High Performance Studio Monitors for Home Audio! The "CHOICE" for Audiophiles?
Vložit
- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- The New Adam Audio A8H Speakers are not just one of the best studio monitors, it is one of the best powered audiophile speakers for desktop or home audio set ups.
Adam Audio A8H (LEFT): amzn.to/4397mES
Adam Audio A8H (RIGHT): amzn.to/3raaAuI
Bundle with free cables: amzn.to/3PBxhBV
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: amzn.to/3NTwk71
Nearfield Set up:
Speaker Stand (28inch or 32inch): amzn.to/3r96y5N
IsoAcoustic Isolation: amzn.to/3NuGppC
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: amzn.to/3NTwk71
Ethernet Cable (get the length you need): amzn.to/433AX2C
Network Switch/Extender: amzn.to/3CUcxxM
Audiophile (farfield entertainment) Set up:
Speaker Stands (24inch): amzn.to/3ppMwn3
IsoAcoustic Isolation: amzn.to/3JxxLFG
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: amzn.to/3NTwk71
Ethernet Cable (get the length you need): amzn.to/433AX2C
Network Switch/Extender: amzn.to/3CUcxxM
Support on Patreon: / jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: / jays_iyagi
follow on Facebook: / jayiyagiofficial
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: • Jay's Soundstage! reviews
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7...
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
0:00 Intro
0:46 Adam Audio Technology
3:00 Studio Monitors VS Audiophile Speakers
7:28 Adam Audio Speaker sound review (PURE)
12:11 Adam Audio Speaker sound review (UNR)
15:00 Adam Audio Nearfield Setups
15:32 Adam Audio Audiophile Setups
16:44 Adam Audio EQ & A Control
18:36 Caveat
#audiophile #hifi #homeaudio - Zábava
*Thank you for stopping by! Make sure to click that like button and subscribe!*
Adam Audio A8H (LEFT): amzn.to/4397mES
Adam Audio A8H (RIGHT): amzn.to/3raaAuI
Bundle with free cables: amzn.to/3PBxhBV
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: amzn.to/3NTwk71
Nearfield Set up:
Speaker Stand (28inch or 32inch): amzn.to/3r96y5N
IsoAcoustic Isolation: amzn.to/3NuGppC
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: amzn.to/3NTwk71
Ethernet Cable (get the length you need): amzn.to/433AX2C
Network Switch/Extender: amzn.to/3CUcxxM
Audiophile (farfield entertainment) Set up:
Speaker Stands (24inch): amzn.to/3ppMwn3
IsoAcoustic Isolation: amzn.to/3JxxLFG
Mogami Gold XLR Cable: amzn.to/3NTwk71
Ethernet Cable (get the length you need): amzn.to/433AX2C
Network Switch/Extender: amzn.to/3CUcxxM
You should definetly try the EVE SC3070, I believe it has a better musical character compared to the Adams
The Yamaha NS-10's were stereo home speakers, turn in to studio monitors by studio engineers, to fine tune the mid range, I was one of them in 1975
a classic :)
The NS-10 was perfect for folks like me who have no hearing above 8kHz. When I did have full spectrum hearing, I found them irritating. Pretty though. It also helped create some sort of standard for engineering and mastering, which was helpful
NS-5000 is the ultimate monitor.
They sound terrible the studio I worked had a pair.
Tip about the hiss: The A-control software allows u to lower the amps a bit. For my A4V I set it at -20db and the hiss is inaudible in my very quiet room. Yes this brings down the SPL from 110 to 90db I suppose. But if I ever need to monitor that loudly I can just press the button on the back and have the full 110 db.
Nice job Jay - as an audio engineer, I understand the difference between a studio tool and a pleasure box. You described both quite well. These monitors look nearly identical to the 1978 Genelec S30.
The job of a studio monitor is to translate. There is always a set of accurate mains and at least one pair of small console speakers for comparison-- KEEPING THE MIX IN PERSPECTIVE. Jay's explanation of 'familiarity' only applies to smaller project and basement studios. You can mix on anything, even headphones as long as you can predict consistently the end product. HOWEVER: In a high level commercial installation where multiple clients are always rotating, phase coherent, even response with MEGA dynamic realism is what is demanded. When 'phase coherency' was the big thing in the 90's I had to switch out my beloved JBL's for dual concentric Tannoys to please clientele-- Sometimes you'd get an old guy-- "I hate Tannoys!" My response? "Me too, how about a pair of 4315's?"
Jay, this is a very interesting choice for a product review. I applaud you for taking a risk in discussing an option that a typical audiophile might not ever consider. I have to confess that my own interest was piqued! I especially like the EQ/DSP features.
A few questions that I don't think you addressed: What was your accompanying gear, more specifically, your pre-amp in the living room set-up? Secondly, did you pair with a subwoofer; or for that matter, did you find one necessary? Lastly, did you like it as an extended listening set-up, for everyday use?
Thanks again!
That was a detailed and excellent review of the Adam A8H monitors. Thanks!
Hi Jay, thanks for the great review. We are happy you like the new A Series. All the best from Berlin!
When i plan upgrading my studio's Adams T8vs. The A8H are at the top of my list. Great detailed video!
Thanks for the review. I did get a pair of A8H and I am very happy. I think they are the best speakers I ever had and I want to develop the habit of listening to any and everything to get to know them . I have not try the calibration yet, it will be next !
I dont want to go back. I own and listen with Monitors since many years. Had first KSDigital c88, after that the Neumann KH310, the 120 after that the Unity Audio Super Rock wich are more on a ,,Hifi,, Side not as revealing (because of the AMT i think) and now back with Neumann. KH150 with KH750 incl MA1 Correction wich is my final Setup. Over the years Neumann gets to my kind of sound i like. Heard many Montors in Studios (ATC SCM50a / SCM100 - Genelec W371 with all Models of the 83xx Coax series, ATC SCM40 DIY Activated with miniDSP, Adam S3H and many more…) and they perform all so good, in 99% way better than any passive system i heard at a hifi shop / dealer or Hifi show. Active Monitors, Subwoofer(s), DSP and Room Acoustic - could be so easy to get the finest sound
This video was thoughtful and provide a ton of value for me. I would love to see more reviews of studio monitors. There is a certain appeal of using active speakers for multipurpose music and home theater. Thank you Jay!
Studio monitors work well if you want an analytical listening experience or if you are an audio voyeur who wants to listen for things in the mix that aren’t supposed to be audible. 😉
you aren't wrong! BUT not all studio monitors are the same or analytical
@@Jayiyagi the only powered studio monitors that I’ve heard that aren’t analytical are JBL 305…Adam A5X were very analytical…especially in the mids.
@@seanb3303Adam is more on the ,,hifi,, side. Theyre more pleasing than others - i personally wouldnt use an AMT in studios. I heard the S3V wich are not bad but Neumann, Unity Audio, Genelec or ATC are a different league quality wise. And Monitors can make a lot of fun. You get so much audio informations (reverb, delay or other effects, depth and pin point imaging) when you try and be used to it, its hard to go back to lean back speakers
@@seanb3303I'd say you haven't very many studio monitors!
Adam Audio great I'm the head technician for doing there warranty repair work in Sydney every Adan speaker i haver ever listen to is magic
Thanks.
Many people have 2 sets of speakers for doing occasional mixing and for pleasure. I am one. I often think about what it would be like to have one really good speaker for both. It would probably make sense for some people, yet it is hard to give up that favorite home audio speaker that many of us have become emotionally attached to.
If one does some mixing and some home listening this seems like a great solution fir anyone not attached to a particular sound. More power to them. They are better off than us addicts.
Also, Tekton makes studio monitors for less. They’re probably also pretty good.
Excellent review, mate! I love the A8H, but don't have enough room for them. The A7V were the perfect size for my workstation and sound amazing for music and gaming. I don't hear any hiss from my A7V, so I consider myself lucky as it would bother the hell out of me! I added an SVS SB-3000 sub to make a kick ass 2.1 computer audio system.
@Jayiyagi I want to use the speakers for both near field and far field, is there a way to physically change their direction like a turntable?
I'm curious about the hiss you mention. Is it because there are no passive crossover components and the noise from the electronic cross over circuits can be heard due to the direct connection of amplifier to driver?
I bought the A8Hs with the SUB12 for my home DJ studio. The main reasons: SQ, non-fatiguing long listening, and the room correction. My studio is not an ideal space acoustically, a small square dual use room, but the room correction does a great job to mitigate that.
I'm planing on getting a sub 15 to go with my pair of A77H's. (20m Sq room) Would that be too much, should i go with 12 from your experience? Will I get enough 😂 Thanks
Thank you for doing this review!
Been waiting for one of my respected audiophiles to review this monitor. Can you please, please review iLound Precision MTM as well from IK Multimedia? They are both at the same price range
Since you heard both speakers, do you think the CSS Criton 1-TDX might be a good alternative to the adam audio monitors? Im thinking of an active build with dsp plate amps for the CSS.
Monitor designs help wife approval. They do not dominate a room. Much easier when you change house. They won't hurt you in an earthquake. Of course they are optimized for accuracy which we love.
In terms of hifi / studio monitors for near field listening for edm music what would you recommend ?
I have the Adam Audio S3Vs for home listening. UNR wasn't quite enough EQ for me, so I created my own setting, that accounts for the high-frequency rolloff in my hearing. I boosted the bass a little more as well. These are an incredible bargain when bought used. For lack of better description, the sound is as pure as that of high-end headphones.
How do you like the S3V? I'm considering them for my audio setup in a 2.2 configuration.
Hi, I appreciate your thorough review. It’s very helpful for me, as I’m thinking about getting some studio monitors (ADAM Audio A7V) or active HiFi Speakers (KEF LS50 Wireless II) to listen to music and watch some TV.
I’ve been using Studio monitors like KRK ROKIT for years to enjoy music, and I love them. But I also like the features of HiFi Speakers.
Sometimes I hear audiophiles criticize studio monitors, and I wonder if they ever tried them in a well-treated acoustic environment. I think they might change their opinion if they experienced how amazing they can be. I agree that studio monitors are not completely flat in their response, but the key is to know them well enough to listen critically.
I have two places where I listen to music:
- A small room with excellent acoustic treatment (with many bass traps and thick panels). Before, I used it as a home studio, but that is no longer the case.
- A Living room with some acoustic treatment where I watch TV and listen to music occasionally.
I don’t mind moving the Speakers to the living room once in a while.
I would welcome any recommendation
Thanks
Many hifi speakers are also, not flat in response. Studio monitors can also suffer from requirement constraints - fitting all the stuff in that people need to use in the studio and the way they use it, can sacrifice some audio design.
I guess Re Adam or KEF, the KEF likely measure a little better, but could have less bass, and maybe narrower dispersion. I forgot the measurements for Adams, but some had a bit of treble lift. Would have more bass. Not as even off axis as KEF. But since you have lots of treatments, it may not matter as much. I suppose the Adams would be closer in sound to Rokits than the KEF. But I haven't really heard either properly. I did use Rokits for a while.
check out the Neumann KH120 or 150 with the 750 sub (+ MA1 Kit) or some Genelecs incl Sub. Cant get wrong with these 2 Brands. They have speakers from small to big and theyre all sounding and translating fantastic
Jay,
Thanks for the work on this review. Please try to listen to the PSI 17 and 21 active monitors as well as the new Neumann KH150 active monitors. It would be very interesting to hear your comments. There was an excellent review by Phil Ward in Sound on Sound this year on the Neumann KH 150 if you are interested.
Naumanns are insane, objectively best in the world...
i have been wondered in my mind how its is odd that there's often a disconnect between music enthusiast and mixing engineer / producer types. there are some interesting commonalities and some funny paradoxes too i'm sure. both could learn and laugh at /from / with each other way more i tend to think!
Has there been any progress on the monitors you showed in Korea ?
Hello,i have a question please: Mogami is better then Vovox cable?i have Vovox..but i heard about Mogami cable and i want to buy
Jay did you hook these up for a movie? How would they work on TV/Movies
how do these compare to the JSlabs from Korea, price and performance?
Great informatio...why are your speaker risers/spacers arranged in a triangle and not a square? Ie...1 for each corner? Ps they remind me of my Alesis Monitor 2 passive 3 way monitors...they were unreal.
Cheers.
It guarantees even weight distribution.
I have only used Adam audio speakers for hifi. Started with adam f7s, then a7x, settled on adam tensor delta and just bought s2v for desktop. I tried kef ls50 but i found the image smaller and width much narrower than the a7x & does not even compare to the Tensor Delta which seems to be have great depth. I'm tempted to try hedd who founded adam audio.
I'm a day away from ordering a pair of A8H mostly for music listening in my 22'x16' living room. They'd also be used as "PA" speakers when I sing and play my digital piano. I've been going back and forth between high-end PA speakers, hi-fi speakers and studio monitors but decided on monitors because when I'm at my piano, I will only be less than 3' from each monitor. Couldn't decide between the Kali IN8 v2, the Adam A7V, Adam A77H or A8H but found a like-new pair of A8H for $2000. Do you feel these are the best choice? Thanks.
I'm seriously considering these speakers for my living room home theatre/hi-fi setup alongside the DMP-A6 Master Edition. Would you recommend this pairing for my needs?
The built audio correction is pretty amazing for in-home usage this way any sound source you throw at it Will get corrected. Definitely treat your room as much as you can, but our house is never going to be treated perfectly and I highly recommend you calibrate the inbuilt audio. Lot of people seem to be missing.
The fact that this is a DSP based frequency response The advantage being that you can choose your frequency response and make them sound like any speakers you wish.
I was considering these were the a77h.
The main reason being The horizontal diffusion I have yet to be able to figure out which speakers have better horizontal diffusion, which can be pretty important for home audio.
You don't want a very small spot on the couch where you can listen, especially if you are entertaining large groups.
Dmpa 6 looks pretty amazing, but it doesn't have Chromecast which I really like.
Nvidia shield does and if you really wanted wanted even better DSP/DAC options and surround sound etc it accepts USB based dacs
Your new flavour of the week...lol...have never eeen a CZcams reviewer change their speakers more than their underwear until you...too funny...thx for making me smile
these are alright, but if u have lil bigger budget and u love AMT tweeters with this form factor - take a look at HEDD type 20. also Berlin based more niche brand from the same engineer.
you like focal no1? HEDD?
I am done with passive speakers. I have owned dozens of them and none of them can compare to my Adams high passed from a studio sub.
Love my Adam A7X for my pc-desktop.
how much better are these than say yamaha HS8 ? 4 times the cost better?
Hi, somebody says exactly the opposite, that with these monitors the "sweet spot" its very narrow... Do you still keep thinking the same that you sort of claimed about several months after? Thanks :)
I don't think sweet spot is narrow at all. It could be many things, like the room or how close you have the speakers to each other etc that can affect the sweet spot of course and maybe that other individual (don't know who it is) had a different experience than mine due to set up differences
If you read the measurement report on the Adam website, you can see that the 8h has quite a bit worse horizontal diffusion then the other speakers in this line.
However, if you read the information underneath The graph you'll find the explanation is that there is a right version and a left version of the speaker that are balanced differently and when setting them up properly together it gains a greater horizontal diffusion.
I can't speak to how well it works but I trust Adam and clearly this guy hasn't been noticing the issue either. I was wondering the exact same thing really
I was considering the a77h over the a8h for this very reason so I'm going to have to test them out myself now.
Love Adam Audio ... Heard them next to HEDD ?
Be curious how they compared Head to Hedd .. =P
HEDD was started by ex - Adam Audio engineers.
🦗🦗🦗
I've reviewed HEDD before (I believe or soundstage magazine) and they were pretty similar to the Adam speakers
These vs S2V?
At least they allow for some EQ, and they have some appreciation of real world audio.
Once again whatever a company can charge that of what they will do.
It's not what is cost them to make it what the can sell it for is the motivation
It used to be, in the earlier days of HiFi, that accuracy (linearity, flatness, lower distortion) was the goal. Somehow, the "audiophile" community looked down their noses at professional gear as being lesser, etc. I used to work at a High end HiFi store (McIntosh, Tandberg, Nakamichi, Yamaha, etc.) and I also worked for a sound reinforcement company at the same time. I asked the boss, "Why don't they use XLR for HiFi components?". ....at the time, no HiFi companies were using it. My boss gave me some BS answer about how Pro systems weren't "finessed" enough. Cut to now, and you see that many HiFi manufacturers are incorporating XLR/Balanced topologies. I always thought that XLRs, or balanced wiring, were a no brainer for phono inputs. I mean, who would want to not have noise cancelling there? It seems now that the "audiophile community wants to have colored sound and shuns any sort of analytical measurements. It seems like the leaders of these audiophile communities fancy themselves as some sort of audio Shaman.
Are they suited for Desk use or do they need a big Stereo Triangle to sound good?
14:36
When u do u brunoko amp review
Brunoco amp review is comin soon :)
I've used my preamplifier with my active JBL 306P's, because I had to repair my stereo amplifier. The sound wasn't satisfying at all, even with expensive xlr cables.
JBL 306P is a warm/dark speaker that is pretty budget friendly. For the price, it isn't the worst out there in my opinion
does it sound better and or at least louder if you go direct say dac or phone straight to the monitors? i've noticed my powered jbl's sound like garbage if i go pre amp out via receiver vs the aforementioned direct, for at least streaming.
@@Jayiyagi I totally agree with you. But if you used to superior hi-end, there's no chance to be happy with those.
@@chinmeysway A digital input would improve the sound quality even more. There're 2 conversions AD+DA with the analog input. It's a downside for a digital signal.
that low mids---all the way to high mids---dip seems waaaay wide and weird smily face wut in thee F!!!?? but impressive bass extension wow. but in question is also your testing / measurement technique /room stuff.
actually the response is pretty good so not sure why you find it weird. Adam audio also has their own sets of measurements and they are very similar to mine.
My measurements are quasi-anechoic measurements and not an in-room measurement
did emotiva rip them off or? are they both the same company, anyone know? or ok yeah i have better things to care about lol
You must have higher standards for music listening than I do if you NEED hybrid-like speakers for both applications.
I’ve been using KRK’s for my studio for decades… and their new line up is definitely worth a listen to.
Just picked up a pair of A8H’s. @jayiyagi What model/size of Iso Acoustic stands did you buy for these monitors? Cheers
The frequency response curve is similar to the Wharfedale Linton. They could have done worse.
wharfedale Lintons measure pretty well. It just rolls off really earlier on
Hey Jay, did you know that Adam Audio is the real creator of this typ of tweeter. Some think is elac.
No they are not.
huh yeah i been curious about how they all copy each other with the ribbon tweeter design... but hard to say if adam was the first probably.
AMT but yes, many use similar drivers
@@RennieAsh Oscar Heil was creating a speaker with this AMT concept. But it was not a tweeter as i know, it was a speaker with only AMT membran.
Uhh...no they did not! Not sure where you got that idea from, but it's not true either way. ✌️
nice hairpiece...
studio speaker with port.... explain that choice.
sure. Many esteemed studio monitors are ported. It is to help extend bass. Of course, with dsp controlled units like the Adam, it also helps to not make the sound overly boomy or bloated when placed close to walls while maintaining a smooth roll off
seems pretty cheap considering. tons of tech in them and the drivers look well made.
@veroman007 guess why...made in china 😢 speakers.
@@JezJerzy22stop the bs..damn near everything comes from china , and these monitors sound great..lame
In this range, I find hiss unnacceptable
this video comes out when I'm about to get a pair of Adam Audio T8V for home 😭
World's apart..
@@Wuppie62 worlds apart price-wise as well 🤷
I remember deciding to get KRK VXTs or Adam speakers. Everyone who listened to the Adam's were saying the spectrum was great. They would say listen to them...They sounded great. That was the problem they always sounded great. VXTs sounded true. Almost like you could tell what kind of studio the songs were made in. I still use the VXTs to this day. Mixes stand out with depth, width, good bass and vocal clarity. In short I love mixing on the VXTs. Adam's are nice to listen to it makes everything sound classy. So how the hell are you going to mix with them and get a true image if the only good thing about them is how they sound when listening to pre recorded material?
The secret of bores : they say everything.
ur muscle is getting larger HAHA!
That will have an impact on the sound!
it's fat
Hard to get excited about owning something quite that ugly. Have a listen to the Franco Serblin speakers
Such pretty designs...and then they leave screws and holes visible
dynaudio makes them look better... very similar design on their three-way monitors. but i kno rite? emotiva and adam, both ugly, and exactly the same company? looks exactly the same.
Than buy the Neumnn KH310 or better the KH150 with 1x or 2x 750 DSP Sub. Theyre clean and sound awesome. But the main point behind this products is the performance where ,,consumer hifi,, priority is the design, to look good, and thats everything sounds good and not too detailed. Thats why we have this 2 categorys Studio vs Home Hifi
Really NOT a high end monitor.
I sold recording gear at the legendary, Manny's Music on West 48th Street in Manhattan NY in the late 90's. A world famous grammy winning producer explained the rational behind the NS10's. I will not mention who he was because I don't want his name out there in a bad light. He was always nice to me and told me shit most will never hear in public. The NYC music production scene is small, exclusive, and actually friendly. If they like you. I asked him about the NS10's being so prevalent everywhere while being trash. Here are his words, " There is no reason whatsoever why NS10's are in every studio. A producer friend of mine bought them { Big Name } because he thought the contrast of the white woofers against the black wood looked cool. Everyone saw pics of his desk with the cool speakers on it. They all thought he knew something they didn't and bought them. Monkey see, monkey do. The NS10's are the worst speakers in the world."-
We used NS10's in our studio for no other reason than they were the industry standard but I thought they sounded horrible and then when you buy something better you realise even more what a mistake NS10's are 😂😂