Adam Audio S5H Adam Audio

Adam Audio ADAM S5H

The S5H is a powerful main monitor custom-designed for the demanding rigours of reference listening in the world’s most expansive studios and control rooms.

The three-way S5H was conceived, as its name suggests, to be used in a horizontal orientation and features two 10-inch Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers, newly designed by ADAM expressly for the S Series. Like the LF ELE units on all the other members of the range, the S5H’s woofers feature ADAM Audio’s proprietary Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA) guaranteeing that low-frequency audio remains tightly controlled and free of distortion at all times. The all-important mid-range frequencies are handled by ADAM Audio’s new hybrid DCH. This innovative 4-inch MF driver was also newly developed by ADAM Audio exclusively for the S Series and combines the sonic advantages of cone and dome drivers in a single, one-piece unit.

Together with the S-ART treble driver — the latest iteration of ADAM Audio’s widely respected folded-ribbon tweeter, now produced to tighter tolerances than ever before — the resulting combination produces a powerful but unfatiguing sound, with a palpable sense of depth: the last word in high-resolution, natural-sounding audio reproduction.

The off-axis responses of the treble and mid drivers remain extremely accurate thanks to the addition of high- and mid-frequency waveguides milled from solid aluminum: ADAM Audio’s newly developed Mid-range and High-frequency Propagation Systems (MPS and HPS). The resultant stable, wide-ranging dispersion ensures that teams of more than one person can work in the loudspeakers’ sweet spot simultaneously, as is often necessary in larger control rooms.

The S Series’ custom-designed DSP optimizes the loudspeaker crossovers to create linear responses for the entire range, as well as providing user equalization and in-room tuning/voicing functions. The DSP also handles the limiter-based high-frequency driver protection, processes the signals from the AES3 digital inputs, and will in time facilitate various expansion options. Software updates can be carried out with ease via the associated USB port, which also allows users to connect computers and control the speakers’ DSP functions via a software front-end.

No fewer than three separate amplifiers power the drivers: a 700 W Class D design for the bass drivers, a 300 W Class D for the mid range and a 100W Class A/B unit for the S-ART tweeter.

With its innovative features, advanced design, generous headroom and enormous dynamic range, the S5H takes its rightful place as ADAM Audio’s flagship reference monitor: an extraordinary loudspeaker offering audio reproduction to the very highest standards of fidelity.

German Handmade Precision S-ART Tweeter with HPS Waveguide
4″ Dome / Cone Hybrid (Carbon) with MPS Waveguide
2 x 10“ Woofer (Hexacone)
Cumulated Amp. Power RMS: 1100 W
Frequency Response: 22 Hz – 50 kHz
Max. SPL Per Pair at 1 m: ≥131 dB
AES3 Digital Inputs And Various Expansion Options

Features & Benefits

• S-ART tweeter, handmade in Berlin and manufactured to the tightest tolerances in ADAM Audio’s history    
• Allows longer operation with fewer signs of fatigue
• Their breakup is prevented by the folded diaphragms, distortions are effectively reduced to a minimum
• Advanced dynamic range due to acoustically effective diaphragm surface that is 2.5 times bigger (compared to a classic tweeter according to the piston principle)
• The air velocity ratio of 4:1 during the sound generation by folded S-ART membrane    
• Direct, fast response in the high-range even with complex transients
• Newly designed HPS and MPS waveguides, milled from a solid block of aluminum    
• Makes dispersion more consistent and imaging more stable over a wider area
• Reduction of early reflections on the surfaces of, e.g. mixing consoles, desks, etc.
• New midrange driver with one-piece hybrid dome/cone (DCH) design    
• Offering the sonic advantages of both driver types, with minimal partial resonances
• Partly responsible for the excellent mid-range dispersion characteristics of the S Series, due to improved integration with the treble driver
• Custom-built Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers    
• Accurate audio reproduction at an extremely high resolution thanks to the precision-designed relationship between its low weight, optimized inner damping and highly rigid HexaCone membrane, in conjunction with a basket which has been developed to eliminate unwanted resonance and distortion
• Custom-designed Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA)    
• Allows the voice coil a maximum excursion three times greater than that offered by previous designs, with an extended, symmetrical magnetic field ensuring linear, low-distortion operation
• Power compression effects are prevented by an intelligent self-cooling system
• Horizontal 3-way system with 2 x 10” woofers and 1 x 4” DCH midrange    
• Very high resolution of the stereo image and extremely wide stereo base
• Spacious bass reflex ports on the front    
• Bass reproduction with very low compression
• Allows positioning close to walls
• Highly efficient PWM ICE Power amplifiers    
• Low-distortion amplification at both low and high volume levels
• Linear frequency response of 22 Hz to 50 kHz    
• Unbiased reproduction in a wide frequency band
• Maximum peak sound pressure per pair in 1 m ≥ 131 dB    
• Powerful, compression-free sound reproduction even at very high sound levels
• Custom DSP engine    
• Perfect crossovers for optimal frequency response and maximum dynamic range
• EQ options and presets for in-room optimization
• Limiter-based amp protection, AES3 digital inputs and board connectors for future expansion options, together with a USB connector for software upgrades and computer-based control
• Analog XLR input    
• Optimized for balanced line signals
• Acoustically optimized and weightily constructed cabinets    
• Reduction of susceptibility to vibrations and unwanted edge-diffraction effect
• 2 years warranty with optional extension to 3 years with the registration of the product    
• Full repair service if required for 5 years

 Technical Data

• Woofer
• Number    2
• Basket Ø    10“ (265 mm)
• Voice Coil Ø    3″ (76 mm)
• Cone Material    HexaCone
• Mid-range
• Number    1
• Type    Dome / Cone Hybrid
• Basket Ø    4″ (100 mm)
• Voice Coil Ø    2.4″ (60 mm)
• Cone Material    Carbon Composite
• Waveguide    MPS
• Tweeter
• Number    1
• Type    S-ART
• Diaphragm Area    4 inch² (2420 mm²)
• Equiv. Diaphragm Ø    2″ (56 mm)
• Velocity Transform Ratio    4:1
• Diaphragm Weight    0.17 g
• Waveguide    HPS
• Built-in Amplifiers
• Number    3
• Woofer    1
• Type    PWM
• Amp. Power RMS    700 W
• Mid-range    1
• Type    PWM
• Amp. Power RMS    300 W
• Tweeter    1
• Type    PWM
• Amp. Power RMS    100 W
• Control Options
• Input Sensitivity    Adjustable
• Parametric EQs    6
• Room Compensation High-Shelf EQ    1
• Room Compensation Low-Shelf EQ    1
• Preset Memories    5
• Delay    0 ms to 5 ms
• Input Connectors
• Analog    XLR
• Input Impedance    48 kOhm
• Max. Input Level    +24 dBu
• Digital    AES3
• General Data
• Panel    Rear
• Frequency Response    22 Hz – 50 kHz
• THD > 100 Hz    ≤0.3 %
• Max. SPL per pair at 1 m    ≥131 dB
• Crossover Frequencies    250 Hz / 3 kHz
• Max. Power Consumption    900 W
• Weight    160 lb (72,6 kg)
• Height x Width x Depth    16,9″ (430 mm) x 34,8″ (885 mm) x 19,7“ (500 mm)
• Warranty    5 years (2 years warranty plus 3 years optional with product registration)
• Delivery Contents    Power cord, Manual