I got these on sale for $189 I have used them for 3 years now as my Front Surround speakers and I honestly can't say I'd be happier with anything else offered at that price point unless I found some insane deal on some $1000 speakers. I won't say they compare to my Polk LSi 7's because it's clear to me they don't but they blow away Bose 201's or pretty much any speaker in a similar price range. Listening to a SACD of Dark Side of The Moon with these was a wonderful experience, they are very directional though best used in a set up where you aren't moving around a lot and can adjust them to where you sit.

In the end it was worth the money, the build quality is about that of similar Bose products but with much nicer drivers.

Bass response for size
Midrange presentation
Looks
Value for money

Minor blemishes

As another reviewer noted there are some unexplained things in life and the TAD805sd is one of them... How can a speaker at this price range sound so great?

I have owned the pair for about a month now with about 100hours on them and they are still breaking in. The sound as one reviewer noted earlier is harsh during the first 20 hours but soon after they mellow out and the presentation and soundstage opens up and stabilizes.

I am driving them with a Trends Audio TA-10 tripath amp with about 10 usable watts per channel and they can play ear-splittingly loud so do not be deterred from the 87db efficiency rating if you use low powered amps. The bass is deeper than expected (I heard below 40Hz tones using the Stereophile test cd 3 in my room) and very musical and well defined.

Several people consider the lack of crossover to the main driver as somehow being a disadvantage and indication that this is a cheapo speaker. This is wrong when the right level of engineering and tuning has been put in. The critically acclaimed Reference 3As De Capos that cost $3000/pair use the same exactly approach driving the main driver directly.

Are they the perfect speaker? No -- there is no such thing but they are dynamic articulate with great imaging and deep bass response for a stand mounted loudspeaker. When compared with my Living Voice Auditoriums driven by my SET amps (notice that I compare them with different amplification and cabling: Mapleshade for TAD and Tara Labs Helix 8 for Auditoriums but the same upstream: TADAC fed by the Sony DVP999es digital out) they sound a little more constrained especially in large orchestral passages and the bass is not as deep but this is comparing apples and oranges: a $4000 MSRP floor stander to a $289 stand mount. For the price the TADs are THE audiophile bargain. I have compared them with Boston Acoustics $400/pr CR-75 (the CR-75 are just not up to the task) and Mirage Omnisats $500/pr (the Omnisats have a much less detailed soundstage and sound harsh in comparison). Btw. vocals are fantastic with them. In the end, I have been listening more to the TAD, TA-10 combo than my main system as it has many of the advantages without the power draw of the tubes.

The fit and finish (mine are rosewood) is good but not perfect. From a couple of feet away they look stunning but up close there are some imperfections which are more than acceptable for the price point. The tweeter base on one of mine is not firmly touching and you can see the cables inside if you use them without grills (my preference) through the front port.

If you are in the market for a below $1000 bookshelf speaker do your self a favor and order the TAD-805sd. Even if you are looking for something more expensive give them a try! Cook them for a week and then listen. They ARE really great speakers...

Customer Service

Paul's customer service is legendary. One of the best if not THE best in the business...

Similar Products Used:

Living Voice Auditoriums
Solliloquy 5.3
Boston Acoustics CR-75
Mirage Omnisat
Allison Acoustics mini monitors

Soundstage
Bass for size
Looks
Midrange presentation

Minor fit and finish blemishes

As another reviewer noted there are some unexplained things in life and the TAD805sd is one of them... How can a speaker at this price range sound so great?

I have owned the pair for about a month now with about 100hours on them and they are still breaking in. The sound as one reviewer noted earlier is harsh during the first 20 hours but soon after they mellow out and the presentation and soundstage opens up and stabilizes.

I am driving them with a Trends Audio TA-10 tripath amp with about 10 usable watts per channel and they can play ear-splittingly loud so do not be deterred from the 87db efficiency rating if you use low powered amps. The bass is deeper than expected (I heard below 40Hz tones using the Stereophile test cd 3 in my room) and very musical and well defined.

Several people consider the lack of crossover to the main driver as somehow being a disadvantage and indication that this is a cheapo speaker. This is wrong when the right level of engineering and tuning has been put in. The critically acclaimed Reference 3As De Capos that cost $3000/pair use the same exactly approach driving the main driver directly.

Are they the perfect speaker? No -- there is no such thing but they are dynamic articulate with great imaging and deep bass response for a stand mounted loudspeaker. When compared with my Living Voice Auditoriums driven by my SET amps (notice that I compare them with different amplification and cabling: Mapleshade for TAD and Tara Labs Helix 8 for Auditoriums but the same upstream: TADAC fed by the Sony DVP999es digital out) they sound a little more constrained especially in large orchestral passages and the bass is not as deep but this is comparing apples and oranges: a $4000 MSRP floor stander to a $289 stand mount. For the price the TADs are THE audiophile bargain. I have compared them with Boston Acoustics $400/pr CR-75 (the CR-75 are just not up to the task) and Mirage Omnisats $500/pr (the Omnisats have a much less detailed soundstage and sound harsh in comparison). Btw. vocals are fantastic with them. In the end, I have been listening more to the TAD, TA-10 combo than my main system as it has many of the advantages without the power draw of the tubes.

The fit and finish (mine are rosewood) is good but not perfect. From a couple of feet away they look stunning but up close there are some imperfections which are more than acceptable for the price point. The tweeter base on one of mine is not firmly touching and you can see the cables inside if you use them without grills (my preference) through the front port.

If you are in the market for a below $1000 bookshelf speaker do your self a favor and order the TAD-805sd. Even if you are looking for something more expensive give them a try! Cook them for a week and then listen. They ARE really great speakers...

Customer Service

Well, Paul's customer service is legendary. Certainly one of the best if not THE best in the US...

Similar Products Used:

Boston Acoustics CR-75
Solliloquy 5.3
Living Voice Auditoriums
Mirage Omnisat
Allison Acoustics mini monitors

The lack of a crossover makes these speakers sound clear, and pristine.

Long, long, long ,break in period. Lack of deep bass, easily corrected by adding a quality sub-woofer. Unrealistic return policy for speakers.

I wrote the previous review in Dec. 2007, and at the time of writing came to an unsatisfactory conclusion due to what I heard as a certain harshness to this speakers presentation. Yes, I had broken it in for at least 300 hours, and had tried several different cables, all to no avail. I had long passed the allowable return time, so I moved these speakers to a much used office system. After an additional 300 hours of play time, I could not believe what I was hearing. The harshness I had heard before was gone. Instead I was hearing what I had hoped for when I first decided to buy them; an open, clean, musical sound. It is evident to me that Paul needs to tell all potential buyers to be patient, and not to expect any great shakes out of the box, or even at a few hundred hours. Like a fine wine or cigar these speakers do become much better with age.
These are indeed worth their asking price, and in my opinion now, worth much more. In my experience you would have to spend 3 to 4 times the price to equal them. Their bass response in my system clearly calls for a sub-woofer, but that combo. really allows these speakers to shine.
I still think Paul's return policy is a joke, but I don't believe it will matter if one takes the time to let these speakers "Age." I would not hesitate to buy them again.

Customer Service

Paul is always "Their" for his customers.

Similar Products Used:

In the under $4,000.00 range if I have not owned it, I've probably heard it.

Clear, open sound. The lack of crossover getting in the way of the music is evident.

Long, long break in time. Be patient.

I wrote a review of this speaker last December, and was not thrilled with it.
I found it a "Harsh" listen. Yes, I broke it in for the prescribed number of hours, and tried several "Fixes" to make it work, but to no avail.
I was wrong about this speaker. Because I went past the time for a return it I kept them and put them into a well used but secondary office system.
Fast forward another hundred or so playing hours, and wait a minute, these speakers slowly had "Matured" into a fine wine. The earlier harsh presentation had become a very smooth, accurate, open sound. Paul, you need to let folks know these gems need a hell of a lot of break in time. These can't be beat for the buck, and dare I say so for a lot more bucks. Buy these, just be very, very patient and you will be rewarded. I still think Paul's return policy "Sucks" but that is another issue.

Customer Service

Paul is always "There" for his customers.

Similar Products Used:

You name it. If it retails for under $4,000.00 I've either heard it or owned it.

Price.

Sounded strident at loud levels in my system.

I purchased these speakers based on their very attractive pricing, and the fact that in the past I purchased a pre-amp, and integrated tube amp from Paul, and have been satisfied with each purchase. I'm sorry to say that these speakers did not work for me. I ran the heck out of them to break them in so I could give them a fair chance, but I could never get comfortable with their sound. I listen at somewhat loud levels and there was a strident quality to their presentation that I could not eliminate. I tried a tube integrated amp, as well as a very smooth sounding solid state amp, but no cigar. I tried several types of speaker wires, still not happy. Now please note that the performance of any component is very system, as well as room dependent, and my not liking their sound could be a problem exclusive to my set up, YMMV. I do have to warn potential buyers to beware because while Paul does give a 21 day home trial, it's going to cost you a bunch of bucks if it does not work out for you. The price is $289.99 + 45.00 shipping + another $45.00 to ship them back, and yet another $45.00 "Re-Stocking fee" so you do the math. One last problem; while they are packed very well, mine still had a blem.

Customer Service

Paul's customer service is always 100%

Similar Products Used:

B&W, Monitor Audio,PSB, Von Schreikert, to name a few, and many others over the years

price>value
sound produced compared to price.
Quality of drivers.
tight controlled bass
non-fatiguing!!!!!!!
an overall excellent speaker

Cabinet resonance with increasing spl's

There are things in life that can't be explained, and things that shouldn't be explained......the TAD 805 is just that.......an enigma. This speaker resembles another well know $2500.00 loudspeaker of British make.......sans around $2100.00 of the cost. I ordered direct from the maker, the speaker of course is made in China, which helps to keep costs down........I had 1 or 2 minor flaws in the finish..........BUT! for a $300.00 speaker in high gloss piano black........you can't be picky about finishes.....overall.....a beautifully well done speaker. I ran them in at around 300 hrs. listened during that time with the grill off........yes, it is better........and, looks cool as hell!
The 2 way system is actually crossoverless.........so that the two drivers act as one.......almost in line with a lowther.
The sound produced is captivating........you must run these with an adequate time to break in, until loosened up the sound can be dull, tight, congested.......and then......you can tell!............the sound just opens up like the heavens during a thunderstorm.........so very dramatic.......once again, I believe due to the lack of crossover. Excellent pitch and timbre with a tight and forceful bass........down to a respectable 42hz.
The mids, which is the beating heart of any loudspeaker was indeed beating with grace..........clear, concise; voicing is phenominal.......this is a speaker that should cost $2500.00 but doesn't ! IT SOUNDS LIKE IT, PRODUCES MUSIC LIKE IT, LOOKS LIKE IT......AND BRINGS JOY LIKE IT! For $300.00...............You cannot go wrong!
There is one caveat. During my listening, I picked up on quite a bit of cabinet resonance.........enough to cause a potential problem with coloration to the sound produced. I firmly believe that cabinet resonance is a desired benefit if it is produced in proportion to the sound heard. The louder the speakers played the more resonance was heard and felt! I applied several sheets of lo res to the internals of the cabinets and turned this giant killer in a lo-resonance giant killer. It definately helped in the mids! Resonance can make a speaker sing and adds life; prevents the speaker from turning into a sterile, antiseptic, dull $120,000.00 transducer............you know who.......Don't hesitate to aquire the TAD's.....they are very, very good!

Customer Service

Excellent........right from the guy who makes em! Can't beat that! These are his babies!

Similar Products Used:

Tetra 305 manhattan
Paradigm studio 20
NHT 3.0

I admit, I was paid to say the review

The new 2007 Aural Ecstasy bookshelf speakers will blow you away! Been around for 3 years under the Aural Ersatz label (Ersatz vinyl wood finish). Now much improved. Heavier side wall construction, made with real wood veneer or a clear coat gloss black under the new Aural Ecstasy brand (no more vinyl). New AE badge, same place sells them. The 2007 Aural Ecstasy 805SD replaced the 2006 803SD. Engineering tweaked to the max – manufacturer says the overseas factory has updated their R&D lab – it really shows! This speaker pair plays wide and detailed, perhaps holographic, better than speakers priced 5X more. The main design feature is the way the enclosure size and curved shape is the crossover – no electronic parts added to blur the sound like most speakers out there. Instead the wide band woven Kevlar cone main driver is directly wired to your amplifier, no parts between. They play flat natural seamless frequency response that is solid down to 45Hz without the slight bass hump the 803 had (sold my 803s – nice, this new 805 is in another league). Highs easily extend up to 25kHz as the spec reads. Rated 87db, probably more like 88-89, my tube amps have no trouble driving them very loud. I really can’t tell you how much I love this pair! Just Buy them!

Two small bumps – First I had a hard time deciding what finish I liked best. The clear coat piano black is deep like it is dipped in glass (I have the heavy iron and wood shelf stands with this flawless black finish). The real cherry wood veneer is warm and inviting – like furniture, not a paper thin veneer so many speakers try and push as wood. Aural Ecstasy veneer has occasional random small knots and dimples, very natural looking, more like furniture than speakers. Second bump, they take a very long time to fully break-in. 3-weeks is just the beginning. 2 months is more like it – totally different sounding compared to first out of the box. Brand new they sound stiff, lack imagery - this changes drastically in a matter of weeks. One day the imagery switch is turned on. Give them some time you will not be disappointed. I expect to keep this beautiful pair for a very long time.
The purchase price is too low - hard to compare. Keep in mind the suggested list price of $1899 when shopping.

The new TAD-805SD replaces last years 803SD vinyl clad speakers. Much has changed! Heavier walls with improved high tech engineering. Has no crossover, offering imagery and clarity that rivals speakers costing five times more. Perhaps the best sounding large bookshelf speaker out there. Hi-Tech and well made. Only sold mail order, so the price is very low. Custom stands, matching subs and center channel speakers too. Another Tube Audio Design winner.

Customer Service

Tube Audio Design is a small audio manufacturer, and a direct to home mail order house. Been around a long time. Paul the President is always friendly and helpful with any questions or concerns (email). Each product is carefully designed to please audiophile ears. Generally not advertised in large magazines, instead he passes the mail order only savings to customers with hopes word will spread by owners, in reviews (like this one) in various web forums. I have several other TAD items in my rack. The new TADAC (tube DAC) is the best darn audio component I have ever bought. I will be writing a review for this new music box very soon! Paul, keep up the good work. I’m a customer for life!

Similar Products Used:

Klipsch RF-75
Sonus Faber Concertino's
Numerous 70's 80's JBL's etc.