Overview

The A7V is a 7-inch active nearfield monitor that follows the A7X. It pairs an MLM woofer with a handmade X-ART tweeter in a rotatable HPS waveguide and adds DSP-based voicing/PEQ/delay plus on-speaker SoundID Reference profile loading via the A Control app. Amplification is hybrid: 90 W RMS (PWM) for woofer and 15 W RMS (Class A/B) for tweeter. Manufacturer specs list 44 Hz–41 kHz (−3 dB) and 105 dB max peak SPL at 1 m. [1][2][3]

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements report ±2.1 dB ripple (100 Hz–10 kHz), horizontal −6 dB beamwidth ≈120° and vertical ≈90°, usable max 105 dB (3 % THD, 100 Hz–10 kHz), bass capability 99 dB (10 % THD, 50–100 Hz), pair variance 1.3 dB, and noise 25 dBA @10 cm. These align with the manufacturer’s specifications and indicate competent, controlled directivity with size-appropriate LF/HF limits. [1][4]

Technology Level

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The combination of a rotatable HPS waveguide + X-ART tweeter, MLM woofer, per-driver amplification, and firmware-updatable DSP is modern and practical. Crucially, SoundID profiles can be exported and stored on the loudspeaker DSP via A Control, enabling low-latency room adaptation without host processing. [2][3]

Cost-Performance

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Price used (pair): 1,799.98 USD (two units at 899.99 USD each). [5]
Cheapest equivalent-or-better identified: Neumann KH 120 II (pair 1,898 USD; two units at 949 USD each). It offers integrated DSP alignment (MA 1) with calibration data stored/processed in the speakers and shows excellent independent measurements. Because no cheaper product with equivalent DSP functionality and equal-or-better measured performance was found, CP is 1.0. [6][7][8]

Equivalence note: “Integrated room alignment stored on-speaker” and third-party measurements demonstrating low deviation/distortion meet or exceed A7V’s performance. [6][7][8]

Reliability & Support

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Adam provides up to a 5-year warranty upon registration, global service channels, and firmware-updatable DSP via A Control. No widespread reliability issues are documented by credible sources; support and longevity appear slightly above average. [2][3]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Design choices emphasize controllable directivity and measurable room adaptation with on-speaker profile storage—rational, user-beneficial pathways to more consistent monitoring. Value depends on room treatment and workflow needs but is coherent for users prioritizing integrated calibration. [2][3][4]

Advice

Choose A7V if you want a straightforward A Control + SoundID workflow with profiles running on the speaker DSP and credible third-party measurements. If you seek the same workflow with demonstrably higher measurement performance and accept a higher price, Neumann KH 120 II (MA 1) is a strong option. [3][6][7][8]

References

[1] Sound & Recording – “Studiomonitor Adam Audio A7V im Test,” Jan 8, 2024, https://www.soundandrecording.de/equipment/studiomonitor-adam-audio-a7v-im-test/ (±2.1 dB, 120°/90°, 105 dB @3 % THD, etc.).
[2] ADAM Audio – “A7V Active Studio Monitor (Nearfield) – Technical Data,” https://www.adam-audio.com/en/a-series/a7v/ (accessed 2025-08-26).
[3] Sonarworks – “SoundID Reference integration: ADAM Audio A Series,” https://www.sonarworks.com/soundid-reference/integrations/adam-audio (accessed 2025-08-26).
[4] ADAM Audio – “A Control Remote Software,” https://www.adam-audio.com/en/technology/a-control-remote-software/ (accessed 2025-08-26).
[5] Sweetwater – “ADAM Audio A7V 7-inch Powered Studio Monitor,” 899.99 USD each (pair basis 1,799.98 USD), https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/A7V–adam-audio-a7v-7-inch-powered-studio-monitor (accessed 2025-08-26).
[6] Neumann – “KH 120 II Product Page,” MA 1 room alignment (on-speaker processing), https://www.neumann.com/en-us/products/monitors/kh-120-ii (accessed 2025-08-26).
[7] Neumann – “MA 1 – Automatic Monitor Alignment,” on-speaker storage/processing, https://www.neumann.com/en-us/products/monitor-accessories/ma-1 (accessed 2025-08-26).
[8] Audio Science Review – “Neumann KH120 II Monitor Review,” Jul 12, 2023, https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neumann-kh120-ii-monitor-review.46362/ .

(2025.8.26)