Short answer: the ADAM Audio S5V. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#49 and #50 of 118 powered bookshelf speakers), and the ADAM Audio S5V costs $20,599.98 against $24,599.98 for the ADAM Audio S5H, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the ADAM Audio S5H: The largest S Series main monitor: two 10” HexaCone woofers, a 4” dome/cone midrange and the S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in a horizontal cabinet, driven by 1,100W. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured two-way ADAM Audio S2V.
The case for the ADAM Audio S5V: A vertical three-way main monitor with a 12” HexaCone woofer, a 4” dome/cone midrange and the S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, driven by 1,100W. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured two-way ADAM Audio S2V.
Buy the ADAM Audio S5V. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $4,000 less than the ADAM Audio S5H.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: ADAM Audio S5H 4.0 to 4.8; ADAM Audio S5V 4.0 to 4.8). Treat this verdict as provisional.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio S5H | ADAM Audio S5V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,599.98 per pair | $20,599.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #50 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #49 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Weight | 160.1 lbs (72.6 kg) | 114.6 lbs (52 kg) |
| Dimensions | 16.9”H x 34.8”W x 19.7”D (430 x 885 x 500 mm) | 27.5”H x 15.4”W x 20.5”D (698 x 390 x 520 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 10” HexaCone woofers, 4” DCH dome/cone midrange, S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in HPS waveguide | 12” HexaCone woofer, 4” DCH dome/cone midrange, S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in HPS waveguide |
| Inputs | XLR analog, AES/EBU digital | XLR analog, AES/EBU digital |
| Amplifier Power | 1,100W total | 1,100W total |
| Frequency Response | 22Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified) | 25Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 128dB peak @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes (selectable voicings, 6-band parametric EQ, delay) | Yes (selectable voicings, 6-band parametric EQ, delay) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How ADAM Audio S5V compares with other leading options:
- Pitt & Giblin Flare vs ADAM Audio S5V
- ADAM Audio S5V vs Meyer Sound Amie
- Pitt & Giblin Flare vs ADAM Audio S5H
- ADAM Audio S5H vs JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor
- Mackie HR824mk2 vs APS Klasik 2020
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
ADAM Audio S5H: $24,599.98 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the ADAM Audio S2V (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5), the ADAM Audio S3V (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4.5/5), the ADAM Audio S3H (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4.5/5) and the ADAM Audio S5V (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4.4/5).
Pros: The largest S Series main monitor: two 10” HexaCone woofers, a 4” dome/cone midrange and the S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in a horizontal cabinet, driven by 1,100W. ADAM specifies bass to 22Hz and 131dB peak output, enough to reach true deep bass at high level in a large room without a subwoofer. Like the ADAM Audio S2V it uses a handmade S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in an HPS waveguide and DSP with selectable voicings, a 6-band parametric EQ and delay for fitting it to the room, with analog XLR and AES digital inputs.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured two-way ADAM Audio S2V. It is a huge, heavy main monitor intended for soffit mounting in professional rooms, and side-by-side woofers can narrow horizontal dispersion through the crossover region.
Full ADAM Audio S5H review and specifications →
| Released | 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 1,100W total |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes (selectable voicings, 6-band parametric EQ, delay) |
| Dimensions | 16.9”H x 34.8”W x 19.7”D (430 x 885 x 500 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 10” HexaCone woofers, 4” DCH dome/cone midrange, S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in HPS waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 22Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR analog, AES/EBU digital |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 160.1 lbs (72.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
ADAM Audio S5V: $20,599.98 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the ADAM Audio S2V (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5), the ADAM Audio S3V (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4.5/5), the ADAM Audio S3H (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4.5/5) and the ADAM Audio S5H (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5).
Pros: A vertical three-way main monitor with a 12” HexaCone woofer, a 4” dome/cone midrange and the S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, driven by 1,100W. ADAM specifies bass to 25Hz and 128dB peak output, enough for full-range playback at high level in a large room without a subwoofer. Like the ADAM Audio S2V it uses a handmade S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in an HPS waveguide and DSP with selectable voicings, a 6-band parametric EQ and delay for fitting it to the room, with analog XLR and AES digital inputs.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured two-way ADAM Audio S2V. It is a very large main monitor built for soffits or heavy stands in big control rooms, which makes it impractical for most homes.
Full ADAM Audio S5V review and specifications →
| Released | 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 1,100W total |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes (selectable voicings, 6-band parametric EQ, delay) |
| Dimensions | 27.5”H x 15.4”W x 20.5”D (698 x 390 x 520 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” HexaCone woofer, 4” DCH dome/cone midrange, S-ART folded-ribbon tweeter in HPS waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR analog, AES/EBU digital |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 114.6 lbs (52 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons