ADAM Audio T8V

I'm from the 80s, the days of TEF control rooms and UREI monitors. Done about 500 sessions on analog tape. Now, in my modern DAW based studio I am enjoying these Adam Audio T8V monitors and everything you've heard about them is true! I'm astonished at the lack of harshness of the tweeters (I've heard so-called "ribbon tweeters" in the old days and they were annoying). It's a beautiful, soft high end that is clean and clear. The high end is so smooth that there is a distinct lack of ear fatigue. The only thing I would change is putting the power switch and a power-on indicator on the front panel. The monitors are large and reaching around the back to turn them on is not so convenient. I am going to put them on their own power strip.

I have been using an older pair of ESi nEar 05 near field monitors at home for a while and although they are very good, the bottom end is a bit lacking - no surprise with a 5 inch woofer. I toyed with the idea of a sub but decided too go for a bigger set of monitors instead. I was looking around for a used pair of Yamaha HS8s but while checking reviews on youtube I saw a comparison with the Adam monitors. I was impressed. A friend has an older set of Adam monitors too and hearing them it was pretty much decision made. On top of that, I felt that if I really didn't like them or they didn't suit my tastes or room acoustics I could always send them back.

When they arrived, the outer box was a bit bashed but the contents were fine. I was already using balanced XLR connections o my ESi monitors so I unpacked the Adam monitors one at a time and then, with some music playing, I unplugged one of the ESi monitors and replaced it with the Adam one. I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest, with one of each monitor, if anything the ESis sounded better. Hmmm... Ok, so switch in the second Adam monitor and still, not the quantum leap I sort of expected. Hmmm... oh well, I'll try them a day or two and see.

Fastforward a day or so, the monitors have been playing an assortment of music for casual listening. Sitting down again I try playing a few things and straight way notice a difference. It is hard to describe sound with words but there is a fullness and naturalness - not only with the deeper bass but also the top end, some of the ambient reverbs on tracks just sound immense and much more immersive. I'm not using them loud at all yet but still there is a very different experience. Even other members of my family noticed the difference. I can only assume that from the factory, the speakers are a little stiff and need some use to reach their potential - certainly that's what it seemed like for me.

So far, I am really impressed. I haven't spent time messing with the room EQ but I kinda like how they sound right now. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the market for monitors with 8-inch drivers.