Short answer: the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). It ranks #1 of 134 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5); the Revel M106 ranks #9 (rated 4.6/5).
What the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) does well: A 3-way stand-mount design built around a coaxial tweeter-and-6.5” midrange assembly plus an 8” woofer, crossed over at 250Hz and 2kHz, rated for 200W and 86dB sensitivity (measured at about 85.2dB, 2.83V/1m). The catch: Extraordinarily expensive at $87500 per pair.
Why pick the Revel M106: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. The tradeoff: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region.
One note: the Revel M106 is no longer sold new, but at #9 of 134 bookshelf speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX). It is rated higher for sound quality than the Revel M106.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) | Revel M106 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87,500.00 per pair | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 134 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX):
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs KEF R3 Meta
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs KEF Q Concerto Meta
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs KEF R3
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs Buchardt Audio S400
- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX)
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The Two Speakers In Full
TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX): $87,500.00 per pair eBay
Pros: A 3-way stand-mount design built around a coaxial tweeter-and-6.5” midrange assembly plus an 8” woofer, crossed over at 250Hz and 2kHz, rated for 200W and 86dB sensitivity (measured at about 85.2dB, 2.83V/1m). On-axis linearity holds within about ±3dB down to its F3 of 69Hz (F10 38Hz). The coaxial layout gives it exceptionally wide, consistent tonality moving around the room (both horizontally and vertically) since the tweeter and midrange radiate from the same point, unlike a conventional offset tweeter-over-woofer layout that narrows vertically much sooner. Harmonic and multitone distortion measured the lowest the reviewer has recorded to date, beating even the KEF Blade Two Meta and PS Audio Aspen FR10, previously his two lowest-distortion references. Compression is minimal: only about 0.5dB of low-frequency loss between 76dB and 102dB output (26dB of usable dynamic range), with softening only appearing at the very top end at 102dB. At 101 lbs each, the massive, heavily braced cabinet is completely inert: no audible panel resonance even driven hard with full-range bass. CTA-2034 sound power is excellent, and a mild dip in the lower treble/upper midrange shows up with smooth, consistent directivity through that region, indicating it’s a deliberate voicing choice rather than a crossover flaw. Measured bass extension of 69Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.5dB.
Cons: Extraordinarily expensive at $87500 per pair. Despite the manual recommending the speakers be placed close to a wall (about 1-2 feet) and aimed directly at the listener, the reviewer found direct on-axis aiming made the treble read a bit hot, and preferred toeing them out about 20-30° for a smoother top end: worth experimenting with in your own room. The mid-base-to-midrange transition region is deliberately sloped down in anechoic measurement, meaning it’s designed to be reinforced by nearby wall boundary gain rather than played free-standing well out into the room. At 101 lbs each, the speakers are genuinely difficult to move or set up alone.
Full TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | Japan |
| Crossover Frequency | 250Hz, 2kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 24.7”H x 13.4”W x 17.6”D (628 x 341 x 446 mm) |
| Drivers | Coaxial 1.38” tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 8” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 100kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 200W max |
| Sensitivity | 85.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.45 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.79 |
| Weight | 101 lbs (45.8 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs KEF R3 Meta
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs KEF Q Concerto Meta
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs KEF R3
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs Buchardt Audio S400
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) vs Klipsch RP-600M II
Revel M106 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel M126Be, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response is called “near ideal” by the reviewer, with a smooth downward slope from bass to treble. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays well controlled through the midrange and treble. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is on the narrower side. Vertical directivity requires staying within about ±20 degrees of the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. Minimum impedance dips to 4.6 ohms with several peaks, a moderately demanding load for a compact bookshelf speaker. Discontinued.
Full Revel M106 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15”H x 8.3”W x 11”D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1” (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.87 |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons