1. January 2012
BEST SOUND OF CES 2012
BEST SOUND OF CES 2012
"....No matter how good or expensive this or any amplifier is, they all require a source to play from, and a good pair of loudspeakers to show off their remarkable harmonic prowess. I think they came very close to achieving this goal with the speakers they chose for this event. The TIDAL Piano Cera's are not cheap though they reside nearer the smallest and least expensive of what the company builds.
That said, I have visited their facility in the city of Cologne, Germany. It was here where I found its designer Jörn Janczak, used the same expensive parts internally as in their top-of-the-line $150k Sunrays.
To me, that means a lot in terms of what one should come to expect from TIDAL and their least expensive pair of loudspeakers.
As a result, I find the Piano Cera's to be among the most neutral sounding - yet full-bodied - loudspeakers to grace my listening space and as a result have officially used them as a reference in their price class (and am certain they perform way beyond their asking price)."
"The Constellation Audio value-oriented Performance components paired with the TIDAL Contriva Diacera loudspeakers reproduced some of the most sublime music at the show."
"Constellation Audio introduced its new “budget” line of electronics in the company of TIDAL’s gorgeous three-way, ceramic-and-diamond driver Contriva Diacera, and made the best sound I’ve ever heard from a TIDAL loudspeaker. ... dynamics and resolution of detail were simply superb."
1. November 2011
Review of the TIDAL Sunray
Review of the TIDAL Sunray
"An assault on the state of the speaker art that honors the music."
...A more relevant face-off for admirers of the TIDAL sound is between the Sunrays and the Contriva Diacera SEs, which I reviewed more than a year ago.
I expected that the Sunrays would be more accomplished than their smaller, less expensive brethren, owing to the ambition of their design, their sheer size and their driver complement, but their performance was significantly better in every way.
They sounded bigger, more transparent (especially through the midrange), and wider in bandwidth...
They also revealed more about each piece of equipment in front of them, but unlike speakers that are ruthless in the way they expose such variation, the Sunrays always sounded composed, always made deeply involving music....
...After spending months with the Sunrays, I get it. These are uniquely revealing and musical speakers whose spatial characteristics and tonal sophistication befit their stature and unusual design.
More than enjoying the Sunrays, I valued them as an alternative to so many big, expensive speakers whose promise goes unrealized for one reason or another.
(You can find the whole review at > SPEAKERS > SUNRAY > SPECIFICATIONS)
1. October 2011
TIDAL was exhibiting at the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival: Piano Cera, Preos & Impact
TIDAL was exhibiting at the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival: Piano Cera, Preos & Impact
Stereotimes.com:
One of the Best Sounding rooms at this year's event goes to the TIDAL Piano Cera loudspeakers, Presos preamp and Impact amplifier. Digital playback was by way of a dCS Puccini/UClock combo and the overall sonic effect was refined, smooth and ultra-musical. In a word: EASY.
I've grown a strong affection for these Piano Ceras over the years and now have a pair under review (stay tuned).
My time spent has only deepened my respect for TIDAL products and its designer Jorn Janczak.
Link to article & video
6moons.com
TIDAL was showing their budget speakers, the TIDAL Piano Cera powered by TIDAL solid-state electronics. Front end was a laptop computer playing into a dCS Paganini DAC.
I noted that the system was well composed on even the most complex and dynamic musical peaks. There was plenty of refinement too.
1. September 2011
Review of the TIDAL Piano Cera in the German magazin “Hifi-Stars”
Review of the TIDAL Piano Cera in the German magazin “Hifi-Stars”
...The Piano Cera is not only a very musical loudspeaker, but the same time also an instrument to judge the quality of the recording itself. This means, if the musical content and expression itself is alright, then the TIDAL's will transport this to 100%, without hiding the flaws of the record.
... I lost myself in descriptions of music, even if this review is supposed to be about a loudspeaker, why is that? Well, this is the biggest compliment I can give any loudspeaker. It is all about the fun of music, and not only about "locating the triangle at tact 37, two meters behind the timpany-guy in perfect timing every second beat". And exactly for that is the Piano Cera the right musical instrument!
Don't forget: you can hear all details and for sure the mentioned triangle we talked about, you can locate it even to the millimeter, but the physical presence of the speaker itself is completely invisible and does stand completely behind the musical interpretation - this is the big strength of the TIDAL's.
Conclusion
The owner of the Piano Cera will in most cases close the chapter "loudspeaker", because with its flexible room adaption for almost all rooms - whether small or bigger ones - this transducer let speak the music itself.
Dr. Frank Lechtenberg, Hifi-Stars
1. September 2011
Capitol Audio Fest 2011
Capitol Audio Fest 2011
"... 'The Voice That Is' is the name of a Newtown Square, PA, retailer and when I walked into their room, I had no idea what equipment I was listening to, as it was - again - totally dark!
But the music playing, Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Tin Pan Alley," took me back a quarter century, when all you heard at audio shows was this cut. But it never sounded this good back then!
As my eyes accommodated to the darkness, I could make two pairs of TIDAL speakers, the floorstanding Piano Diaceras behind stand-mounted Ameas. Both feature ceramic-cone woofers and a diamond-dome tweeter but it was the Diaceras that were playing,connected with Argento cable to a TIDAL Impact 140Wpc stereo amplifier and a TIDAL Preas preamp. Source was a MacBook Pro feeding USB data to a dCS Debussy D/A.
As if to confirm that it was 1987, the next track played was "Le temps passé" from the Michel Jonasz CD L'Histoire de Monsieur Swing. This is what I am talking about - a huge, stable soundstage, extending way beyond the speaker positions; smooth, grain-free highs, tight, tuneful, deep lows, and a pure, coloration-free midrange - and all of this in service of the music, adding to the experience instead of substituting for it.
It doesn't get much better than this!"
"The room was not just special, it was damn near perfect....
...the decor, setup and gear were spectacular. The sound quality? Absurdly good. Doug White, president of The Voice That Is, totally hit it out of the park with this setup.
The look and feel of this unit, and the matching Impact stereo amp, were truly bespoke. Every exposed surface gleamed piano-black or liquid silver. This is some seriously upscale gear and quite easily ran away with the CAF 2011 Beauty Contest crown.
All TIDAL speakers feature custom-made-for-TIDAL Accuton drivers that were neither cold nor harsh (a criticism I’ve heard about ceramic drivers generally but still have yet to actually hear in person) but very linear and totally neutral.
While both speakers had a very full sound, the most arresting thing was how they nailed up a sound stage that had pin-point imaging and crystal-clear sonics. Ever heard how reviewers will trot out the cliche about how a given component provides “an open window on the music?”. Well, the sound in the TIDAL room is going to make me dig up another one: “What happened to the window?”.
1. July 2011
“Technical Elegance: TIDAL Piano Cera” – Review of the TIDAL Piano Cera at UltraAudio.com from Jeff Fritz
“Technical Elegance: TIDAL Piano Cera” – Review of the TIDAL Piano Cera at UltraAudio.com from Jeff Fritz
"Conclusion:
The TIDAL Piano Cera is one terrific-sounding loudspeaker. It’s transparent and quick, and plays with more weight and depth in the bass than you would ever suspect from a glance at its driver array. In fact, looking at this speaker either on paper or in photos will give you no hint of the performance lurking beneath its rather simple but elegant appearance.
There is a ton of clever engineering inside, and that technical expertise translates into audible results. I think the TIDAL Piano Cera would be a great choice for someone with a midsize room who doesn’t need a speaker that makes a "statement" -- except when it’s playing music."
(The full review you can read it of the page of the Piano Cera itself.)
1. May 2011
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – StereoTimes
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – StereoTimes
"German speaker company TIDAL and Constellation Audio of the USA teamed up to produce an absolutely stellar sound at this year's show. The TIDAL T1 double-stacked loudspeaker represents designer Jörn Janczak's best.
Constellation Audio boasts a look and feel that is as wonderful as its sound. This is my first time writing on these electronics because it's really also my first time hearing them. If these pictures don't provide you enough...here's a short video I took also here. "
1. May 2011
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – SoundStage
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – SoundStage
"...What would you say if I told you that the state of the art in loudspeakers can be purchased for half, or even a quarter, of the price you might think? Not really good speakers. Not almost-the-best-you-can-buy speakers. But state-of-the-art speakers. As in better than what was available just a few years ago at crazy six-figure prices! Would you be surprised? Excited? I submit to you that we are in the midst of a speaker revolution. Case in point...
"Priced at 15.500 € per pair, the Piano Cera shrouds its sonic prowess in piano-black lacquer of a quality that is quite uncommon. In fact, the slim proportions easily conceal that this is a 117-pound speaker built quite heroically.
Even still, there are no exotic cabinet materials and the drivers are made to TIDAL's specs by Accuton, another German firm. That description doesn't sound state of the art. When it plays music, though, is when you begin to understand that this is no plain-Jane loudspeaker.
With bass articulation and weight that belie its modest proportions and coherence that is nigh-on perfect, the TIDAL Piano Cera is a stark reminder that the underlying design -- not the cosmetic flourishes or the story -- is ultimately what is key to sound quality.
The Piano Cera isn't just different from most other speakers I heard at High End 2011; it's better."
1. May 2011
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – image hifi
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – image hifi
"Visiting the TIDAL room was like taking a bath in music - this describes it the best! One had much better mood when leaving the room then one had when entering it...".
Voted as one of the Best Sound of Show 2011.
1. April 2011
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – 6moons
HIGHEND 2011 in Munich – 6moons
"...my clear favorite was the collaboration between Ancient Audio, TIDAL and Musical Wire with the smaller TIDAL speakers organized by Dmitry Valdin of Transparent Acoustic whose banner-type room treatments graced the room's sidewalls."
21. April 2020
‘SUPERIOR AWARD’ from FIDELITY for TIDAL Akira
‘SUPERIOR AWARD’ from FIDELITY for TIDAL Akira
Another award for the TIDAL Akira...
The TIDAL Akira won the SUPERIOR award for the best loudspeaker in the category ‘Absolute Fidelity’ of FIDELITY magazine, Germany's leading highend audio magazine.
We quote: “What a speaker, what a system! We were allowed to listen to the second top of the line model in the official demo room of TIDAL, with its outstanding acoustics and finely selected electronics - an experience which touches us and still gives us goose bumps still one year later. The Akira portrays a huge stage, has perfect tonality, balanced into the smallest detail and gives one the impression that their sonic waves effect our senses directly. Almost impossible to beat this system in exclusivity.”
Link to FIDELITY magazine
18. June 2020
Exclusive review of TIDAL Prisma & TIDAL Ferios from “The Absolute Sound”
Exclusive review of TIDAL Prisma & TIDAL Ferios from “The Absolute Sound”
TRANSPARENCY INCARNATE - cover story review of the TIDAL Prisma & TIDAL Ferios
We do quote a couple of sentences from this 12 pages review:
"It’s become a cliché for high-end audio manufacturers to claim that their products are so transparent that they “faithfully communicate the artist’s expression.” Although many designers aspire to this lofty ideal (or proclaim to), very few actually realize electronics that are truly transparent, or as transparent as today’s components can be. To be sure, there are many great-sounding preamplifiers and power amplifiers, but all have a particular sonic signature. That signature could even be one area of sonic performance that stands out as being better than other aspects of the amplifier’s qualities. It’s not a bad thing, but it is a departure from neutrality, and one that defines the amplifier’s characteristic “sound". No electronics are perfectly transparent, but the new Prisma preamplifier and Ferios monoblock power amplifiers from Germany’s Tidal are, to my ears, about as transparent and uncolored as electronics get. Their disappearing act goes beyond the cliché of “faithfully communicating the artist’s expression”; they possess a vivid immediacy—convey a sense of hearing back through the playback system to the original musical event—that is striking. This quality, combined with the pair’s innovative circuit design, elaborate execution, and beautiful build-quality, place them in the upper echelon of today’s best electronics."
"The Tidal electronics had an utterly liquid, even sensual, rendering. The pair had a big, warm, and rich midrange that was the antithesis of clinical sterility. I didn’t perceive this as merely a pleasant coloration, but rather the absence of the bleaching of tonal color that many solid-state electronics exhibit. The Tidal pair’s resolution of musical information was simply astounding; the presentation was richly detailed and complex, with every musical line from each instrument is clearly presented. "
"The Prisma preamplifier and Ferios power amplifiers are among the best electronics I’ve heard. They combine a startling immediacy and transparency with a tonal beauty that simultaneously engages the head and the heart. Their resolution of individual instruments within complex arrangements was sensational."
(Robert Harley / The Absolute Sounds)
10. August 2020
EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD & SUMMIT AWARD for TIDAL Prisma
EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD & SUMMIT AWARD for TIDAL Prisma
"...it’s in a class that is reserved for the best of the best..."
We do quote a couple of sentences from the review:
"The sound was absolutely free of even the smallest amount of glare or glassiness. Any and all annoying extraneous texture – no matter how minute was magically buffed off of the music. All this smoove and expensive-sounding liquidity is coupled to a sense of detail and resolution of the tiniest fragments of sonic info (both tonal and dynamic). That kind of super-smooth yet mega detailed sound is a very powerful drug to those of us that fall prey to its grip.
....Then there are those rare components that seem to be essentially colorless but phenomenally pleasing in the way a recording is presented. Clean but not antiseptic. As an avowed vacuum tube and vinyl lover, the TIDAL Audio Prisma never came across in the slightest as dry or clinical sounding.
If an almost unmeasurable departure from perfect linearity is the design goal for achieving the most emotionally engaging listening enjoyment from a hi-fi component, the TIDAL Audio Prisma achieves that goal with the swag of Nate Robinson in an NBA slam dunk competition.
Plus it looks gorgeous. And it’s built to last a lifetime. WARNING: listening may be dangerous to your bank account and if you turn that volume knob it’s GAME OVER."
And the TIDAL Prisma is the first device getting the SUMMIT AWARD:
"The team talked about what to do with a product like the TIDAL Audio Prisma. In fact, it was so good, it exposed a rather large hole in our award system. But occasionally, we get a product in for review that not only amazes, it redefines for the review team what greatness means. What terms like “statement” and “reference” mean. Experiences like this reset the expectations for what is possible. These are, we believe, aspirational-level products. They’re likely not inexpensive — “End Game” products rarely are — and while that’s lamentable, that’s just life. Not everyone can afford a Bugatti — that’s why Corvettes exist–and one reason why we have a BEST VALUE award.
But for those products that aspire to greatness, for those products that open a door to vistas rarely seen, for those experiences that so far outstrip expectations that we were left speechless … well, we really had nothing. What we needed, clearly, was something different. A new award. We’re calling it the SUMMIT Award.
For us, that’s what the SUMMIT Award is all about. These products take you higher and reset the bar for what’s possible. Congratulations to TIDAL Audio."
10. November 2020
“TIDAL stands at the very top of the industry…”
“TIDAL stands at the very top of the industry…”
Soundstageultra wrote a article about loudspeakers for both luxury and performance
"But as exalted as all of these qualities are, they alone wouldn’t have gotten Tidal on my list. Tidal stands at the very top of the industry for its promise to perfect every detail, down to the most microscopic and seemingly least consequential. Their build and finish qualities, inside and outside the speaker, are the best I’ve seen on any audio product of any type.
No part of a Tidal product is less important than any other part -- that’s not the Tidal way. Their top model is the La Assoluta ($625,000/pair). This 1069-pound jewel must be seen in the flesh to be believed. The same could be said of its little brother, the Akira ($255,000/pr.). I could go on and on -- suffice it to say that you probably haven’t seen what’s possible in precision loudspeaker design and manufacture until you’ve been in the presence of a Tidal loudspeaker."
15. December 2020
TIDAL and Bugatti establish an exclusive cooperation.
TIDAL and Bugatti establish an exclusive cooperation.
TIDAL builds the Bugatti of audio. Literally.
TIDAL starts an exclusive cooperation with Bugatti. Yes, Bugatti. Both companies are united in a shared philosophy: to strive for perfection without limits in order to perform with exceptional design, effort and uncompromising spirit. The two companies, leading in their respective fields of exclusive luxury automotive design and premium audio systems, will set a new standard for home music systems – introducing ‘the BUGATTI of home audio’. The two companies will work to establish a new category of sound systems, underpinned by unrivalled exclusivity and high quality like no other.
The partnership between BUGATTI and TIDAL Audio begins with the “Royale” range of speakers that lead the way for luxury in the home audio sector. Technical avant-garde meets a passion for design, the perfect finish and outstanding results – with the visual promise of the breathtaking performance that follows.
The TIDAL for BUGATTI series is the pinnacle of our achievements and designed to be beyond we have ever done. The top of the pyramid in our portfolio.
Official Bugatti Website: TIDAL for BUGATTI
Link to Bugatti Royale page
4. July 2021
TIDAL for BUGATTI “Royale” installation at Bugatti headquarter
TIDAL for BUGATTI “Royale” installation at Bugatti headquarter
The TIDAL for BUGATTI "Royale" is coming home...
...What better place to display the finest masterpiece we have ever designed than in the impressive Bugatti remise in Bugatti headquarter in Molsheim, France. Installed and connected for visitors who design their Bugatti hypercar, the Royale offers an equally breathtaking experience in design, sound and finish. We couldn't be more honored and proud onto what we have achieved, seeing both logos co-branded there...
5. July 2021
“Best of the Best”-Award 2021 from world leading luxury magazine Robb Report
“Best of the Best”-Award 2021 from world leading luxury magazine Robb Report
Best of the Best Award 2021 for the TIDAL for BUGATTI "Royale" from Robb Report magazine
"As you know, Robb Report is the leading voice in global luxury and this is our 33rd consecutive year recognizing and rewarding those who have stood apart from their peers for their exceptional craftsmanship, extraordinary attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection in their field. Your award for Best Loudspeaker is an excellent example of this: the Royale Series by Tidal for Bugatti is a technical powerhouse that elegantly evokes the automaker’s unique design language both past and present."
"Founded in Germany in 1999 by Jörn Janczak, TIDAL Audio produces components with a level of refinement that elevates them into the realm of artisanal objects capable of delivering otherworldly sound. Recently, the company collaborated with French hypercar maker Bugatti for the Royale loudspeaker, named for the rare 1926 Type 41 Royale, Ettore Bugatti’s maximalist vision of the ultimate luxury automobile, of which only six were produced. Despite the historic name, the nearly five-foot-tall Royale’s seductive curves and brilliant finish, embellished with jewel-like details in a variety of materials, evoke a modern Bugatti, and like those cars it can be heavily customized with carbon fiber, wood veneers, fabric, leather, polished stainless steel, dark aluminum and precious-metal surfaces."
24. August 2021
Exclusive interview about the TIDAL for Bugatti project
Exclusive interview about the TIDAL for Bugatti project
In-depth interview with Matej Isak from MONO & STEREO about "TIDAL for Bugatti"
"...car people are car people, audiophiles are audiophiles. Other than bringing music into a car, there is little to combine or bring together. Just putting a famous logo onto a product from another category does not make the product any better or more desirable nor does it rub back onto the product to have a fancy halo around. Actually, this causes even the opposite to me and at least I would not want that either on my audio system, my watch, or my sunglasses.
Merchandising for a brand fan base in all fairness, but that hardly works on upper price levels on a wider scale, since mostly one wants the original thing then, and not something relabeled which has nothing to do with it. I believe things can only be extraordinary if cooperation captures both partners' DNA and then combining and transforming it into something new and exciting...
Working together with Bugatti created something how I always defined the grail in industrial design for me: a perfectly round loop out of a.) the only reason why it exists and b.) answering it with the only possible perfect execution for it. In that very ranking, wording and meaning."
Please find the link here: Interview about TIDAL for Bugatti
6. October 2021
European Product Design Award for the TIDAL for BUGATTI “Royale”
European Product Design Award for the TIDAL for BUGATTI “Royale”
The TIDAL for BUGATTI "Royale" has been awarded with the European Product Design Award 2021.
15. December 2021
Best of decade: TIDAL La Assoluta
Best of decade: TIDAL La Assoluta
The TIDAL La Assoluta has received the "Best out of 10 years" Award from Fidelity magazine.
Going hand in hand with the luxurious book "Best of 10 Years Fiedelity" the La Assoluta has been awarded as example of the best products written about in ten years.
"...Just to give you more of an idea of just what an exclusive luxury they are: Master craftsmanship is flaunted down to even the smallest feature, in a way only the best of the best can. In terms of quality and attention to detail, it just doesn’t get better than this. All this gives true connoisseurs a real sense of satisfaction."
Conclusion: “The perfect combination of technology, elegance and luxury. Pure unadulterated high fidelity. Audibly high-calibre (and high-carat) loud- speakers for the very wealthy. The real Callas of all loudspeakers ... Call the TIDAL La Assoluta whatever you’d like – and continue to dream."