ADAM S3X-H Active Studio Monitor 250W

PRICE PER UNIT

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)

The CMS 50 is the most compact monitoring loudspeaker of all the Focal Professional range. Its design permits listening from 50cm away, while still keeping the possibility of the monitors at a great distance from one another without damaging the soundstage. The 5” mid-woofer reaches down to 55Hz, while offering a controlled bass and a totally linear midrange. The midrange register of the CMS 50 has unequalled neutrality in its price range. The Al-Mg inverted dome tweeter offers outstanding dynamics and a degree of definition in the treble that allow precise measurement of reverb and other effects which are normally very difficult to assess.

PRICE PER UNIT

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)

The compact LSR6325P-1 provides exceptional performance for use in applications
where accuracy is a must, but space is limited. With a 5.25 in. high-excursion woofer,
a damped titanium composite tweeter, and 150 Watts of amplification, it outperforms
many larger systems. When used with the LSR6312SP Subwoofer, the LSR6325P-1
is the heart of an exceptionally accurate yet space efficient full-range system.

Features:
High-performance bi-amplified design with patented JBL transducer technology.
Front panel volume and power controls.
Integrated mounting points for horizontal and vertical suspension.
Titanium composite high frequency device with elliptical oblate spheroidal waveguide.
Shielded for use next to video monitors.
Built in high-pass filtering for use with optional subwoofer.
User selectable workstation boundary compensation.
Powered monitors with 5.25" woofers and 1" titanium composite dome tweeters
100 watts power for low frequencies, 50 watts for highs
Cast aluminum enclosure for structural rigidity and light weight
Magnetically shielded for interference-free use near CRTs and other electronic gear
Linear Spatial Reference technology ensures even frequency response at the mix position
 

The Genelec 8130A Digital Monitoring System has a 192 kHz/24 bit digital audio interface.
Due to its compact size, integrated construction, excellent dispersion and precise stereo
imaging, the 8130A is ideal for near field monitoring, mobile vans, digital audio workstations,
broadcast and TV control rooms, surround sound systems, home studios, multimedia
applications and also for use with computer soundcards. The Directivity Control Waveguide?
(DCW?) technology provides excellent frequency balance even in difficult acoustic
environments.
The integrated design allows the amplifiers and the drivers to be calibrated as a single unit,
eliminating the effects of component tolerances and ensuring consistent quality.
The all-aluminium Minimum Diffraction Enclosure? (MDE?) and advanced Directivity Control
Waveguide? (DCW?) technologies are carefully matched with advanced amplifier and electronics
circuitry. The low frequency response extends down to 55 Hz (-3 dB) while distortion is extremely
low due to a uniquely new rear reflex port design.
The 8130A has been specially designed to have a sufficient LF extension for most situations.
However if greater SPL's and a lower cutoff frequency are required, it can be complemented
with Genelec 7050B subwoofer.
The 8130A is very easy to set up and use, the only connections required are the mains supply
and the input signal. The female XLR input connector can be fed with either AES/EBU formatted
digital signal or analog line level audio signal. The Genelec 8130A automatically detects analog or
digital signals and directs them to the correct signal paths.

Technical Specifications
Input word length 16 - 24 bits
Input format AES/EBU
Digital input XLR female
Connector type 
Input Sampling rate
No de-emphasis  29 - 200 kHz
Input Sampling rate
Using de-emphasis 
Peak per pair with music material 108 dB SPL @ 1m
Drivers
Bass 5" magnetically shielded
Midrange -
Treble 3/4" metal dome, magnetically shielded
Crossover frequencies 3 kHz
Free field frequency
response 58 Hz - 20 kHz (± 2 dB)
Amplifier power /ch
Bass 40 W
Midrange -
Treble 40 W
Speaker dimensions (H x W x D)
mm 285 x 189 x 178 mm (Height with Iso-Pod? 299 mm)
inches 11 1/4 x 7 7/16 x 7 1/16" (Height with Iso-Pod? 11 13/16“)
Amplifier dimensions* (H x W x D)
mm Integrated in the speaker cabinet
inches 
Speaker weight 5.6 kg (12.3 lb)