TAD CR1 vs R1
- Thread starter Eli08
- Start date
From the dealer:
"I spoke with TAD. I should be receiving an official communication soon, but they did not come out with a new model. This poster is creating a lot of confusion -- MkII is a misnomer. TAD Japan sourced material from a different group and for whatever reason decided to call the R1 a MkII in the Hong Kong marketing poster. As I get more details I'll forward them along. Speak to you soon!"
"I spoke with TAD. I should be receiving an official communication soon, but they did not come out with a new model. This poster is creating a lot of confusion -- MkII is a misnomer. TAD Japan sourced material from a different group and for whatever reason decided to call the R1 a MkII in the Hong Kong marketing poster. As I get more details I'll forward them along. Speak to you soon!"
Thanks a lot Joost. Very glad to hear. I was very disturbed yesterday. The thing that bothered me the most was the thought that my dealer, whom I really trust and have a long term relationship, could have done something like that.
Eventually they will come out with a new model or a MKII or whatever and that is fine and it does not worry me. These are boxes to keep for a lifetime really, and new things will come that may sound a little better... Or not, Who knows. But not at the same time I was doing the purchase. As Emre said, if that was to be the case, I could have bought the R1s a month later at a good discount.
The CR1s I dont think they will make a revision anytime soon, really. They just came out. i think they are a 2010 presented model. The thing is that they used the same drivers and design as the older R1 and so I think they will stick with that for a while. if I had to guess, I think next we will see is going to be a monitor in the Evolution series. And also would make sense to have a reference model between the CR1 and the R1. Some floorstanding a bit larger than the E1, but not as huge as the R1. But who knows.
Joost, let us know when you get more info please.
Eventually they will come out with a new model or a MKII or whatever and that is fine and it does not worry me. These are boxes to keep for a lifetime really, and new things will come that may sound a little better... Or not, Who knows. But not at the same time I was doing the purchase. As Emre said, if that was to be the case, I could have bought the R1s a month later at a good discount.
The CR1s I dont think they will make a revision anytime soon, really. They just came out. i think they are a 2010 presented model. The thing is that they used the same drivers and design as the older R1 and so I think they will stick with that for a while. if I had to guess, I think next we will see is going to be a monitor in the Evolution series. And also would make sense to have a reference model between the CR1 and the R1. Some floorstanding a bit larger than the E1, but not as huge as the R1. But who knows.
Joost, let us know when you get more info please.
Eli, I think you are right as to likely future TAD models.
I was wondering for a moment what an R1 or CR1 MK 2 might entail... the CST drive unit is arguably the best performing most advanced midrange/tweeter on the planet today and I couldn't imagine any major advancements in the LF drive unit. The cabinet is dead quiet... so my money would have been on upgraded crossover components or internal wiring... but the parts used today are also seemingly cost no object SOTA. Wouldn't really know where upgrades would make sense - it might be while until revised reference line speakers are introduced IMO.
I was wondering for a moment what an R1 or CR1 MK 2 might entail... the CST drive unit is arguably the best performing most advanced midrange/tweeter on the planet today and I couldn't imagine any major advancements in the LF drive unit. The cabinet is dead quiet... so my money would have been on upgraded crossover components or internal wiring... but the parts used today are also seemingly cost no object SOTA. Wouldn't really know where upgrades would make sense - it might be while until revised reference line speakers are introduced IMO.
On AA someone mentioned:
Sounds to me the way that was stated that they might be adjusting the manufacturing process for cost optimisation. This happens with virtually all products so would not be a surprise. Pure speculation though.
"I go the same info as AE from my TAD importer. BUT... He also told me partially confidential info that both R-1 and CR-1 will be upgraded inlate 2013 due to :"...some changes in driver manufacturing technique. Be assured that it won't effect excellent sound from both models." Since my plan is to order R-1 he gave me an offer to get current R-1 right now and to trade-in for upgraded version when it gets out in late 2013. I am happy with this deal."
Sounds to me the way that was stated that they might be adjusting the manufacturing process for cost optimisation. This happens with virtually all products so would not be a surprise. Pure speculation though.
I would be really surprised to see a MKII of the CR1 by next year. It has not been out for too long, and it was going around as a prototype for almost 3 years, so it took them a while to get it fine tuned.
As per the R1 it would make more sense time wise.
If it is by late 2013 I am surprised a dealer would know already. They would want to keep it secret not to harm sells for over a year. But if it is already planned and of "public knowledge, the thing that I dont like in my case is that they havent told me. Depending on the scope of the revision, I may had decided to go ahead or not, but with all the info on the table. Still I am very sure my dealer does not know. Not so sure in the case of the TAD representative.
In any case, the reasons given for the revision are strange. Changes in manufacturing technique of drivers? Does not sound like an upgrade of existing model but like a cost adjusting thing. Not the best marketing strategy.
Also, I dont understand what the dealer means by "be assured it wont affect excellent sound from both models". Does he mean current models, which it makes no sense since..., or the new incoming models, which is a claim I dont understand neither.
In any case, we will have to wait and see. i will ask the guy from TAD later this month when he calls. If this is more than especulation, wonder if the sign in the show was really a mistake. if what this dealer says is true and a revision is on tis way, it is a strange coincidence.
Some new information coming straight from TAD Labs this time.
The MK2 has nothing to do with a modification in performance, sound, or design.
The only modification includes a new finish of the woofers, but is "99.9%" the same as the previous.
If you pay close attention you will see a small difference in color, but nothing more than this.
The decision was made to rename the speaker to MK2 because of this visual difference.
People who have version 1 should not worry even in the slightest, we would not modify a speaker of this caliber this quickly.
Regarding the modification on the CR1, a decision has not yet been made but this is not unthinkable.
So seems like an adjusted manufacturing technique will be introduced in late 2013 for whatever reason it may be, but personally as an MK1 owner I see no reason to be bothered by this or make an effort to switch over to the MK2 model.
The MK2 has nothing to do with a modification in performance, sound, or design.
The only modification includes a new finish of the woofers, but is "99.9%" the same as the previous.
If you pay close attention you will see a small difference in color, but nothing more than this.
The decision was made to rename the speaker to MK2 because of this visual difference.
People who have version 1 should not worry even in the slightest, we would not modify a speaker of this caliber this quickly.
Regarding the modification on the CR1, a decision has not yet been made but this is not unthinkable.
So seems like an adjusted manufacturing technique will be introduced in late 2013 for whatever reason it may be, but personally as an MK1 owner I see no reason to be bothered by this or make an effort to switch over to the MK2 model.
Good info and news. Thanks!
Although some contradictions on different pieces of info, no? Seems the initial history about no planned MKII and just a mistake on the publicity by a new company hired to do it, was not the case. This came from TAD no?
Is clear by now there will be a MKII some time in the near future, either end of next year ,or I think could be even earlier. Scope of it will be seen once out but with the current info It is all a bit confusing.
From the company perspective, I find it hard to understand how they would justufy a MKII version that is not better than the revised one, but just a change in the color of drivers or similar. Due to cost cuting in production? Not the most appealing marketing strategy no? What do you guys think?
But one doubt; the speakers playing at HK in the picture were the MK2 already or just the ones on the wall picture?
Although some contradictions on different pieces of info, no? Seems the initial history about no planned MKII and just a mistake on the publicity by a new company hired to do it, was not the case. This came from TAD no?
Is clear by now there will be a MKII some time in the near future, either end of next year ,or I think could be even earlier. Scope of it will be seen once out but with the current info It is all a bit confusing.
From the company perspective, I find it hard to understand how they would justufy a MKII version that is not better than the revised one, but just a change in the color of drivers or similar. Due to cost cuting in production? Not the most appealing marketing strategy no? What do you guys think?
But one doubt; the speakers playing at HK in the picture were the MK2 already or just the ones on the wall picture?
Eli, if the information from TAD is correct and it is only a woofer cosmetic change the MK2 naming makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. If it is 99.9% blind to the consumer as they say they should not have mentioned anything to avoid unnecessary confusion. MK2 usually refers to a mark 2 second version of a product and typically entails significant changes, this does not seem at all to be the case here.
I know it's hard to tell but do the woofers in the Hong Kong picture look different to those on your own R1's? Below is a shot of my CR1 woofers. Frankly i find they look great in current finishing!
I know it's hard to tell but do the woofers in the Hong Kong picture look different to those on your own R1's? Below is a shot of my CR1 woofers. Frankly i find they look great in current finishing!
The woofers of the HK pic, from what I can tell are exactly the same as mine. Actually the whole box looks the same. I can not see any diference doing a close up.
The woofers of the R1 and CR1 are identical also for what I recall, excep for the size. But otherwise same finish and looks. And, yes agree they look great.
The woofers of the R1 and CR1 are identical also for what I recall, excep for the size. But otherwise same finish and looks. And, yes agree they look great.
Official communication from TAD http://tad-labs.com/jp/corporate/press/120830_01.html
I can't tell from a Google translate what the change entails but there seems to be some performance improvement aspects. If any Japanese speakers can clarify that would be great.
MK2 models expected to arrive in EU somewhere in November 2012. There is also talk of a small TAD-MR1, intro December 2012 for Japan. ROW CES 2013.
I can't tell from a Google translate what the change entails but there seems to be some performance improvement aspects. If any Japanese speakers can clarify that would be great.
MK2 models expected to arrive in EU somewhere in November 2012. There is also talk of a small TAD-MR1, intro December 2012 for Japan. ROW CES 2013.
And 40K eur the R1...? That cant be right... Or I will kill my dealer, the TAD guy and who knows whom else.
For what I read from a translation they say there is a modification in the bass drivers for improved mid bass or something like that, plus seems they are asembling now in a factory in Japan.
I have mix feelings here. While I love how the R1 is evolving and sounding, it is clear by now the guy from TAD knew of this and he said not a word. Very dishonest. not sure of my dealer. He should have known, but I cant believe he knew and did not tell me.
Not sure as of now what I am going to do about this situation.
For what I read from a translation they say there is a modification in the bass drivers for improved mid bass or something like that, plus seems they are asembling now in a factory in Japan.
I have mix feelings here. While I love how the R1 is evolving and sounding, it is clear by now the guy from TAD knew of this and he said not a word. Very dishonest. not sure of my dealer. He should have known, but I cant believe he knew and did not tell me.
Not sure as of now what I am going to do about this situation.
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