Raidho Acoustics TD2.2 speakers; Moon Evolution 700i V2 amplifier, 780D v2 DAC/streamer, 610LP phonostage; VPI HW-40 Signature turntable, Van Den Hul The Black Crimson cartridge, Nordost Valhalla II cables

In the Gaylord Hotel’s North Tower, where room after room, regardless of its size or layout, seemed conducive to good sound, Raidho Acoustics was making a major impression with the world premiere Raidho TD2.2 2.5-way loudspeakers ($46,000/pair in black). Designed by Benno Baun Meldgaard, who formerly designed loudspeakers for Gamut, the TD2.2 was intended for rooms just a bit larger than the hotel room in which it slayed visitor after visitor.

While the TD2.2’s exterior is similar to the previous version, the TD2.1, the drivers have a new motor design with better sensitivity (89dB), and, in Meldgaard’s words, “much lower Q for better amplifier control. There’s as little restraint on the driver as possible, so you can hear the full range of sound even at low volume.”

Those drivers include Raidho's TD ribbon tweeter, a 6.5” Raidho Tantalum Diamond midbass, and a 6.5” Raidho Tantalum Diamond bass. The speaker is said to have a 6 ohm nominal impedance that never drops below 4.2., and is claimed to have very little phase shift. “The entire inside of the cabinet has been altered to prevent nearfield reflections and increase internal air flow for more linear resonance," Meldgard said. “The impedance remains pretty constant with changes in volume. I think I’ve maintained and enhanced all the good qualities of the speaker while improving sensitivity. It presents an easier load for a more coherent, open, and organic sound that descends to at least 32Hz and rolls off slowly. It probably gets down to 25 in the room.”

Through Moon’s Evolution 700i V2 175wpc amplifier ($14,000), 780D V2 DAC/streamer ($15,000), and 610LP phonostage ($7500), all connected by Nordost Valhalla 2 cabling, I heard a Hugh Masekella track played on VPI Industries’ HW-40 Signature turntable ($15,000) outfitted with Van Den Hul’s The Black Crimson cartridge ($5300). The sound was open, alive, and extended on top, and depth and transparency were excellent. The system didn’t hold back on Glenn Miller’s “String of Pearls;” it managed to be open and direct without ever being harsh. Bass control wasn’t perfect—it rarely is at shows—but the sound was clear, warm and inviting. I was seduced by this major debut.

X