Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Sturdy construction with vibration-resistant material
- Impressive aesthetics, described as sleek and imposing
- Articulate low end without distortion, even at high output levels
- Vivid and rich midrange with no perceived masking
- Clear and smooth tweeters that are not overly sharp or bright
- Excellent imaging, especially around the high-mids
Product Considerations
- S Control application needs improvement in terms of user interface and workflow
- The monitor can be too large for smaller rooms
- One reviewer found the control knob under the display too sensitive
- The DSP software for configuring the EQ settings is not intuitive to use and is frustrating
- The S3V's chew through 27.5W each when 'idle', which may not be ideal for every user
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Solo BEs, the S3V has a more solid construction that is more resistant to stains and scratches
- Vs PMC, the S3V looks more impressive
- Vs Yamaha HS5's, the S3V has an increased midrange clarity and improved low end weight
- Vs A77X, the S3V produces a character that sounds distinctly more 'modern'—with instruments and transients that seem more sharply etched and more in focus
- Vs Focal CMS40, the S3V is more detailed without harshness
Takeaway: The Adam Audio S3V is a high-quality monitor designed for professional use, offering excellent audio performance and new driver technology. With its impressive soundstage and linear sound, it could be a great addition to a studio for mixing and mastering.
All
S3V
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Panel: Rear
- Max. Power Consumption: 550 W
- Weight: 55.0 lb (25.0 kg)
- Height x Width x Depth: 21.1" (536 mm) x 11.5" (293 mm) x 15.0" (380 mm)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Input Impedance: 48 kOhm
- Max. Input Level: +24 dBu
- Woofer Amp Power RMS: 500 W
- Midrange Amp Power RMS: 300 W
- Tweeter Amp Power RMS: 50 W
- Frequency Response: 32 Hz – 50 kHz (-20 dB)
- THD > 100 Hz: ≤0.4 %
- Max. SPL per pair at 1 m: ≥124 dB
- Crossover Frequencies: 250 Hz, 3 kHz
- Woofer Diameter: 9"
- Woofer Voice Coil Diameter: 2" (50 mm)
- Woofer Cone Material: HexaCone
- Midrange Type: Dome/Cone Hybrid
- Midrange Diameter: 4"
- Midrange Voice Coil Diameter: 2.4" (60 mm)
- Midrange Cone Material: Carbon Composite
Mid-range and HF information is reproduced with equally analytical precision thanks to the combination of ADAM Audio's newly developed 4-inch DCH mid-range driver and the highly refined S-ART folded-ribbon HF driver. Together with the brand-new HPS waveguide, the latter offers high-frequency reproduction with an extremely broad sweet spot with fine, highly detailed imaging and a natural-sounding sense of depth.
The S Series' custom-designed DSP optimizes the loudspeaker crossovers to create linear responses for the entire range, as well as providing user equalization and in-room tuning/voicing functions. The DSP also handles the limiter-based high-frequency driver protection, processes the signals from the AES3 digital inputs, and will in time facilitate various expansion options.
Software updates can be carried out with ease via the associated USB port, which also allows users to connect computers and control the speakers' DSP functions via a software front-end.
The S3V's built-in amplification is generously specified, comprising Class D units for the bass and ...
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- ADAM Audio monitors are recognized for their proprietary folded-ribbon ART tweeter, which contributes to a smooth, clear high-frequency response and a wide sweet spot, a distinct characteristic setting them apart from other monitor brands.
- They offer above-average flexibility through DSP-supported room-dependent EQ adjustment with several EQ preset options, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific room acoustics, and often incorporate a legacy mode that emulates the sound of previous X-Series monitors.
- ADAM Audio monitors, especially the S Series, have a design focused on minimizing resonance and coloration even at high listening levels, indicating a dedication to accurate sound reproduction over simply sounding "good."
- The brand is not just focused on high-end performance but also provides a compelling value proposition with their T Series, bringing their signature sound to a more budget-conscious market, making high-quality monitoring accessible to budding engineers and home studios.
Select products
T5V
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers excellent acoustic characteristics with its U-ART tweeter and HPS waveguide, providing a wide sweet spot for small control rooms. Unlike the A8H and S5H, it is optimized for budget-conscious users who need reliable performance in limited spaces, making it ideal for home studios or small professional setups.
T10S
- Positioning: Compact subwoofer designed to complement nearfield monitors.
- Description: Enhances low-frequency response with its down-firing 10" woofer and 130 W amplifier, making it a powerful addition to the T5V and T7V monitors. While it lacks the advanced DSP features of the A8H and S5H, its compact design and adjustable crossover make it suitable for users seeking to extend bass in smaller studio environments.
A8H
- Positioning: High-performance midfield monitor for detailed audio representation.
- Description: Stands out with its X-ART tweeter and rotatable HPS waveguide, offering precise sound for critical listening in mid-sized spaces. Unlike the T5V, it includes DSP-based tuning and Sonarworks integration.
S5H
- Positioning: Flagship main monitor for expansive studio environments.
- Description: Features dual 10" ELE bass drivers and a DCH midrange driver, delivering exceptional low-frequency control and midrange clarity. It surpasses the A8H with its extensive DSP capabilities and high SPL output.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Air Motion Transformers
ADAM Audio has been refining Air Motion Transformer technology for more than 25 years, and we employ it in every tweeter we manufacture. This sustained focus has led to a series of innovations which trickle down to every series in our portfolio. We have an expert team in Berlin that hand-folds these tweeters, and they are subject to rigorous QA before they are fitted to the loudspeakers.
Industrial Design
ADAM Audio loudspeakers have a strong and unique design language that stems from Berlin and the design team here. Every choice centers around acoustic performance, but the beveled edges, bespoke waveguides, and rounded ports combine to form striking products. For decades, the loudspeakers have been the focal point of studios worldwide, and in recent years they have been catching eyes in home audio systems.
What's your approach to customer support?
Our Berlin-based customer support team handles hundreds of queries each month, ranging from pre-sales questions, troubleshooting and best practices, to repairs. They pride themselves on their response and success rate, and our customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. ADAM Audio offers an industry-leading warranty of up to 5 years, and beyond that, our service team is always happy to repair products when possible. We have a wonderful dealer and distributor network who will always be happy to help if they can.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Max Cooper – Inanimate to Animate (highly recommended to listen in Dolby Atmos where possible!)
Gui Boratto – Mr. Decay (bass extension)
Pixies – Hey (dynamic range)
What other products pair best with yours?
The resolution and conversion offered by Focusrite interfaces is second to none!
Used
ADAM Audio
What if you spend more?
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a powerful, smooth and detailed sound with flexible voicing options
- High frequency reproduction balances accuracy without being harsh
- Ability to resolve fine details
- Excellent build quality, back panel controls, and layout
- Room correction presets can be saved via the partnered Sonarworks Sound ID software
Product Considerations
- Non-stepped volume controls travel a little too easily
- On/off switch and input sensitivity controls are located on the cabinet rear panel
- Network router and ethernet cables required for computer control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A7V has a more premium sound and can be tweaked further thanks to the free A-Control software, but the ADAM Audio T7V is hard to beat due to its price-to-performance ratio
- For users coming from a set of KRK Systems Rokit 8 speakers, the A7V will be a massive improvement
Takeaway: The ADAM Audio A7V is a great-sounding monitor with multiple voicings, software integration and excellent build quality. These monitors offer a detailed audio performance, allowing users to make well informed mixing decisions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
With a 19-inch width, the horizontally oriented A44H can sit on a standard rack shelf or be mounted above or below a display. The completely new design also enables the A44H to serve as a center speaker in immersive and 3D speaker configurations. Dual 4-inch long-throw woofers and the X-ART tweeter deliver a wide frequency range, while onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities enable you to tweak the sound easily.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, comfortable, and easy to place, with a lower profile.
- Delivers a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound that delivers an enjoyable experience.
- A rotatable tweeter allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, providing flexibility in different setups.
- On-board DSP-based room correction options, and integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference for refined tuning.
- A wide sweet spot that is immersive and enjoyable to listen to.
Product Considerations
- The bass response may not be as present or suitable for music production with many sub-bass frequencies.
- The dial for input level adjustment is not stepped, which may make precise matching more difficult.
- Some reviewers suggest a sub may be needed depending on the material being worked with, to supplement the 4-inch woofers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ADAM Audio A7X model, the A44H offers a similar response curve.
Takeaway: The A44H monitors offer a unique form factor, versatile placement options, and a detailed sound, making them a great option for smaller spaces or immersive setups. The built-in DSP and integration with Sonarworks provide extensive room correction and customization capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
How to buy
Speakers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
