Considering 1 of these 2 monitors. I have a sub 8 for the low-end and plan on a 6 ft near field distance with a reasonable volume. I don't plan on cranking it up.

I'm wondering if the midrange driver makes a big difference Under those conditions. I'm concerned the S2V might sound a bit scooped or harder to make out midrange details in comparison. Any experience or opinions? Thank you.

I suppose I'll answer my own question. The midrange driver makes a Big difference on Vocals and classical instruments. If you can afford it and fit into your listening space, definitely get the S3V or H.

Hi lirikCLAP,

As the Product Specialist at ADAM, I am happy to talk you through the differences between the S2V and S3V and provide you the clarification you need for your decision.

The most critical distinction to make between these monitors is their respective classifications: S2V is a near-field monitor, the S3V is a mid-field. A midfield monitor, like the S3V, will tend to require additional space between the listener and cabinet to allow the most true perception of frequency content. However, given your intended use at 6ft from listening position, either model can realistically be used.

Tweeter and woofer height with the S3V can be tricky. Optimal ear height on the S3V is between the midrange driver and tweeter. A concern in many smaller listening environments is that in order to achieve this height, the S3V's woofer ends up being blocked by the back of the desk. What is your studio space like?

In terms of frequency content and perceived midrange between the S2V and S3V, the midrange driver certainly makes a difference. While the midrange clarity and detail on the S2V is tremendous, giving a wider and deeper stereo image than any previous ADAM Audio monitors, the S3V adds a touch more precision and warmth to the midrange. The additional driver also means the woofer has less 'heavy lifting' to do and produces deeper, clearer low-end.

I would not consider the S2V to have a 'scooped' feel to it. If anything, it's slightly brighter than other ADAM monitors. The S3V is extremely true in frequency response and highly revealing. All S-Series products have onboard DSP that allows you to 'tune' and 'voice' the speakers to your liking, a great feature for assorted studio uses.

To wrap, physical space and budgetary considerations are the primary concerns when looking at monitors. The S2V and S3V are both phenomenal monitors, though there are distinct differences. If you're on the fence and would like to talk about demoing a set, please contact me!

Thanks,

Alex

Any information how the Adam S3V will sound for playing music only i.e in a home hifi set up.

Thanks

I havent had the chance to hear the S3V's for more then a few minutes, but I have spent a lot of time listening to the S2V's and S3H's at several listening sessions before pulling the trigger on the S3H's

Dont get me wrong, the S2V's are great little speakers and their soundstage is really impressive for a 2 way, however I honestly felt the S3H's blew them away totally, I had an opportunity to play around with S3H's and S2V's in the same room at the same time, and while te placement wasnt perfect, every time I switched from the 2's to the 3's the sound just seemed to open up

Now we dont use a sub but the lowend is quite obviously quite extended between the 2 but for me the thing that really set them apart was the midrange, the S3H's have this crisp accurate midrange that somehow manages to be very forward in a way that makes everything very clear, without being fatiguing to me at all


I love the S3H's so much, and I suspect the V's will be very similar, not to say the S2V's arent great little speakers but if you have the budget I would definitely say go for the 3's

Hi Alex,

S2V
Does it mean that signal to XLR analog input is going through onboard DSP and analog-digital-analog convert process?

I did go for S2V because of too big S3V's dimension.
I really like the S2V lestening from 7ft, but I am consedering the idea to add a subwoofer. With the help of the sub, besides get lower freq, the S2V woofer will sound better mids freq ???
Which sub do you suggest ??
From Adam's FAQ should be a Sub10 mk2, because of 25mq room.
Can you confirm my thoughts ??
Bye

Hi mrcrowley,

I would recommend the Sub12 to pair with the S2V's based on SPL handling capabilities and perceived transparency. Both have great low frequency extension, but in terms of pairing up with the S2V, the Sub12 fits the mold much better, I have found.

Thanks!