ADAM Audio S3X-V

Three ways to a still reasonable budget.

Hifi use only.

SOUNDS

The curve is slightly upward of origin; but after slight attenuation of acute, everything falls into place, and the overall balance is impeccable. Transparency is excellent. Only downside: no subwoofer, the bass is a bit short and tense, tainting the rest of the return: that is why I quickly bought the box Adam Sub 12 This changes everything! By filtering pregnant at 85 Hz, as permitted by the box, they are gaining real momentum and fluidity; they flourish, and has a very good bass that goes down to about 30 Hz (more than enough in an untreated room ...).

In the end, compared to my previous system, purely stereo, and much more expensive (Dynaudio confidence 5 and gryphon tabu), restitution is very honest, very transparent, but less embodied and "present" the tweeter and the midrange "Esotar "from Dynaudio are therefore quite unequaled point of view, but I still can not determine if they do not make" too much "(small highlighted the upper midrange?).

In short, listening a little less "juicy", but in fact very true.

OVERALL OPINION

After nearly nine months of use, I am very satisfied with the system s3xv adam + sub 12; by against, you really associate pregnant a box: the only fish pregnant by a refund too typical bass reflex with a serious unnatural and mid-high that suffers (lack of fluidity). Subject to this, honesty in restitution and excellent transparency. A small deficit of presence compared to my old system, but I do not know where the truth!

One thing is certain, the price quality ratio of the system (the box being very accessible) is exceptional: you can really listen to music without frustration and without breaking the bank!

While there are certainly other higher-level systems, I would do it again this choice: we must set a limit, and compromise seems ideal.

I had the Genelec 8040 and I wanted to change monitors, for 3-way and a little more power. I connected using a Motu 896 MKII and an SM Pro Audio M-Patch 2.
I have used them to make some mixes, but now I use a listening for any major (CD, Vinyl, DVD, Bluray).

SOUNDS

Regarding sound, is bluffing.
Highs are most accurate, is not immediately that this is the 3-way with his eyes shut, so the ways and instruments are clear. The voices are very precise, it is surprising they stand out very clearly the instruments well separated, none of the other crashes or spilling over. The bass is very round and super defined and do not drool, I do not feel the need for a subwoofer for now, "enormous" boomer 9 "are done working!
To compare, I listened with 8040 was more like the porridge (I sold so the difference was huge).
Their precision is surgical, a bad mix really sounds horribly wrong on these speakers, the smallest default means they do not forgive anything!
The stereo is awesome, no complaints, if you close your eyes the group is ahead of us to play! It's really nice to listen to a CD or vinyl on these speakers, have rediscovered many things through them. They are very accurate at low volume, and are very powerful and can be bet in a big room.
I just want to report a problem on the first series with the bass reflex ports that was when I heard a low or a walk alone battery shock noise coming from the vents (a kind of vibration really annoying). The problem does not appear when I listened to an entire mix. Problem confirmed by ADAM Audio on some models (one of my speakers made more noise than the other) and a total coverage of the problem by ADAM Audio (sends a carrier, changing vents that does not change the characteristics enclosures, testing enclosures and returns, all in 15 days (normal at this price you might say, but I wanted to say). vents were changed on their production line since August 2011. ADAM Contact in doubt with the serial number they will tell you if your speakers are concerned.

OVERALL OPINION

I have had them for 1 year and 3 months, I tested the KRK's and Genelec Focal prior to the acquisition of ADAM Audio S3X-V and there's no photo, ADAM has an enclosure made of high quality.
Given all the quality available to them (I admit I did not really find fault with his pregnant, the problem may be vents but is fixed now), the S3X-V have a great value for money in my eyes, I really appreciate what I do every time I listen to these speakers and I would do this without the shadow of a doubt!

Motivation:
Accuracy of transient response, quality of the stereo image, depth perception in real mix, beautiful record of serious remain accurate.
Compared to Dynaudio and K & H O300D: far far better in that price range

Usage:
home / project studio mixing and premastering hip-hop and electronica

Config:
Directly connected to the output of a RME Fireface 800

SOUNDS

Very linear frequency response up to 30Hz and treble what subtlety!

Dyanmique very well respected

Stereo bluffing (though better than the K & H Mackie HR 824 ,...)

We are rediscovering its mix, you can actually place the sound sources in space and when working in eq. refers directly when one is on the right / wrong frequency. Surgery!

OVERALL OPINION

Use since about a month

Before I had the buying unnecessary Samson Rubicon R6a, worked on Fostex PM1, Yamaha HS80, Mackie HR824, Dynaudio and Genelec BM12A and Far.
Then I got them in test compared with the K & H O300D (compared to last sound very bad: Soft, fuzzy bass and a big drag, much less precise stereo image, no sensation of depth)

What I like most: accuracy, we know where we go, we hear directly if this is done is right or not either working at the eq or by setting an attack time or release a compressor. ALL means!

What I like least: XLR connectors only (the jack would have been very practical) (but it is something to blame them)

Value for money:
far above its competitors in this price range

I would do this 1000 times without hesitation choice

These speakers have changed my approach in the mix gave me one and my confidence in my decisions. More than a tool, they are an ally!