Short answer: the ADAM Audio T5V. It ranks #38 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $451.16 and is still sold new; the ADAM Audio A5X ranks #61 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The ADAM Audio A5X’s replacement, the ADAM Audio A4V, is rated 3.6/5 at $1,079.98.
The ADAM Audio T5V is the more accurate pick. ASR’s data shows a small 2.0dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, a -3dB point around 59Hz, and scores of 4.65 standalone and 7.02 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.65 against 4.08 for the ADAM Audio A5X. The tradeoff: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.56dB per octave, so the small midrange span should not be mistaken for flat full-band response.
What the ADAM Audio A5X does well: A compact active studio monitor with a 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer and ADAM’s X-ART folded ribbon tweeter, with 50W amplifiers for each driver. Watch for: The on-axis response is less even (0.79 average deviation).
Buy the ADAM Audio T5V. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the ADAM Audio A5X is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio T5V | ADAM Audio A5X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $451.16 per pair | $500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #38 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | about 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7”W x 11.7”D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) | 11”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (280 x 170 x 220 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | - |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer, X-ART folded ribbon tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 70w Per Speaker | 100W (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.65 | 4.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.02 | 6.49 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: ADAM Audio T5V (measured by Audio Science Review) and ADAM Audio A5X (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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The Two Speakers In Full
ADAM Audio T5V: $451.16 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the ADAM Audio T7V (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the ADAM Audio T8V (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: ASR’s data shows a small 2.0dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, a -3dB point around 59Hz, and scores of 4.65 standalone and 7.02 with an ideal subwoofer. It offers useful bass and midrange performance for an affordable studio monitor. Rear tonal trims allow broad placement adjustment. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.56dB per octave, so the small midrange span should not be mistaken for flat full-band response. Upper-frequency unevenness remains, and a shelving control cannot precisely remove every peak. The existing review finds distortion reasonable for the price rather than reference-class; deeper bass and demanding levels still call for more capable hardware.
Full ADAM Audio T5V review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 70w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7”W x 11.7”D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.02 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Adam Audio T5V 6-Track Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali LP-6 vs Adam Audio T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Presonus Eris E5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Adam Audio T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Bright and brighter. PreSonus E5 XT takes on Adam Audio T5V SOUND & FREQUENCY RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Adam Audio T7V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Adam Audo T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
ADAM Audio A5X: $500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the ADAM Audio A4V, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5, released Apr 2022. See every ADAM Audio A Series generation.
Pros: A compact active studio monitor with a 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer and ADAM’s X-ART folded ribbon tweeter, with 50W amplifiers for each driver. Audio Science Review measured a preference score of 4.08 that reaches 6.49 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.54 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on-axis response is less even (0.79 average deviation). ADAM discontinued it. Bass reaches 58.6Hz (-3dB) and about 50Hz (-10dB).
Full ADAM Audio A5X review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2011 (15 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (280 x 170 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer, X-ART folded ribbon tweeter |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.49 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio T7V vs Adam Audio A5X sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
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