Adam Audio A7V Review: A Father-Son Exploration into Exceptional Sound
7 min read
Hey everyone, it’s Tristan from Crafting Worlds. Today, I have something truly special for you—a deep dive into the world of audio, but this time, I’m not alone. Joining me is my dad, Gene Pope, a seasoned audio engineer with a lifetime of experience in sound, music, and the industry at large. We’ve decided to take a close look at the Adam Audio A7V studio monitors, and let me tell you, this is more than just a review; it’s a personal journey into the heart of sound.
A New Format: More Than Just a Review
Before we get started, I want to let you know that this is a longer video and article, more of a podcast format. Feel free to throw us on in the background as we delve into various aspects of these speakers, my dad’s rich history with audio, and why we believe Adam Audio deserves more recognition in a market saturated with brands like KRK and Yamaha.
The Quest for the Perfect Sound
A few months ago, I realized it was time to upgrade my decade-old KRK Rokit 5 monitors. They had served me well, but over time, the internal components started to degrade, leading to an annoying hiss that was impossible to ignore in my small setup. So, I ventured to Guitar Center, eager to find my next set of speakers.
I started by testing the latest KRK models, expecting them to be an improvement over my old ones. To my surprise, they sounded tinny and lacked the warmth I was accustomed to. Even the salesperson seemed hesitant to endorse them. I moved on to the Yamaha HS8s, another popular choice, but found them equally fatiguing to listen to. It felt like the speakers were shouting at me, and I couldn’t imagine working with them for extended periods.
Just when I was about to lose hope, the salesperson suggested I try the Adam Audio A5s. I hadn’t heard of Adam Audio before, but I was willing to give anything a shot at that point. The moment the music started playing, I felt a wave of relief. The sound was clear, balanced, and, most importantly, emotionally engaging.
Then I made a pivotal decision—I asked to listen to the A7Vs. The difference was immediate and profound. I wasn’t just hearing the music; I was feeling it. Goosebumps ran up my arms, and I knew right then and there that these were the speakers I had to have.
Calling in the Expert: Dad’s Seal of Approval
Before making such a significant purchase, I needed validation. I called my dad, who has an extensive background in audio engineering. He started his career at Brunswick Records in Chicago, worked in multiple studios during the R&B explosion, and later founded Pope Music, a record label known for producing some of the finest classical recordings in the world.
“Hey Dad, I just listened to these Adam Audio A7Vs, and they’re incredible. But I need your expert opinion. What do you know about them?”
He did some quick research and was intrigued by the innovative technology, especially the X-ART tweeters handmade in Berlin. He said, “Tristan, if these speakers are as good as they sound on paper, you might have found something special.”
Unboxing and First Impressions
When the A7Vs arrived, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The design was sleek, and the build quality was evident from the moment I lifted them out of the box. Interestingly, Adam Audio had just released a limited edition white version of the A7Vs. I reached out to them, expressing my interest in the new color. To my surprise, they offered to send me the white ones without any additional cost, simply asking that I share my experience if I felt like it. Talk about outstanding customer service!
Dad’s Arrival: The Real Test Begins
My dad finally arrived to put the A7Vs through their paces. As someone who once had a state-of-the-art sound studio complete with floor-to-ceiling speakers weighing a couple of hundred pounds each, his standards are sky-high.
We set up the speakers in my untreated room—a high ceiling, a window on one side, and no acoustic treatment whatsoever. Not exactly the ideal listening environment, but we wanted to see how the A7Vs would perform under real-world conditions.
Diving into the Sound: A Father-Son Listening Session
Songs played: Mercy Angele Dubeau Lose Control Teddy Swims Hoist the Colors A Capella, Wellermen Eric Hollaway Hold On Sisoski Hope NF Shotgun Geoge Ezra
We started with some of our favorite tracks, spanning various genres to test the full range of the speakers.
Classical Music: We played a violin piece where you could hear the bow finish the flourish, and then the resonance of the strings. Dad was amazed. “You can feel when the bow re-hits the strings. The detail is astounding.”
Vocal Tracks: Next, we listened to a song with deep, rich vocals. The clarity was so precise that we could hear every enunciation. “It’s like we’re in the recording studio with them,” Dad remarked.
Bass-Heavy Songs: We played tracks with strong bass lines, and the A7Vs delivered tight, punchy lows without any muddiness. Dad noted, “The bass is clear and tight. I don’t even quite understand where all the bass is coming from in such a compact speaker.”
Rap and Electronic Music: To test the dynamics, we played some rap songs with complex sound effects. The speakers handled the rapid shifts in dynamics effortlessly. “The dynamics are crazy,” Dad said. “I’m very impressed.”
Throughout our listening session, neither of us experienced any ear fatigue—a common issue with other monitors we tested. The sound was engaging but never overwhelming.
The Technology Behind the Magic
What sets the A7Vs apart is their innovative X-ART tweeter technology. Unlike traditional tweeters, the X-ART tweeter is an accordion-like folded diaphragm that provides a greater surface area for air to move through. This results in incredibly detailed and accurate high frequencies.
Dad explained, “The advantage of having it folded is that if you unfolded it, it would be much larger than a standard tweeter. This means you don’t have to push the material as hard to get a certain level of loudness, preserving the detail in the high frequencies.”
Adam Audio’s Commitment to Quality
Another aspect that impressed us was Adam Audio’s commitment to quality and customer service. Their tweeters are handmade in Berlin, and the overall build quality is exceptional. The company isn’t just about selling speakers; they’re about delivering an experience.
When I reached out to them about the new white speakers, they didn’t just offer a discount or a trade-in—they sent me the new ones and told me to keep the originals. They simply asked that I share my honest experience if I felt inclined. That level of customer care is rare and noteworthy.
Final Thoughts: A Shared Enthusiasm
By the end of our session, both Dad and I were thoroughly impressed. “These speakers are punching way above their weight class,” he said. “The detail, the emotional response—they’re delivering a listening experience that’s hard to find at this price point.”
For me, the A7Vs have not only elevated my music listening but also improved my workflow in editing and gaming. The clarity and detail allow me to hear the final mix as I’m working, saving me time and enhancing the quality of my projects.
Key Features Recap:
- Handmade X-ART Tweeter: Provides unparalleled clarity in the high frequencies.
- 7” Multi-Layer Mineral Woofer: Delivers tight and punchy lows.
- 130W Total Peak Amp Power: Ensures clarity even at high volumes.
- DSP-Based Control with A Control Remote Software: Allows for real-time adjustments and room correction.
- Wide Frequency Response (40 Hz – 45 kHz): Captures every nuance of the audio spectrum.
- Future-Proof Design with Upgradable Firmware: Ensures lasting value.
A Personal Recommendation
If you’re on a quest for new studio monitors, whether for professional work or personal enjoyment, I can’t recommend the Adam Audio A7V enough. They’ve transformed not just how I hear music, but how I feel it.
Dad summed it up perfectly: “You don’t have to be a millionaire to afford a high-quality listening experience anymore. These speakers prove that.”
Thank You, Adam Audio
A special thanks to Adam Audio for their exceptional customer service and for creating a product that truly stands out in today’s market. Their willingness to go above and beyond has made this experience even more rewarding.
Closing Thoughts
This journey has been more than just about finding a new set of speakers. It’s been an opportunity to share a passion with my dad, to connect over something we both deeply appreciate, and to discover a product that genuinely excites us.
Thank you for joining us on this exploration into sound. We hope our experience helps you in your own search for the perfect audio setup. As always, feel free to ask any questions or share your thoughts in the comments below.
Until next time, happy listening.
