ADAM is based in the engineering hub that is Germany, Berlin to be exact, and we all know that German engineering comes with a high level of quality. ADAM is no different and so choosing between two designs from this state-of-the-art monitor manufacturer makes it all the more difficult.
The thing is, you need to have some money saved up to afford most of the ADAM range, especially the AX and S-Series. The T-Series range on the other hand is a lot more affordable, but you need to work out your audio requirements before you take the plunge and make your final decision.
ADAM Audio T7V | ADAM Audio A7X | |
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Powered | Yes | Yes |
Power Configuration | Bi-amped | Bi-amped |
LF Driver Size | 7" | 7" |
LF Driver Type | Polypropylene | Carbon, Rohacell, Glass Fiber |
HF Driver Size | 1.9" | 2" |
HF Driver Type | U-ART tweeter | X-ART tweeter |
LF Driver Power Amp | 50W | 100W |
HF Driver Power Amp | 20W | 50W |
Frequency Response | 39Hz-25kHz | 42Hz-50kHz |
Crossover Frequency | 2600Hz | 2500Hz |
Maximum Peak SPL | ≥110dB SPL @ 1m | ≥114dB SPL @ 1m |
Input Types | 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA | 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA |
Enclosure Type | Rear ported | Front Ported |
Height | 13.7" | 13.5" |
Width | 8.3" | 8" |
Depth | 11.5" | 11" |
Weight | 15.7 lbs. | 20 lbs. |
Check Prices | Amazon Guitar Center | Amazon Guitar Center |
It has to be said that the AX series, although slightly on the costly side, has been one of the most popular choices for producers over the past few years. It comes with superior audio quality with some seriously cool carbon fiber cones! The AX monitors are instantly recognizable.
The A7X is the model we are reviewing in this article and there are one or two obvious differences when comparing against the T7V from the T-Series. Sound quality is one. The A7X comes with a much more detailed stereo imaging and frequency response range.
The bass port on all of the T-Series monitors are positioned at the back whereas the A7X has the front-firing port with volume control, this does give you more freedom in where you can position your A7X monitors within your studio and extra flexibility is always going to help.
The cost of a pair of T7Vs is less than one of the A7Xs so your budget is an overriding factor here. You can’t deny the quality of the T7V model but if it’s premium audio you want then be prepared to fork out close to $1000 to deck your studio out with ADAM AX-Series monitors.
ADAM only produce quality monitors and even the budget range T-Series, like the T7V, still comes with one or two premium features. It’s great value for money and the 7” woofer holds enough potential for most music producers who work at home and in small to mid-sized studios.
The T7V borrows its fair share of features from the advanced ADAM designs with components like the U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter. This new design draws air in and out of the tweeter four times faster than the standard dome design, giving the monitor its extended 25kHz range.
The HPS waveguard has also been ‘borrowed’ from the S-Series which helps the T7V to create a much smoother and wider frequency sweet spot. It’s in these premium features that the T7C shines through the detailed treble, mids, and deep bass audio making it the full package.
The T7Vs are a noticeable step up from the T5Vs, this is mainly due to the lower crossover frequency of 2.6kHz which opens up and uncovers the higher-frequency range. Many musicians and producers opt for the T7Vs as an excellent middle ground for value and quality.
The A7X is the most popular nearfield monitor in the ADAM range with its active 2-way design. This flexible monitor gives the listener a smooth and balanced high-frequency audio, followed by a clear midrange, and deep bass to cover the full sound spectrum.
The noticeable front-firing port are designed to perfectly match the 7” driver so the bass comes out as punchy yet controlled. Overall, you’re working with a 100W woofer and 50W tweeter which allows a pair of A7Xs to reach a maximum SPL of 114dB. Berlin’s finest engineering!
It’s usually the little things that count and the A7X is no exception. The ADAM’s X-ART folded ribbon tweeter is a thing of beauty, offering a flat-frequency response of up to 50kHz – the ‘X’ stands for extended and it certainly does that which helps to justify that price tag a little better.
In terms of connectivity, you’ve got the RCA and XLR inputs as well as extra controls for the high/low shelf-filters and tweeter levels. The A7X is a perfect all-rounder in terms of performance but it will damage your bank account if you’re looking for high-end ADAM monitors.
First things first, whichever series range you opt for here, T’s or AX’s, you’ll be buying a serious bit of kit. ADAM studio monitors are designed and built by professionals who work by those famous German manufacturing principles that radiate high-quality. The difference between the two is not huge but the advantages of going with the A7Xs are noticeable when you line the two monitors up – in looks and audio quality. The AX7 monitor looks classier and comes with the additional stereo link and front-facing port design. If you’re not working in a studio-built room then you might find the front port feature an advantage as opposed to the rear ports of the T7V, not a huge issue but worth thinking about.
Overall, if your budget stretches to the AX7s then go for it, you won’t be disappointed. However, when you consider that you can buy a pair of T7Vs for under the cost of one AX7 then eyebrows should be raised! The T7V has redefined the definition of budget studio monitor and you can’t beat the value for money, a lot of brands try to hype up their monitors with clever marketing but the ADAM T7V doesn’t need that, the positive reviews and customer feedback is all it takes. So, in our eyes, you really don’t need to break the bank with the AX7s unless you can find a bargain in the second-hand market. Save your money and opt for the ADAM T7V because ‘budget’ has never sounded so sweet!