ADAM S3X-H Active Studio Monitor 250W

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S3X-H - Yes, even better

The S3A is one of ADAMʼs most famous models and is found in many of the most prestigious recording studios all over the world. The successor of this world famous model is the S3X-H, a monitor second to none within its size and price point.

Unlike the S3A, the new X-model incorporates a 4” HexaCone-midrange as part of the redesigned construction to further improve the musically most important midrange. This new design provides more detail with improved radiation characteristics while presenting a musically coherent sound.

To produce deep, tight bass both woofers now work within the same frequency range and radiate symmetrically. This allows for a problem free installation in any multi-channel application.

Reviews: "...the monitor reference...”

Due to the outstanding reputation of its predecessor, it was to be expected that the S3X-H would be reviewed with the most critical of all ears. Here are some samples (complete reviews can be found here):

“The S3X-H convinces all along the line. ADAMs new member is all but just an improvement of a successful monitor. With a new loudspeaker design and painstaking tuning it is a first-class control tool in any studio. From now on, the monitor reference in the Professional audio-studio is called S3X-H.” (Professional audio, 09/2009)

“[...] anyone seeking an uncompromised solution to studio monitoring should add these to your short list of products to consider.” (MIX, 12/2009)

“The S3A is an amazing unit with some excellent technologies, and ADAM hasnʼt just built on this to give us the S3X, but has built something new and exciting with what it knows so well. The sound has been opened up in a whole new way that I believe consistently delivers more reliable results outside of your studio. These are reference monitors, and as they make their way into studios they will become part of the standard called ʽmusic productionʼ. The S3X radiates sound into the room with depth, accuracy, and clarity in the way you need it to be with comfort and ease. These are monitors that need to be heard.” (Audio Media, 09/2009)

MYTHO 8 is a two-way reference studio monitor equipped with two separate AB amplifiers - 200 W for the low frequencies and 100 W for the high - unparalleled for low distortion and natural sound. It features a high quality large metal dome tweeter for the best vocal reproduction and a 8” neodymium vented woofer with a large sized 51 mm voice coil that guarantees very high energy for tight and controlled bass reproduction and perfect thermal stability with minimum power compression.

The magnetic circuit features a special air ventilation to reduce air compression, air noises and minimize distortion in large excursion situations. Thanks to the deeper low frequencies reproduced by its 8” woofer, the MYTHO 8 is perfect for medium to large control rooms.
A dedicated high quality DSP is provided on board. The cabinet is made in aluminium, internally braced and reinforced to improve low frequencies behaviour and reduce resonances.
 

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S2X

The S2X brings together the virtues of the ʽclassicalʼ 7” woofer and tweeter combination by using ADAM innovative technologies and top-class materials.

The HexaCone 7” woofer is driven by a sophisticated magnet system with a 2” voice coil creating a greater linear excursion. This produces more dynamics than one would assume in a monitor of such small proportions. As a result, in addition to the unsurpassed audio quality of the X-ART and A/B amplifier combination, this monitor surprises the listener with a very powerful, deep, but always tight and precise low end.

Review at a glance: "Sonic sensation“

“The ADAM Audio S2X can convince in all areas, concerning the sound as well as the workmanship, and are worth every Euro. […] a no-compromise tool for all who mean serious business, whether in music or postproductions.” (www.96kHz.de, 03/2010)

“We started off with a classical string quartet recording and let´s just say right away that the S2Xs floored us. Several adjectives spring to mind [...] - wide open, transparent, effortless, breathtaking realistic, loud, dynamic, involving... [...] If you close your eyes and continue listening, the S2Xs seem to ‚disappearʽ almost entirely. [...] you gradually become less aware that you´re listening to speakers because they´re like an open window on the music itself. [...] Result: These monitors are up there with the best we´ve tried so far.” (MusicTech, 01/2010)

Features of the HR824mk2 Studio Reference Monitor:

- High-resolution Active studio reference monitor
- Ultra-linear frequency response for accurate mix translation
- 8.75 in. high-precision, low-distortion LF transducer
- 1 in. titanium dome, ferrofluid cooled tweeter
- Optimized Waveguide for wide, even sweet zone
- Twin FR Series amps -- 150W for LF / 100W for HF
- Cast aluminum Zero Edge Baffle minimizes diffraction
- Full internal damping eliminates midrange artifacts
- Onboard passive radiator extends bass response to 35Hz
- Acoustic Space, LF roll-off, and HF controls
- Balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs
- OmniMount ready for easy wall/ceiling placement
- THX pm3 certified for surround sound applications
- Perfect for High Definition audio, cinema and gaming systems

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A revolutionary formula: 2 x 7 = 77

In some set-ups it can be advisable to use a horizontally designed speaker rather than a vertical one. Until now, such monitors were only available within the SX top line.

The brand new A77X, due to its outstanding features, might become a true game changer: Equipped with the same advanced technologies as the A7X, it therefore is very similar to the two-way speaker. The A77X, however, distinguishes itself by much higher, compression-free maximum sound pressure levels and dynamics. Due to its power and radiation characteristics, it also is perfectly suited for both near- and midfield monitoring.

Driver technology

Like all models of the AX series, the A77X features the ADAM proprietary X-ART tweeter. The ʽXʼ stands for ʽeXtended frequency responseʼ and thus for one of the features of the Accelerating Ribbon Technology that has been drastically improved: the frequency response. It now extends all the way up to 50kHz. In addition, the X-ART tweeter has higher efficiency and higher maximum sound pressure levels.

The two 7” woofers are identical with that of the A7X. With their large voice coils (1.5”) and powerful amplifiers, they are capable of both very high maximum sound pressure levels as well as very deep registers. The woofers do not cover the same frequency bands: while both of them are responsible for the (sub-) bass frequencies up to about 400Hz, only one of them reproduces the midrange. This prevents interferences between the two drivers. For stereo setups the A77X is available in A and B versions in order to guarantee a precise stereo image.

Amplifiers / controls

Each driver has its own dedicated amplifier. A 50W A/B amp is responsible for the X-ART tweeter, while the bass-/midwoofers are driven by a 100W PWM amp each. The front panel includes a power switch and a control for the volume that retains the volume setting independently from the on/off switch.

The rear panel features several additional controls: a gain for the high frequencies (± 4dB) and two shelf filters for high and low frequencies.
To ensure greater compatibility, there are both XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) connectors.

Review samples:

“… a refreshing change“
"… if you liked the A7X youʼll like the A77X even more, and if the companyʼs smaller near-fields werenʼt your cup of tea, the A77X are definitely worth another listen. They are not much bigger than a two-driver cabinet design, so should slip into any installation where a near-field speaker will fit, but the extra low/ mid frequency drivers mean that the bass is more naturally extended and the mid-range clearer and more detailed. I like the A77X a lot and they make a refreshing change from the usual mid-priced near-field speakers." AUDIO MEDIA magazine / February 2012

“… wide and spacious soundstage with solid left/right imaging“
"… they are fun and easy to work with, covering all the essential functions required of high-end monitors with aplomb." MusicTech magazine / April 2012