Short answer: the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). It ranks #1 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5) at $87,500 and is still sold new; the Revel M106 ranks #9 (rated 4.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Revel M106’s replacement, the Revel M126Be, is rated 4.3/5 at $4,400.
The TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) is the better-sounding pick. A superb bookshelf speaker, a large three way with a coaxial driver that keeps sound consistent around the room and incredibly low distortion. The tradeoff: Extraordinarily expensive at $87500 per pair.
The Revel M106 is the deeper-bass option. A highly accurate bookshelf speaker with smooth, natural in-room sound and low distortion, now discontinued but worth buying used. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 3dB, against 69Hz for the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). The catch: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region.
Buy the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Revel M106 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (38 Hz vs 43 Hz, 10 dB down); preference score with a subwoofer (7.8 vs 7.9).
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Specifications Side By Side
| TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) | Revel M106 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87,500 per pair | $2,000 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | Coaxial 1.38” tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 8” woofer | 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Weight | 101 lbs (45.8 kg) each | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 85.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Power Handling | 200W max | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 250Hz, 2kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 24.7”H x 13.4”W x 17.6”D (628 x 341 x 446 mm) | 15”H x 8.3”W x 11”D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 100kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Country | Japan | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.45 | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.79 | 7.87 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
Where the Ratings Come From
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX): Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Revel M106: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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