Adam monitors for HT 5.1?

B

Brahms

Enthusiast
I've been last months researching for a fine versatile 50/50 music/HT5.1 setup. Room 18'x13', 7' viewing distance, max budget 5k euro. 2k for receiver, 1k for sub, and 2k for HT speakers.

At first, looking for a best value, this was my final projected setup:

Fronts: Focal Chorus 826 W (floorstandings)
Rest: central and surround bipolar speakers same line as the fronts.
Sub: Rythmik F15HP Direct Servo (sealed, 600w)
Receiver: Denon AVR-4311 (Audyssey MultEQ XT32)


But then, I read some site about the pro active monitors, and started looking info for that posibilty as an alternative, since some readings suggesting it offers a higher value vs most HiFi gear, with a good frequency response and dedicated amping, overrall best bang for the buck.

So I looked up for an alternative setup with active monitors replacing the avr with a pre/pro; I liked the Adams A8X by the reviews and price/performance ratio,

Fronts & center: 3x Adam A8X
Surrounds: 2x Adam A5X
Sub: same model as previous setup, Rythmik F15HP.
Processor: onkyo PR-SC5508 (Audyssey MultEQ XT32)

I mainly concerned with the common attached cons on monitors for home 5.1 audio enjoyment, like the bright clinical sound, fatigue on ears, and off-axis behavious worse than HiFi speakers. Would the audyssey help to correct this at some extent?

At a 7' viewing distance, a sofa area for 2-3 places, would it be too wider for a good listening with monitors? since its said monitors to have a very picky sweet-spot, would it be a big compromise for 2-3 listeners?


Anyone using monitors for its HT setup? do you think one of this choices looks better or seems a better value over the other?

Any input would be much appreciated.
 
its phillip

its phillip

Audioholic Ninja
Provided the A8Xs are anything like the A7s reviewed here (my assumption is that the A8Xs would be more capable), I don't think you'd have any issues using them in your HT system, unless your room is overly large.
 
GranteedEV

GranteedEV

Audioholic Ninja
I think you need to hear the speaker and make your own judgement.

Or show me some measurements :D
 
ski2xblack

ski2xblack

Audioholic Samurai
Grant is correct. If the Adam merchant has a generous return policy, take advantage of it to see how they perform in your home.

Regarding the 'cons' you mention, I'm not sure such generalizations are accurate. Even among the subset of 'pro monitors', each product is sure to be idiosyncratic in some way. I use some old M&K monitors in my boob-tube system (MPS 1510 to be specific). If their marketing info is to be believed, considerable attention was given to ensure good off-axis response. As far as sounding 'clinical', I find them more neutral and transparent, perhaps not the best at creating depth of field, but with pinpoint left to right imaging, and capable of resolving the finest details and subtleties. I like 'em, if you can't tell. But only your ears can decide if you would like it, so a personal audition of the Adams is in order.

The only other thing I would mention is that ported mains are more difficult to seamlessly integrate with subs. You end up having to cross over your sub and high passing your mains higher than you would with sealed speakers. And the Adams appear to be made of plastic.
 
B

Brahms

Enthusiast
The only other thing I would mention is that ported mains are more difficult to seamlessly integrate with subs. You end up having to cross over your sub and high passing your mains higher than you would with sealed speakers. And the Adams appear to be made of plastic.
Thanks. I've heard very good things about Audyssey MultEQ XT32, and wondering if in case the sound may be too bright/clinical to me in the highs, I could do some EQ to a warmer sound and adjust it for my taste or preference. Is this correct?
 
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