How to resolve AdBlock issue? Adam Audio A77H
DSP Studio Monitor for Midfield Applications
Author and photos: Markus Thiel
With the A77H model, Adam Audio sends a dedicated midfield player to the pitch - or rather into the studio control room. The relationship between the three-way solution and the popular A7V from the Berlin-based audio technology specialists is not only reflected in the similar name with reference to the number of 7" woofers and the placement recommendation (H for horizontal - V for vertical). Let's take a closer look at the concept of its big sister.
Concept
As with the series family, the significantly more voluminous housing of the A77H is based on a solid MDF construction with an elegant and timeless black vinyl finish. Not only are the cabinet dimensions quite generous at 236 x 531 x 350mm, but at 17.1kg, the systems also weigh a considerable amount each and require a solid foundation.
The bass reflex models each have 7" MLM (multi-layer mineral) speakers, supplemented by a DCM midrange driver (dome cone hybrid - a hybrid of cone and dome driver) made of laminated carbon fibre composite and an X-Art tweeter with an Adam-typical foil folding cone that can be rotated 90 degrees if required.
The woofers, driven by a Class D/PWM power amplifier, operate with a combined maximum output of 250 watts (200 watts RMS), supplemented by Class A/B-driven 70 watts (55 watts RMS) in the mid-range and 20 watts in the high-frequency range (15 watts RMS). The frequency range of the system is 34Hz up to 45kHz (@ -6dB) with a maximum sound level of 118dB SPL. The crossover frequencies are at 400Hz and 3kHz. The internal DSP hardware provides A/D signal processing with 24 bits at a sampling rate of 96kHz.
Rear side
As already mentioned in the review of the A7V, the A-Series has an above-average rear panel, including DSP-supported room-dependent EQ adjustment. Presets for Bass (+2, 0, -2, -4 dB), Desk (0, -2, -4 dB), Presence (+1, 0, -1 dB) and Treble (+1.5, 0, -1.5 dB) can be selected using the four buttons. It is possible to switch between two basic sound characteristics of the system and a preset that can be stored externally via room calibration (in cooperation with Sonarworks) using a button called Voicing.
In this context, the "Pure" setting stands for the basic sound tuning of the current A-Series, while "UNR" activates a legacy mode with the classic playback curve of the superseded X-Series, so to speak. The Ext(ern) setting can be used to load a profile created using the SoundID Reference room correction software from Sonarworks. In addition to the obligatory gain control (-12dB to +12dB) and balanced (XLR) and unbalanced input (RCA), the A-Series also has an RJ45 network socket.
More paths, better sound?
Compared to the rather compact A7V, the three-way A77H is not only setting itself new goals in terms of cabinet dimensions. In terms of sound, the mid-range model also benefits from the new and significantly more neutral basic tuning of the A series. The common belief that more paths in a system automatically improve the sound behaviour is, of course, contradicted by the physical fact that a point source (as coaxial systems endeavour to implement) comes much closer to phase-aligned monitoring. Therefore, if a three-way system performs a better or equally good job than its two-way counterpart, this is usually not due to, but despite the additional crossover.
To make a long story short: In developing the A77H, Adam Audio really got a lot right in the end. The system is pleasantly neutral and balanced across the entire (audible) frequency range and allows precise judgement of the reproduced audio material - even at higher sound levels.
In this context, the bass range stands out particularly positively because, despite a clearly perceptible punch right up to the limits, the bass remains sharply defined at the bottom and blends in vividly with the analytically sophisticated overall picture. Even though there are bound to be one or two people who won't be happy without a subwoofer extension, I would probably do so without it in good conscience in the case of the A77V.
All in all, the systems are characterised by a well-sorted stage and bass staggering as well as a perfectly positioned phantom centre with a sufficiently large sweet spot (in which more than one person can be accommodated).
Conclusion
With the A77H, Adam Audio maintains the promise of quality established with the introduction of the A series without any shortcomings. Anyone who owns a (project) studio with a well-dimensioned monitoring environment will most likely learn to appreciate these monitors with their undeniable power reserves in no time at all. At a price less than 1,200 Euros per unit, the A77H is a flexible and precise tool, considering the scope of performance and area of application, it is still quite affordable.
Before I forget: Happy 25th birthday, Adam Audio!