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)

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The smallest big sound ever...

With the A3X, ADAM Audio present their smallest monitor to date, making it perfectly suited for all environments where space is limited but sound shouldnʼt be constricted. The A3X combines a tiny footprint with the much acclaimed ADAM sound quality by using the X-ART tweeter for the higher frequencies, a guarantee for crystal clear music reproduction.

A 4.5” (basket) driver handles the lower registers. The diaphragm is made from carbon fiber, a material that is very light but very stiff and therefore capable of delivering colouring-free sound. Two built-in 25 Watt amplifiers powers each of the drivers directly.

Stereolink

A very handy and exclusive technology 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 A3X speakers in such a manner as to allow the user the option to control the overall stereo volume of the system from either speakerʼs gain control. This makes the A3X a natural for "mixer-less” desktop applications where overall system volume needs to be adjusted easily.

Controls and Connectors

The front of the A3X sports dual ports for surprisingly low frequency response down to 60Hz. 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: "Highly recommended“

"Iʼve used various monitors for my computer work before, but never of the caliber of the A3X series. Before these, I would have to redo my mixes significantly when transitioning from the small cheapies to the big 'real ones'. The ADAM Audio A3Xʼs save me a step by providing both great sound in a compact format and by changing mundane audio task-work into a quality listening experience. If you use good monitors from the outset, youʼll learn your music that much faster so that when it comes time for mixdown and mastering on your big boxes, youʼll already be acclimated to your songʼs subtler sonic aspects—aspects revealed only by the A3Xʼs with their sweet, smooth top end, and impressive handling of bass frequencies. Highly recommended.“
(Jon Chappell, Harmony Central, 03/10)

Review: "...one of the best compact monitors“

"ADAM´s A3X as the smallest monitor with a X-ART tweeter to date has convinced us in every respect. It´s one of the best compact monitors we have ever reviewed and with its almost shameless low price it´s worth every penny. (Professional Audio, 05/10)

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S3X-V

Using the newly developed 4” HexaCone midrange and 9” HexaCone woofer combined together with the X-ART tweeter creates the unique S3X-V control monitor.

A step up over the smaller models, the S3X-V is capable of producing more power and volume along with a more detailed and homogeneous sound that will impress even the most experienced sound engineer. Whether the complex sonic images of an orchestra or the smooth tone of a jazz trio, the S3X-V reveals even the finest nuances of any material. The driver assembly of the S3X-V allows long time, non-fatiguing listening sessions.

Reviews: "Wonderfully detailed...”

“Wonderfully detailed, with an exceptionally transparent mid-range. [...] ADAM make the leap to a three-way speaker design that seems to pay dividends in clarity and separation. [...] I think it would be fair to say theyʽre the best sounding ADAM monitors Iʽve reviewed.” (Sound On Sound, 12/2009)

“No doubt, the S3X-V deserve the title Reference Monitor. With this series, ADAM Audio proves to have a very good feeling for meeting the specific demands of the sound engineerʽs guild, creating studio standards at the same time. [...] A precision tool combined with a luxury good.” (www.96kHz.de, 03/2010)

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S1X

The S1X nearfield monitor delivers high quality sound in a very small cabinet. The S1X has all the critical features of the new SX-Series: the X-ART tweeter in combination with the ADAM designed class A/B amplifier and the HexaCone woofer with optimized magnet/voice-coil systems, driven by premium PWM amplifiers.

The smallest reference speaker

The combined features of crystal clear resolution, tight and precise low-frequency reproduction and the effortless musical reproduction sets this speaker apart from all conventional designs.

The S1X is the first choice in all environments that require high quality within a small space, whether it is a smaller studio, an OB vehicle, or a 5.1 installation.

Features
Ruler-Flat Response 52Hz to 20kHz, + 1.5 dB

Benefit: Sound true to actual recording

Benefit: Any pair of speakers is a matched pair

Active Technology

2 FR (Fast Recovery) Series Amplifiers; HF 40W; LF 100W

Benefit: Precise dividing slope, correct phase, and low distortion

Benefit: Minimal chance of speaker damage due to overdriving

Servo Loop Woofer Technology

Electronic control and dampening

Benefit: Speaker output is as true to incoming signal as possible

Frequency Response Controls

80Hz low-cut switch; 3-position live/dead switch (-2bdB, Normal and +2dB)

Benefit: Excellent response in a variety of acoustic environments

Wide Sweet Spot

Custom-designed die-cast wave guide

Benefit: User hears the same thing across a wider range of motion

3-Position Acoustic Space Switch

Compensation in bass response for half-space (-2dB) and quarter-space (-4dB) placement

Benefit: As close-to-flat performance as possible regardless of placement in room

Applications
Professional Recording Studios

Home and Project Studios

Film (THX) and Post Production Studios

Home Theater Installations

Acoustic Performance
Free Field Frequency Response: 52Hz - 20Hz

• 150W active studio monitor with 8" military-grade Kevlar low-frequency driver and 1.25" silk dome tweeter
• Bi-amplified design delivers a sound that's both powerful and precise
• Custom waveguide ensures accurate dispersion for an incredibly tight soundstage
• Optimized rear-mounted port produces defined low-end response with bass extension down to 37Hz
• Acoustic Space Control tailors your monitor to your mix space
• Volume control for dialing in the perfect playback level
• Balanced combo input allows for flexible installation
• Front-panel LED shines brightly when the speaker is positioned at an ideal angle

• Frequency Range: 37Hz – 22kHz
• Crossover: 2.0kHz
• Maximum Peak Input Level: -2dBU
• Input Types: Balanced 20kO XLR, and TRS
• Unbalanced: 10kO TS
• Input Sensitivity: -12dBU
• HF Driver Size: 31.8 mm (1.25“)
• LF Driver Size: 203 mm (8“)
• Amplifier Power: 150W Class A/B
• HF Driver Power Amp: 70W
• LF Driver Power Amp: 80W
• Port: Rear internally flared
• Controls: Yes
• Magnetic Shielding: Yes
• AC Input Voltage: 100–120V, 50/60 Hz 220–240V, 50/60 Hz
• Enclosure Construction: MDF
• Enclosure Finish: Black PVC
• Baffle Construction: Injection-molded ABS
• Baffle Finish: Matte black with Soft-touch
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 384 mm x 250mm x 302mm (15.1” x 9.8” x 11.9”)
• Weight: 10.5 kgs (23.1 lbs)
• Display Carton (HxWxD): 398mm x 345mm x 482mm (15.6” x 13.5” x 18.9”)
• Shipping Carton (HxWxD): 412mm x 359mm x 502mm (16.2” x 14” x 19.68”)
• Shipping Weight: 12.8kgs (28.22lbs)
• Configuration: 2-Way bi-amp
• System Type: Active Monitor
• Fuse Rating: 220–240V~ T1AL, 250V 100–120V~ T2AL, 250V
• Power Consumption: 150W
• Shape: Bass-reflex