ADAM S7A MK2 Active Studio Monitor 1000W

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The ultimate main monitors

The main monitors S6X and S7A Mk2 are designed for large control rooms and film studios. They present a completely new, impressive concept: to transport the unique realism of the ADAM monitors at a very high SPL level. In accordance with ADAMʼs main goal to achieve the best possible authenticity in music reproduction, any overemphasis of the bass frequencies should be avoided. Furthermore, it is essential for neutral sound characteristics at high volumes to achieve a wide dispersion in the horizontal plane and a somewhat narrower dispersion in the vertical plane, thus reducing reflections from the ceiling, the floor or a mixing console. Less reflection means superior imaging and better localization, facilitating the best possible transportability of mixes across the widest range of playback systems.

Advanced DʽAppolito-array

The arrangement of the seven discrete loudspeakers facilitates a gradual transition of the chassis dimensions. One of the most important aspects of these monitorʼs new approach is the horizontal symmetry of the drivers, which could be referred to as advanced D´Appolito array. If the drivers are filtered properly there are – besides the dispersion characteristics mentioned previously – two more advantageous results:

• There is an absence of any sudden change in directivity with frequency, leading to harmonic dispersion behavior throughout the audio band. The absence of sudden changes in directivity is not visible in a frequency plot, but clearly audible - especially with a full range of materials, from single complex sources such as the human voice to the wide sonic palette of large orchestras.
• The dynamic capabilities of the monitor are distributed over the audio band more equally, and louder recording or mixdown sessions with SPL´s of 120 dB are handled without offending the ear.

Impulse Coupling

In order to get a precise and undistorted reproduction, all drive units are mounted on an ultra stiff 25 mm thick aluminum honeycomb plate, which is acoustically dead - thereby providing an extremely mechanically stable bridge to the cabinet (IC). As the drivers are much better fixed this way their time behavior (and consequently their clarity) is audibly and measurably improved.

Amplifiers

Both the S6X and the S7A Mk2 ADAM use the new generation of switching amps and power supplies. These are combined in an extremely powerful (1000 and 1500 W rms respectively) yet cool amplifier assembly. Together with the built in overload protection circuits these amplifiers will run reliably and at constant safe operating temperatures not possible with conventional designs. The amplifiers are of extremely low output impedance, leading to a damping factor >4.000, enabling them to strictly control the motion of the drive units.

The front panel

Numerous controls on the front panel introduce a new degree of control for main monitors.

Along with the input gain, there are level controls for each of the four drivers, shelving filters on both ends of the frequency spectrum, and three full parametric EQs (20-200HZ) that can be used to combat standing waves in the control room. The EQ can be bypassed individually or as a group so that their overall effect can be analyzed in direct comparison to the unaffected signal.

In large film score mixing rooms, it may be desirable to have a representation of the sound in the theatres. To meet the ISO 2969 Standard, the Dolby™ X-curve has to be applied.

Using pink noise, the X-curve engages a 3 dB per octave roll-off above 2 kHz. Both the S6X and S7A Mk2 have a switch that activates this filter, eliminating the need for external processing during the film mix.

S7A Mk2

The S7A Mk2 is the ʽbig brotherʼ of the S6X and ADAMʼs most spectacular studio monitor to date. With a whopping combined 1500 W of onboard power (rms), this monitor reaches SPL peaks of 128 dB at a distance of 1 meter. The big bass diaphragms produce even more volume even at lowest pitches down to 20 Hz.

Both 15” subwoofers are driven by 500 W rms each, while 250 W rms units are powering all the other frequency bands.

The benchmark

Quite simply, we feel that the S7A Mk2 is the benchmark of what is possible in the state of the art full range active professional monitoring. It incorporates all of the ADAM inventions and designs, as well as the best materials available. This fusion of power and capacity with precision and accuracy results in unparalleled performance in professional monitoring.

The S7A Mk2 is ADAMʼs contribution to the best possible studio monitor available. The proof is in the listening – we encourage you to hear for yourself.

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The original A5

The small A5 managed to make itself a big name in both professional environments as well as in computer or desktop applications. A wealth of truly outstanding reviews and many awards helped to establish this speaker as one "of the best small monitors” and a "great choice for the small studio.” (Future Music, 01/2009).

The new A5X

The similar dimensions and name could make one believe that the A5X is nothing more than a new version of the A5. A quick listening however leaves no doubt that the A5X is much more than that.

Like all other models of the AX-Series it features the proprietary X-ART tweeter. The very data of this technology shows that it is at the forefront of what tweeters can accomplish. Numerous listening tests have confirmed this.

A 5.5” Midwoofer reproduces the frequencies below 2.5kHz. The diaphragm is made from Carbon fiber/Rohacell/Glass fiber, which is the same composite structure shared in the next two bigger models. This material with minimum weight and maximum rigidity prevents break up resonances, resulting in an outstanding dynamic behaviour and impeccable sound characteristics.

Stereolink

A very handy and exclusive feature found in the two smaller AX monitors is the Stereolink. This is accomplished by a pair of additional RCA connections that allow for a bypass of the second stereo channel to the other speaker.

This new technology connects two A5X speakers in such a manner as to allow the user the option to control the overall stereo volume of the system from either speakers gain control. This makes the A5X a natural for "mixer-less” desktop applications where overall system volume needs to be adjusted easily.

Controls and Connectors

The front of the A5X sports dual ports for surprisingly low frequency response down to 50Hz. The front panel also has power and gain controls. The rear panel includes a tweeter gain control as well as balanced (XLR) jacks and unbalanced (RCA) jacks, allowing for greater connection flexibility. There are also two M6 (6 mm) metric screw threads for stand/wall mounting.

Review: "The A5X: a superb impression.“

"A sparkling and lively desktop monitor with an open, powerful character. Good filters and practical ergonomics as well as useful equipment make ADAMs A5X an ideal partner in multimedia nearfield sound." (Stereo, 10/10)

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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

Behringer MS-20 24-Bit/192 kHz Digital 20-Watt Stereo Near Field Monitors

The MS20 Studio Monitors from Behringer are a pair of extremely compact, 2 x 10-Watt nearfield monitors that feature high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converters. With the MS20, you can connect directly to your digital signal sources and eliminate annoying analog line-loss and hum forever. Whether you connect to your computer sound card, keyboard, or MP3 player, you will enjoy exceptional sound quality with great dynamics. The built-in amplifiers provide lots of headroom, while the powerful woofers and tweeters provide ultra-linear frequency response.

The MS20 connectivity includes stereo 1/8" and RCA jacks, which can be used simultaneously or mixed with a digital stereo source. Digital duties are handled by either RCA or TOSLINK sockets, providing for ultra-simple hookup. Individual volume controls for both Line inputs plus Bass and Treble EQ controls are provided on the front panel, along with a 1/4" headphone jack that automatically mutes the internal speakers.

Sound Quality
Sporting 3.625" woofers and 2.5" high-resolution tweeters, MS20 monitor speakers bring quality audio within the reach of anyone that operates a computer workstation. Whether you're a musician tracking your latest masterpieces, or just someone who listens to your favorite songs at work, MS20 loudspeakers will make them sound significantly better. They also make excellent add-on speakers for electronic keyboards. Front-mounted volume and individual bass and treble controls make accurate sound adjustments a breeze.

Built-in Mixer
The MS20 takes audio to an even higher level with its multiple input options. The built-in mixer features 1/8" stereo inputs for connecting CD/MD/MP3 players, dual RCA jacks for tape decks and stereo keyboard modules, and even both RCA and TOSLINK connectors for digital signal sources. This adds up to a system that lets you play along with a variety of prerecorded tracks. And you can wail away to your heart's content in total privacy, thanks to MS20's powerful headphone jack.

 FEATURES

• 2-Way active studio monitor pair
• Ideally suited for computer studios, multimedia workstations and keyboards
• Built-in 2 x 10-Watt powerful amplifiers with lots of headroom
• Powerful woofers and high-resolution tweeters
• High-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converters for extended dynamic range
• Optical and coaxial inputs to directly connect digital audio sources by S/PDIF interface
• Two stereo analog inputs featuring 1/4'' TRS and stereo RCA connectors
• Individual volume controls for both Line inputs plus Bass and Treble EQ controls
• 1/4'' TRS headphone connector with auto-mute loudspeaker function easily accessible on the front panel

SPECIFICATIONS

MS20 Digital Monitor Speakers (Pair)

• Loudspeakers
  Tweeter: ˜ 65 mm (2 1/2“), 8 ?
  Woofer: ˜ 92 mm (3 5/8“), 4 ?
  Audio Inputs
  Line 1: 1/8" TRS stereo, impedance 20 k?
  Line 2: 2 RCA, impedance 20 k?
  Digital Inputs
  Optical: TOSLINK
  Coaxial: RCA
  Converter: 24-bit
  Sample rate: System Specs
  Output power: 2 x 20W
  Frequency response: 50Hz to 25kHz
  Power Supply
  Mains Voltages: USA/Canada 120 V, 60 Hz
  Power Consumption: 80W

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The most powerful AX monitor

With its power and radiation characteristics, the brand new A8X is suitable for both nearfield and midfield monitoring. With a price/performance ratio that could hardly be better, this monitor is a perfect entry into these monitoring fields.

The A8X is equipped with the X-ART tweeter and a large (8.5”) midwoofer, a combination that adds both a very deep and yet very tight bass response to the unsurpassed reproduction qualities of the ADAM proprietary tweeter: a licence to thrill.

Cabinet- and bass reflex-construction

Like the other AX-Series models, the upper corners of the A8X are slanted to minimize reflections. The very large, double bass reflex tubes on the front have been specifically designed to perfectly match the midwoofer with its large voice coil.

Amplification and controls

With a 50W A/B amplifier for the tweeter and a 150W PWM amplifier for the midwoofer, the A8X has power in abundance and is the brawny monitor of the AX-Series.

On the rear panel are several controls: a gain for the high frequencies (± 4dB) and two shelf filters for the high and low frequencies.
There are both XLR (balanced) and RCA (unbalanced) connectors on the rear panel of the speaker, which allow the A8X to be used in almost any application.

Review: A8X: a "powerful link" between near- and midfield monitors!

"The A8X is a powerful link between ADAM´s AX Series and the formidable and more expensive SX Series. Its all-in-all homogenous tuning, the deep and precise bass as well as the brilliant mid- and high-frequency reproduction make this speaker a huge recommendation for ambitious people without deep pockets." (Professional Audio 10/2010)