TEST: Adam T7V

 Like almost all established loudspeaker manufacturers, the Berlin manufacturer Adam now offers a product line that is primarily aimed at the home recording sector in terms of budget. With the Adam T7V we have the larger version of the TV series for testing. Can the product, which with a retail price of under 200 euros costs just 35% of the selling price of established products like the A7X, keep up with the sound?

The construction of the Adam T7V

As is usual in the near-field range, the Adam T7V is also designed as a 2-way active version, with the bass range being covered by a 7-inch polypropylene woofer and the high-frequency range being covered by a 1.9-inch U-type tweeter. The separation is at 2.6 kHz. 2 Class D power amplifiers of 50 watts in the bass range and 20 watts in the high frequency range supply the speakers with the appropriate currents. The bass reflex opening is located on the back of the housing, which has to be taken into account when positioning the speakers near the wall due to the tendency towards booming frequencies. With dimensions (W x H x D) of 210 mm x 347 mm x 293 mm and a weight of just under 7 kilograms, the box is in the normal middle range.

Regarding the housing construction of the product manufactured in China, the developers of the Adam T7V once again rely on bevelling the front edges in order to minimize phase problems. The workmanship of the box is very good, the painting, assembly and gluing were carried out cleanly and flawlessly.

The connections and controls of the Adam T7V

In addition to the standards such as the IEC socket and on/off switch, there are several controls on the back to adjust the monitor as precisely as possible to the respective room and level conditions. Depending on the existing cable position, you can choose between a balanced XLR and an unbalanced RCA plug as an input, with the respective input being selected with a small slider (+4 dBu / -10 dBV). Adam is also following the current trend that TRS sockets are no longer used in home recording.

Using 2 additional sliders you can raise or lower the high and low range by +/- 2dB each, although the frequencies are not shown in numbers or in diagrams. Why Adam doesn't mention this information in either the Quick Start or the regular manual is a complete mystery to me. The volume level is managed via a non-grid level control, which unfortunately makes balancing the speaker pairs much more difficult. A multi-voltage power supply was installed for the power supply, which processes voltages from 100 to 240 volts and enables the box to be used worldwide.

Setting up the test facility

The floor area of my control room is almost 30 square meters (5 x 6 meters), the room is carpeted and decoupled with Basotec panels. The speakers stand freely in the room on Gravity speaker stands; the distance to the nearest wall on the back is approx. 1.75 meters. The distance between the boxes is approx. 1.30 meters, the cabling is done using Cordial cables.

The Adam T7V in practice

The first impression of the speakers is still a while away, as the lack of a grid on the volume control makes it impossible to precisely adjust the volume. So it happened that even with the first audible tones, the right monitor sounded significantly quieter than the left one, despite the (apparently) identical 0 dB setting. The problem could be solved, but it also meant getting up/sitting down several times until the optimal adjustment was found.

The subsequent first sound impression can initially be described with the word unspectacular. Although the manufacturer recommends in the manual that you allow the speakers to settle in with your preferred material for around 8 hours before using them for the first time, the pair of speakers sounded very balanced right from the start, if not even a touch dull. The sharpness feared by many users, which is often said about the U-Art tweeter, was not noticeable with the Adam T7V.

For a speaker of this size, despite the more than sufficient distance to the nearest wall, there was a slight overemphasis in the bass, which, in conjunction with the bass reflex opening on the back, led to a slightly “dim” bass reproduction. Lowering it by 2 dB reduced the overemphasis, but it also took away important frequency components in the mix, which is why I deactivated the reduction again.

The impulse behavior of the box is good with slight limitations in the bass, and the spatial representation of the mix is actually very good. The only thing that bothered me personally was a noticeable hole in the middle, which suffered some losses, especially in the guitar and vocal areas. However, this is a subjective assessment and cannot be viewed as generally valid.

Conclusion

With the Adam T7V, the Berlin manufacturer has a near-field monitor made in China in its range that offers a balanced sound for little money. Anyone who can live with a slight midrange hole and a subtle overemphasis in the bass range will find the Adam T7V a good home recording partner.


Additional Informations:

In the vast landscape of professional audio, Adam Audio has emerged as a beacon of innovation, setting new standards for precision and sonic excellence. Founded in 1999 by Klaus Heinz and Roland Stenz, this German-based company has meticulously crafted a legacy defined by groundbreaking inventions that continue to reshape the audio industry. This in-depth exploration delves into the core of Adam Audio, unraveling its founding principles, proprietary technologies, signature series monitors, industry collaborations, and its unwavering commitment to sustainability.

## 1. Founding Principles and Vision

At the heart of Adam Audio lies a visionary commitment to elevating the art of sound reproduction. Klaus Heinz and Roland Stenz founded the company with a shared passion for delivering audio solutions that transcended existing benchmarks. Their vision was clear: to create a brand synonymous with precision, transparency, and relentless innovation. This foundational ethos laid the groundwork for what would become a journey into the frontiers of audio technology.

## 2. Proprietary Technologies

Adam Audio's ascent to the pinnacle of professional audio can be attributed, in large part, to its commitment to proprietary technologies that redefine the possibilities of sound reproduction.

- **Accelerating Ribbon Technology (ART):** Central to Adam Audio's sonic signature is the ART tweeter. The fusion of ribbon and dome tweeter technologies in the ART design has redefined high-frequency reproduction. Its folded diaphragm offers extended frequency response, lower distortion, and exceptional transient response.

- **X-ART (eXtended Accelerating Ribbon Technology):** Building upon the success of ART, X-ART takes the concept to new heights with an even larger folded diaphragm. This evolution delivers heightened clarity and detail, making Adam Audio monitors the choice of discerning professionals.

- **HexaCone Woofers:** The HexaCone woofer design, characterized by a honeycomb structure, symbolizes Adam Audio's commitment to excellence in low-frequency reproduction. This innovative approach enhances cone rigidity, minimizing breakup and providing a controlled and accurate bass response.

- **Integrated Amplification Systems:** Adam Audio's dedication to precision extends to the integration of amplification systems tailored to the characteristics of each driver. This meticulous matching ensures optimal performance, clarity, and a seamless fusion of components.

## 3. Signature Series Monitors

The nucleus of Adam Audio's innovation is embodied in its signature series of studio monitors. These monitors stand as testament to the company's unwavering commitment to delivering a transparent and reliable listening experience.

- **A7 Series:** The A7X, a hallmark of the A7 series, has become synonymous with nearfield monitoring excellence. Its balanced frequency response and precise imaging have made it a staple in recording studios worldwide, catering to engineers, producers, and musicians demanding accuracy in a compact form factor.

- **A8X Series:** The A8X series represents a progression in size and power, addressing the needs of larger studios and critical listening environments. With a larger woofer, the A8X maintains the precision that defines Adam Audio monitors while extending its capabilities for more demanding applications.

- **A77X Series:** At the apex of Adam Audio's monitor offerings stands the A77X, a flagship model featuring the innovative X-ART tweeter and dual woofers. This three-way design provides exceptional imaging and depth, making it a preferred tool for mastering engineers and professionals with the highest sonic expectations.

## 4. Industry Recognition and Collaborations

Adam Audio's relentless pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. The company has garnered acclaim and awards for its innovative designs, and its commitment to collaboration further solidifies its standing in the industry.

- **Collaborations with Engineers and Producers:** A key aspect of Adam Audio's success lies in its collaboration with industry professionals. Seeking input from engineers and producers ensures that the monitors are finely tuned to meet the exacting demands of studio environments.

- **Educational Initiatives:** Recognizing the importance of education in shaping the future of audio, Adam Audio actively engages with educational institutions. Workshops, seminars, and partnerships underscore the company's commitment to nurturing the next generation of audio professionals.

## 5. Sustainable Practices and Corporate Responsibility

Beyond technological innovation, Adam Audio recognizes its responsibility to the planet. The company has integrated sustainable practices and environmental consciousness into its corporate ethos.

- **Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing:** Adam Audio embraces sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes. From reducing waste to minimizing energy consumption, the company strives to be a responsible steward of the environment.

- **Recyclable Packaging:** A testament to Adam Audio's commitment to sustainability is its use of recyclable packaging materials. This eco-friendly approach extends the company's responsibility beyond product design to the entire lifecycle of its offerings.

## Conclusion

In the symphony of professional audio, Adam Audio stands as a virtuoso, continually pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in sound reproduction. From its foundational principles to its cutting-edge technologies, signature series monitors, industry recognitions, and commitment to sustainability, Adam Audio's journey is a testament to the fusion of artistry and engineering. As the company continues to shape the auditory landscape, its legacy resonates in studios and creative spaces worldwide, where professionals trust Adam Audio to be the vanguard of sonic innovation.

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Behind the technological marvels and groundbreaking innovations of Adam Audio lies a team of dedicated professionals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the company's trajectory. From the early days of its founding to the present, the roster of past and current employees at Adam Audio reflects a rich tapestry of expertise, passion, and collective commitment to pushing the boundaries of professional audio. This comprehensive article delves into the stories of key individuals who have contributed significantly to Adam Audio's success, highlighting their roles, accomplishments, and the collective synergy that defines the company.

## Founders: Klaus Heinz and Roland Stenz

The journey of Adam Audio began with the visionary minds of Klaus Heinz and Roland Stenz. Co-founders and driving forces behind the company, their shared passion for audio excellence laid the foundation for Adam Audio's commitment to precision and innovation. Klaus Heinz, with a background in loudspeaker design, brought his technical expertise, while Roland Stenz, with a keen business acumen, complemented the duo with a strategic vision. Their collaboration marked the inception of a company that would redefine the landscape of professional audio.

## Key Contributors in Technological Innovation

### 1. Leif Grenevall - Chief Technology Officer

Leif Grenevall, as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Adam Audio, has been instrumental in driving the technological advancements that define the company's monitors. With a background in electrical engineering and a passion for audio, Grenevall's contributions include overseeing the development of proprietary technologies like the Accelerating Ribbon Technology (ART) tweeter and the eXtended Accelerating Ribbon Technology (X-ART). His commitment to precision engineering has solidified Adam Audio's reputation as a leader in high-performance studio monitors.

### 2. Christian Heil - Senior Acoustic Engineer

Christian Heil, as a Senior Acoustic Engineer, has played a pivotal role in shaping the acoustic characteristics of Adam Audio's monitors. With a profound understanding of acoustics and a keen ear for detail, Heil has been involved in refining the HexaCone woofer technology. His work has contributed to the controlled and accurate bass response that distinguishes Adam Audio monitors. Heil's dedication to achieving sonic excellence has been a cornerstone in the company's pursuit of audio perfection.

## Key Contributors in Product Development

### 1. Mirco Tillig - Head of Product Management

Mirco Tillig, serving as the Head of Product Management, has been at the forefront of bringing Adam Audio's innovative products to the market. His role involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of product development, from conceptualization to market launch. Tillig's strategic vision has guided the expansion of Adam Audio's product portfolio, ensuring that each release aligns with the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of audio professionals.

### 2. Thorsten Reinsch - Product Manager, Studio Monitors

As the Product Manager for Studio Monitors, Thorsten Reinsch has been instrumental in refining and expanding Adam Audio's signature monitor series. His role involves working closely with engineers, designers, and end-users to ensure that each monitor meets the highest standards of performance and usability. Reinsch's expertise in understanding the specific requirements of recording studios and critical listening environments has been crucial in maintaining the company's reputation for producing monitors that are trusted by professionals worldwide.

## Collaborators and Industry Influencers

Adam Audio's success extends beyond its internal team to collaborations with industry professionals and influencers who have contributed to the company's growth.

### 1. Collaborations with Renowned Producers and Engineers

Adam Audio actively seeks input and feedback from renowned producers and engineers in the development of its products. Collaborations with industry figures bring real-world insights and practical considerations into the design process, ensuring that Adam Audio monitors are tailored to the needs of professionals working in diverse sound production environments.

### 2. Educational Initiatives and Partnerships

The company actively engages in educational initiatives, fostering partnerships with institutions that shape the future of audio professionals. Workshops, seminars, and collaborations with educational partners reflect a commitment to knowledge-sharing and the cultivation of the next generation of audio innovators.

## The Adam Audio Legacy: A Collective Symphony

The story of Adam Audio is not merely the narrative of individual contributors; it is a collective symphony of talent and dedication. From the founders who envisioned a new standard in audio to the engineers, product managers, and collaborators who continue to shape the company's trajectory, each individual has played a unique role in building a legacy of excellence.

As Adam Audio continues to innovate and redefine the possibilities in professional audio, the legacy of its past and present team members remains embedded in the very fabric of the company. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, the pursuit of perfection, and the enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of sound reproduction. The symphony of talent at Adam Audio resonates in studios, stages, and creative spaces worldwide, where professionals rely on the collective expertise and passion of the team to bring their sonic visions to life.