Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Considering Adam A3X Monitors...
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Considering Adam A3X Monitors...

post #1 of 7
3/3/11 at 10:38pm
Thread Starter 

I'm looking for some great computer audio setup for my room.

My price range is around 500$ but it can be higher (900$ max)

I have a Macbook Pro with no other audio card or DACs.

 

I went to a local music equipment store today and they suggested the KRK Rokit5. I found them bass heavy but somewhat muddy. Also, they were quite big for my room.

 

After testing a few other studio monitors, I saw those Adam A3X monitors well into my price range and my size preference.

The details were clear, the highs were crisp and the monitors not at all forgiving: anything less than 192kbps sounded very harsh with 192kbps being already distorted. The Adams were amazing with everything except the Bass which were acceptable, but no oomph. They are small speakers though, so it makes sense. The Adam A5X had very rich bass and are bigger.

 

Anyways, I'm looking to futureproof myself.

 

1. Is there anything else than Adam A3X that would be good? Price range being 500$

2. Are these powered speakers? (not sure what it really means)

3. Would I be able to use a receiver with the Adams?

4. What kind of subs would I be able to use with it?

 

That's it for now.

 

Thanks for the help!

Reply
post #2 of 7
3/4/11 at 2:15am

these are active i think u wont need an integrated amp 

you can consider genelecs for your price range go check them out :D

Reply
post #3 of 7
3/4/11 at 2:28am
Yes, the A3X is powered. Powered speakers / active monitors are more or less interchangeable; some speakers are marketed as monitors to indicate a neutral sound (tt consumers aren't used to).

Anyway, powered/active means you don't need an amp.

You might be able to use a receiver, although I'm not sure.

FYI, the opposite of active speakers are passive ones.
Reply
post #4 of 7
3/4/11 at 2:53am

Answers to questions 2 - 4

 

2) Yes, the A3Xs are powered/active speakers which means you don't need an amp. 

 

3) Yes, you can use the A3Xs with a receiver provided that your receiver has pre-outs. Since the A3Xs have independent volume control on each speaker, you need a preamp which is what the pre-out function basically is.

 

4) There's no need to match sub and speakers by brand. You can pair the A3Xs with any subwoofer. However, if you're planning to add a subwoofer, you might as well use that money toward a pair of full range bookshelf speakers. 

Reply
post #5 of 7
3/4/11 at 6:59am

 

Quote:
Since the A3Xs have independent volume control on each speaker

 

You can also configure them so the gain on either one will control volume on both. I own a pair myself.

 

Small desktop monitors are justifiably very popular atm. Since the ADAMs came out last year Focal have introduced the CMS 40. Genelec is the safe choice but they are a tad more expensive.

Reply
post #6 of 7
3/4/11 at 12:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RonaldDumsfeld View Post

 

 

You can also configure them so the gain on either one will control volume on both. I own a pair myself.

 

Small desktop monitors are justifiably very popular atm. Since the ADAMs came out last year Focal have introduced the CMS 40. Genelec is the safe choice but they are a tad more expensive.

 

You're correct. I didn't know about the stereolink in the back of the A3X.
 

 

Reply
post #7 of 7
4/17/11 at 8:32pm

I'm psyched. Just ordered a pair of these and the Adam Sub7 subwoofer to go with. I know I'm going to want it with my drum 'n bass addiction 'n all...

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Considering Adam A3X Monitors...