Raidho TD1.2: Unveiling a Compact Marvel through Rigorous Testing
Setting High Expectations
The Raidho TD1.2, part of Raidho’s esteemed TD series, invites audiophiles and enthusiasts to explore the capabilities of a compact speaker system taken to the extreme. As the speakers find their place in the listening room, initial impressions don’t quite match the lofty expectations. However, seasoned audiophiles understand that it’s time for the crucial break-in period – a substantial 250-hour endeavor. While the speakers mature, let’s embark on a deeper dive into the technology and craftsmanship that set the TD1.2 apart.
Crafting Sonic Excellence: Raidho’s Signature Ribbon Tweeter
The TD1.2 inherits one of Raidho’s standout features – the ribbon tweeter. In a traditional ribbon speaker, the entire membrane serves as a voice coil, often utilizing an ultra-thin rectangular metal foil. These ribbons pose an impedance challenge, necessitating a matching transformer to shield the amplifier from a near-short-circuit load. Raidho, however, opts for an alternative approach, employing a thin plastic film adorned with conductor tracks. This choice grants a more conventional impedance range of 4 to 8 ohms, while still preserving quality. The ribbon used in the TD1.2 is remarkably lightweight and thin, boasting an enhanced magnet system that bolsters sensitivity.
Woofer Engineering at Its Pinnacle
Crafting the 11.5-centimeter woofer for the TD1.2 proves to be a complex feat. Raidho’s selection of composite materials for the membrane, including aluminum with a ceramic coating, tantalum, and even diamond, results in a membrane that balances high rigidity with damping. These meticulously engineered layers dramatically reduce resonance compared to ceramics while pushing the resonance frequency to 20 kilohertz. The outcome is a woofer designed for perfect transient response with minimal distortion. The drive system leverages neodymium ring magnets and an optimized magnetic field, further elevating dynamic performance.
Mastering the Crossover
No shortcuts are taken in the design of the TD1.2’s crossover. It prioritizes precise phase alignment across all frequencies and optimal impulse behavior. Utilizing top-tier components from Mundorf ensures that the crossover aligns seamlessly with the speaker’s performance.
Design and Ergonomics
Each chassis finds its home in a robust aluminum frame, thoughtfully designed to minimize diffraction effects. The baffle is subtly angled to achieve optimal phase coherence. The curved housing, meticulously engineered for minimal resonance, tapers towards the rear and gains reinforcement from a thick aluminum backbone housing bass reflex openings. These design elements, in conjunction with the new driver design and crossover, significantly enhance the speaker’s overall efficiency.
The Raidho TD1.2 is not just a sonic marvel but also a testament to meticulous design and thoughtful ergonomics. Let’s delve into the intricacies of its design and how it caters to user ergonomics.
Exquisite Craftsmanship: A Visual Masterpiece
At first glance, the TD1.2 is a visual masterpiece. Its design exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a statement piece in any listening room. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the choice of materials to the precision of construction.
Materials: Raidho spares no expense in crafting its speakers, and the TD1.2 is no exception. The speaker’s baffle is reinforced by a thick aluminum backbone, enhancing structural rigidity and minimizing resonance. This not only contributes to its visual appeal but also plays a critical role in acoustic performance.
Form Factor: The TD1.2 boasts a compact form factor that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics. Its sleek, minimalist design ensures that it seamlessly integrates into various room setups without overwhelming the space. The slightly angled baffle serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, optimizing phase response while adding a touch of visual sophistication.
Ergonomics: User-Centric Design
While the TD1.2 primarily caters to audiophiles seeking sonic excellence, its user-centric design and ergonomics enhance the overall listening experience.
Setup and Placement: Setting up the TD1.2 is straightforward, thanks to its compact size and user-friendly design. The speakers can be easily positioned in the ideal location within a listening room. This versatility ensures that users can achieve optimal sonic performance without the constraints of speaker placement.
Isolation and Decoupling: The speaker stands accompanying the TD1.2 are designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. Their lightweight yet robust construction minimizes energy storage, reducing the potential for unwanted vibrations that can affect sound quality. The inclusion of isolation elements and metal ball mounts further enhances the stands’ decoupling capabilities. These features not only improve audio performance but also underscore Raidho’s commitment to user ergonomics.
Aesthetic Harmony: Blending into Any Environment
The TD1.2’s design is marked by its ability to blend seamlessly into diverse listening environments. Whether placed in a contemporary living space or a dedicated listening room, the speakers’ visual aesthetics are versatile enough to complement various interior styles. This aesthetic adaptability ensures that users can enjoy exceptional audio quality without compromising the overall ambiance of their space.
A Testament to Design Excellence and User Comfort
In sum, the Raidho TD1.2 is a testament to design excellence and user comfort. Its exquisite craftsmanship and visual appeal are matched by user-friendly features that enhance the overall listening experience. From setup and placement flexibility to the thoughtful inclusion of isolation elements, Raidho has ensured that every aspect of the TD1.2’s design contributes to both its sonic prowess and user ergonomics. It’s a speaker that not only sounds extraordinary but also complements the lifestyle and preferences of discerning audiophiles.
Unveiling the Sound: A Break-in and Setup Odyssey
After meticulously observing the 250-hour break-in period, it’s time to revisit the TD1.2 for evaluation. The speakers now deliver more precise bass and an expanded upper-frequency range. However, certain limitations persist in terms of sound character and spatial accuracy. To further refine the listening experience, an additional 200-hour break-in period is considered necessary.
In-Depth Sound Test of the Raidho TD1.2: A Journey Through Sonic Excellence
Unveiling the TD1.2’s Sonic Brilliance
The Raidho TD1.2, renowned for its high-end audio performance, beckons audiophiles to embark on a sonic journey like no other. As we delve into an in-depth sound test, it’s essential to grasp the nuances that make this compact speaker a standout in the world of high-fidelity audio.
Voices: A Touch of Human Essence
The TD1.2’s remarkable ability to reproduce voices with lifelike authenticity immediately captures one’s attention. With impeccable precision, the speakers convey not just the vocal tones but also the subtle nuances that make each voice unique. Whether it’s the sultry notes of jazz vocalists or the emotive ballads sung by first-class singers, the TD1.2 brings the listener closer to the artist. It’s as if the singer is standing right between the speakers, with every breath, sigh, and vocal inflection palpable in the listening room.
Instruments: From Strings to Percussion, Unmatched Realism
Transitioning from voices to instrumental performances, the TD1.2 continues to shine. Acoustic instruments, particularly strings, are rendered with a richness and depth that captivates the listener. The meticulous craftsmanship of the speaker system ensures that the strings’ vibrations and resonances are faithfully reproduced, creating a velvety and supple sonic tapestry. The precision extends to every pluck, bowing, and percussive strike, making it feel as if the instruments themselves have been transported into the room.
Dynamic Range: Capturing the Full Spectrum
One of the standout features of the TD1.2 is its ability to handle dynamic range with finesse. In orchestral compositions, the speakers create an expansive soundstage that accommodates both delicate pianissimo passages and thunderous fortissimo crescendos. The positioning of instruments within this soundscape is impeccable. Even when the timpani roars in fortissimo, it doesn’t overshadow the delicate pizzicato of the violins, which retain their clarity and presence at the front of the orchestra. This finely tuned dynamic range adds a layer of realism and depth to the listening experience.
Tonality: Where Velvety Meets Precise
The TD1.2’s tonality is a standout feature, offering a delicate balance between velvety warmth and precise articulation. Violins, for instance, can sound both supple and rich while maintaining a strict, disciplined character. This duality is particularly evident in complex string quartets and orchestral pieces, where the interplay between instruments is crucial. The speakers deliver this intricate interplay with stunning coherence.
Soundstage and Imaging: Expansive and Precise
One of the most impressive aspects of the TD1.2’s sonic performance is its ability to create an expansive soundstage that stretches beyond the confines of the physical speakers. The listener is transported into a three-dimensional sonic environment where instruments and voices occupy distinct, well-defined positions. The spatial depth and width achieved by the TD1.2 are nothing short of remarkable. It preserves the proportions of the original recording, ensuring that the soundstage remains faithful to the intended presentation.
Nuances and Realism: A Magnifying Glass for Sonic Details
The TD1.2 serves as a sensitive seismograph for even the slightest changes in the audio chain. It meticulously reveals the impact of tweaks and upgrades, making it an invaluable tool for audiophiles seeking to fine-tune their systems. This heightened sensitivity extends to capturing the smallest nuances in music, from the subtlest instrumental articulations to the minutiae of a vocalist’s performance. This level of detail fosters a profound connection between the listener and the music.
The TD1.2: A Sonic Marvel
In conclusion, the Raidho TD1.2 stands as a testament to the pinnacle of compact speaker technology. It captivates with its ability to reproduce voices and instruments with unparalleled authenticity, while its dynamic range, tonal balance, and imaging capabilities elevate the listening experience to new heights. The TD1.2’s meticulous craftsmanship and sensitivity to sonic nuances make it a powerful tool for audiophiles and a window into the subtleties of music. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a portal to the essence of sound.
Mastering the Setup: Precision and Balance
Setting up the TD1.2 is pivotal to unlocking its full potential. Achieving optimal results necessitates a wider-than-usual base width, coupled with meticulous angling. Furthermore, the correct tilt angle becomes paramount, given the unique radiation behavior of the ribbon tweeter. Fine-tuning the tilt angle based on the listener’s position refines treble energy and imaging precision.
Sonic Brilliance Across Genres
The TD1.2’s sonic prowess transcends the boundaries of voice and solo instrument reproduction. It thrives when tackling orchestral compositions, expanding the soundstage with remarkable depth and width. The listener is treated to an immersive experience that respects the proportions of the original recording.
Subtle Nuances and Dynamics
What sets the TD1.2 apart is its ability to effortlessly unveil the subtlest nuances of music. It excels in reproducing fine dynamic gradations within a room, preserving clarity even as different instrument groups crescendo and decrescendo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Raidho TD1.2 stands as a compact marvel, challenging the limitations often associated with its size. Its precision, clarity, and dynamic range elevate it to a distinguished position in the realm of high-end speakers. Whether handling voices, instruments, or complex orchestral arrangements, the TD1.2 excels in conveying the authenticity and subtleties of the music. It stands as a testament to Raidho’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of speaker technology and redefining the listening experience.
Advantages of the Raidho TD1.2 Speaker:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The Raidho TD1.2 delivers an audiophile-grade sound experience, characterized by incredible clarity, detail, and precision. Its ability to reproduce voices and instruments with authenticity and subtlety is a standout feature.
- Wide Soundstage: One of its remarkable strengths is its ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage. It can make the listener feel as though they are in the midst of the performance, which enhances the overall listening experience.
- Elegant Design: The TD1.2 is a visual masterpiece, designed with meticulous attention to detail. Its sleek and minimalist design, coupled with high-quality materials, ensures that it complements various room aesthetics.
- User-Friendly Ergonomics: Setting up and positioning the TD1.2 is straightforward, making it suitable for a wide range of listening environments. The included speaker stands, with their isolation elements, enhance its user-friendliness.
- Versatility: Despite its compact size, the TD1.2 offers versatility in terms of placement. Users can position it in different room setups without compromising its sonic performance.
Disadvantages of the Raidho TD1.2 Speaker:
- High Price Point: The TD1.2 falls into the high-end audio category, and its premium craftsmanship and components come with a hefty price tag. It may not be accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Bass Extension: Due to its compact size, the TD1.2 has inherent limitations in the lower-frequency range. While it provides clean and fast bass, it may not satisfy users seeking deep, room-filling bass without additional subwoofers.
- Setup Complexity: Achieving the optimal setup, including base width, tilt angle, and positioning, may require patience and experimentation. Users may need to invest time in fine-tuning to unlock its full potential.
- Preference for Specific Music Genres: While the TD1.2 excels in reproducing voices, acoustic instruments, and orchestral music, it may not be the ideal choice for users primarily interested in bass-heavy music genres like electronic dance music (EDM) or hip-hop.
- Sensitivity to System Changes: The TD1.2 is highly sensitive to changes in the audio system, including cable quality and connectors. This sensitivity may necessitate additional investments in high-quality components to fully leverage its capabilities.
In summary, the Raidho TD1.2 offers an unparalleled listening experience with its exceptional sound quality, wide soundstage, and elegant design. However, its high price, limited bass extension, and the need for precise setup may be factors to consider, depending on individual preferences and budget constraints.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Two-way rear reflex loaded hybrid loudspeaker
- Driver Complement: 1× “Quasi-ribbon” planar magnetic tweeter; 1× 115mm Titanium/titanium-nitride coated ceramic cone
- Bandwidth: 45Hz–50KHz ±3dB
- Sensitivity: 87dB
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 200 × 360 × 400mm
- Weight: 15kg
- Finishes: Piano black lacquer, Walnut Burl veneer or paint finishes to order
- Price: from £20,000 per pair
