How to resolve AdBlock issue? ADAM Audio D3V
Active two-way desktop monitor system
We have already tested some speakers from ADAM Audio, and this time, we would like to focus on the smallest speakers in the entire portfolio, namely, the D3V, which have been available since the beginning of 2025. In reality, more and more universal and smaller workplaces are handling professional, multimedia tasks. However, this has also increased the quality demands of desktop speakers, with ultra-compact monitors being introduced by well-known manufacturers in the professional sector. The D3V also falls into this category; as we will see, it is small but powerful. Incidentally, the monitors we tested were the black models (EAN 4260113135242), but they are also available in white (EAN 4260113135303).
Scope of delivery
Let’s first examine what is included with the D3V. In addition to the two speakers, these include two monitor stands, an external power supply (100 to 240 volts, 50/60 Hz) with a connection cable, a two-meter connection cable with a four-pole round plug for connecting the main speaker to the second speaker, a USB-C cable (with a USB-A adapter), and a Quick Start Guide. The manual is available in multilingual versions on the ADAM Audio website as a PDF.
With the help of the monitor stands, the speakers can be set up at a slight angle (approx. 15 degrees). However, self-adhesive rubber pads are also included, which can be stuck into the corresponding recesses if you want to place the speakers directly on a table without a stand. In addition, there is a 3/8-inch thread at the bottom of the speaker for attaching the speaker to a suitably stable microphone stand, for example.
Technology
Now a little closer to the technology of the 200 x 115 x 150mm (without stand) D3V, which are made of ABS injection-molded polycarbonate. The housing is further reinforced with struts. The grille cover for the bass driver is made of steel.
There is a main speaker (weighing 1.85kg) to which everything is connected and a satellite speaker (weighing 1.73kg) that is connected to the main speaker with a cable and also draws its operating voltage from the cable.
Two passive radiators, each consisting of a stainless steel plate as a flexible mass and a specially stabilized long-throw rubber surround as a suspension, are located on the sides of the cabinet. The two-way system features a 3.5-inch woofer with an aluminum diaphragm and a 1-inch voice coil, as well as a 1.5-inch D-ART ribbon tweeter with a 120 x 120-degree dispersion.
ART (Accelerating Ribbon Technology) drivers are used in all ADAM Audio speakers. These drivers are based on the development of Dr. Oskar Heil's Air Motion Transformer. It works with a lamella-like, folded membrane made of foil in one field. The lamellae open and close in proportion to the applied voltage. The air movement is approximately four times greater than the movement of the membrane. This results in a speed transformation that leads to better acoustic adaptation and thus a higher efficiency than conventional dynamic transducers.
The amplifier power via the Class D output stages is 80 watts peak power (70 watts RMS) for the woofer and 40-watt peak power (30 watts RMS) for the tweeter. The amplifiers are equipped with both peak and thermal protection circuits. The crossover is achieved via the internal DSP. The maximum sound pressure is specified at 97dB SPL peak (sine burst at 1 m distance and 100Hz... 6kHz at 3% THD). The passive radiator also contributes to this by increasing the sound pressure.
The A/D converters operate with a 24-bit word length and an internal sampling rate of 48kHz. The word length for USB operation is 16 bits, and the possible sampling rates are 32, 44.1, or 48kHz. At -3dB deviation, a transmission range of 48Hz to 22.6kHz is specified.
Operation
On the back of the device, at the top, there is a control panel with the USB-C port for digitally connecting the loudspeaker to a computer or mobile device. No driver installation is required (Class Compliant USB 1.1). There are also two line inputs (balanced) via 6.3mm jacks (TRS) with a maximum permissible input level of +9dBu and an input impedance of 47kOhm.
Above that, there are three switches for POSITION, DESK and ROOM. Position refers to where the speakers are placed, i.e. freestanding (STAND), against a wall (WALL) or in a corner (CORNER). Depending on the position of the switch, the bass range is adjusted by 0, -3 or -6dB. DESK is used to set whether the speakers are standing on a small, large or no table, i.e. a surface. This results in an adjustment in two areas in the mids. ROOM indicates whether the room has been acoustically optimized with insulation material. Again, three levels can be set, from not treated, to moderate, to treated. This results in an adjustment in the highs by 0, -1.5 or -3dB.
This graphic (see figure above) provides a good overview of how the three switches influence the transmission range.
On the front of the left speaker, there is a 3.5mm jack socket (TRS) for connecting headphones (output impedance 32 ohms) and the volume control, which also offers a push-button function that can be used to turn the system on and off, select the signal source (analog or USB), mute the speakers and swap channels. The status is indicated by the color of the display next to the headphone output. Cyan means USB connection active, green means analog inputs and yellow flashing means mute, for example.
Practice
First, we connected a different USB devices. The D3V was always recognized immediately. The system offers a very decent volume for its size. It is unlikely that loudness will increase in the long term at a multimedia workstation with speakers placed on the table. The headphone output is suitable for monitoring purposes, but cannot replace an external headphone amplifier. The volume of the headphone output can also be adjusted using the volume control.
On first listening, the absolutely convincing bass reproduction is immediately apparent – which is a weakness of many inexpensive multimedia speakers for computer use. Here, the standard is quite different. The sound is very balanced and not exaggerated in the bass range – it is just as it should be. The D3V also has no problems with extreme transients. The system can be used for monitoring everything from delicate speech to heavy metal productions, hip hop, or whatever, across an absolutely broadband range. When set up correctly, the sound is very neutral and well balanced across the entire frequency range. The tuning of the high-frequency driver to the bass driver is perfect. Of course, the system cannot replace a large studio monitor at a distance of a few meters and with larger drivers and amplifiers, but with the D3V, every multimedia workstation can enjoy a very high-quality audio reproduction. The D3V is also ideal for smaller music production setups and, above all, for professional mobile speaker use.
The switches makes it possible to quickly and effectively adapt the D3V to the acoustic conditions of the room. We set up the D3V halfway into a corner, where difficulties always appear. The “Corner” setting definitely improved the playback again, with the other individual settings, which optimized it for monitoring the sound evaluation.
Conclusion
The price of the D3V desktop monitor system is approximately 330 euros. A two-year warranty is offered, with a further three years available upon product registration.
I must say that I am really impressed by the D3V. I would not have thought that these small loudspeakers could produce so much sound, and so the existing multimedia loudspeakers with a subwoofer at the office workplace, where audio assessments are often required, whether for podcasts, videos, or comparative recordings, have to give way. Their size is in such that they can be used at any smaller workplace. I don't miss a subwoofer. Conclusion: Absolutely convincing active desktop loudspeakers for professional use.