."
3) Symmetrical circuit layout
"To suppress even the smallest amplification errors of positive and negative signals, as well as between right and left channels, the audio circuit patterns and parts are symmetrically laid out on the bottom chassis. The pursuit of perfectly symmetrical design does not stop there. TAD has even gone as far as to lay out two power transformers, the chassis construction, and rear-panel jacks symmetrically to achieve optimum weight and vibration balances. With these elaborate symmetrical designs, signals that go through the C1000 are amplified in a unified electrical and mechanical environment, which contributes to a sound with a greater stereophonic impact."
4) Intricate vibration-control design
"The heavy, sturdy body of the C1000 is supported by the signature spike-shaped feet of the Evolution Series. The minimum contact with the surface on which the C1000 sits keeps external vibrations from traveling through the feet and eliminates any adverse effect on circuits and parts inside the case. Furthermore, two power transformers are each mounted on a 6-mm thick brass base that dampens transformer-induced vibrations."
5) High-purity power circuit
"To increase the purity of the power supply, the internal coil of the transformer is directly connected to the power supply circuit, minimizing the contact points with lead wires. Moreover, terminals for directly connected coils, mounting terminals for motherboards, and clamping screws are all made of oxygen-free copper coated with nonmagnetic materials to eliminate even the slightest magnetic distortions.
The audio and control circuits are each powered by a dedicated large toroidal transformer. The one for the audio circuit has independent internal coils for the right and left channels. This ingenious grounding system ensures perfect symmetry between positive and negative signal levels and between right and left channels."
6) TAD’s custom-made parts and components
"TAD’s custom-made electronic volume control circuit boasts ladder-resistance switching that achieves exceptionally precise attenuation performance and an ultra-low distortion of less than 0.0005% at 1 Vrms input. In addition, the power circuit employs TAD’s custom-made electrolytic smoothing capacitors, as well as large-capacity, ultra-low distortion film coupling capacitors to achieve a wider low cut-off frequency range."
The C1000 is scheduled to begin shipping during October 2023 in either black or silver. As for cost, get your wallet ready... its price tag carries weight at $24,950.
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