Short answer: the Cambridge Audio L/R X. It ranks #76 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399. The ADAM Audio A7V ranks #82, rated 4.0/5, at $1,639.98, $759.02 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Cambridge Audio L/R X: Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass. Watch for: On-axis response is less linear than the L/R S, with dips in the bass, a peak around 1-2kHz, and a dip spanning the upper mid-range into the lower treble; Cambridge confirmed the dip is a deliberate DSP notch for a tweeter breakup resonance rather than a driver flaw, but it was audible as a mild suck-out in an AB pink-noise comparison.
Why pick the ADAM Audio A7V: Studio monitors with a ribbon tweeter and onboard DSP with room correction, best paired with a subwoofer. The catch: The measured configuration spans 6.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, so its native response is appreciably less even than the leading monitors.
Buy the Cambridge Audio L/R X. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $759.02 with the ADAM Audio A7V does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | ADAM Audio A7V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $1,639.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #82 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 7” Multi-Layer Mineral woofer |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 130W RMS each |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| App | Yes | - |
| DSP | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) | 13.3H x 7.9W x 11D in |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 19.2 lbs (8.7 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, twin front ports |
| Country | - | Germany (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.57 |
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