Overview

The ADAM Audio T5V is a 2-way active nearfield monitor featuring the company’s U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter in an HPS waveguide and a 5-inch polypropylene woofer. It uses Class-D bi-amplification (50 W LF / 20 W HF) with DSP-controlled crossover/EQ, specifies 45 Hz–25 kHz (-6 dB) bandwidth, and a maximum 106 dB SPL per pair at 1 m [2]. The T-Series approach focuses on pragmatic DSP crossover and controlled directivity in a compact, affordable package [3].

Scientific Validity

Independent Klippel NFS measurements show useful extension with about 51.3 Hz (-6 dB) and 58.6 Hz (-3 dB). Midband deviation over 300 Hz–5 kHz is ~2.0 dB, with a broadly neutral listening window; Preference Score is 4.06 (would be 6.42 with an ideal sub) [1]. While this is solid for the size/price, it does not keep a ±3 dB window across the full band, so we score the result as average. Manufacturer specs for bandwidth and maximum SPL align with the measurements [2].

Technology Level

The U-ART ribbon tweeter with HPS waveguide, Class-D bi-amp (50 W + 20 W), and a DSP-controlled crossover are well-executed technologies at this price [2][3]. The design aims at measurable benefits—directivity control and workable listening window—rather than cosmetic complexity.

Cost-Performance

Current US market price for the T5V pair is 479.98 USD [4]. A key equal-or-better measured alternative is Kali Audio LP-6 V2, which shows flatter listening-window response and deeper bass by third-party data [5]; its current US price for a pair is 498.00 USD [6]. Therefore, no cheaper equal-or-better option exists at review time, and the T5V earns CP = 1.0 (equivalence note: both are self-powered 2-way studio monitors; LP-6 V2’s measured FR/depth are equal-or-better) [5][6].

Reliability & Support

ADAM Audio maintains a global dealer/service network. The T5V carries up to a 5-year warranty (2 years standard + 3-year extension upon registration) [2][3]. As this category doesn’t require user firmware updates, reliability hinges on hardware quality control, which is appropriate for professional use.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

Focusing on controlled directivity (HPS waveguide) and DSP crossover to keep midband deviation low is a scientifically rational path [2][3]. There are no non-scientific claims; results align with measured behavior [1]. Not full-band “±1 dB class,” so not a perfect score.

Advice

For desks and short-to-medium nearfield setups, the T5V offers a clear midband and wide enough sweet spot. If you need stronger low-end extension or an even flatter window, consider the (more expensive) Kali LP-6 V2 (pair 498.00 USD) [5][6]. For sub-bass demands, pairing with ADAM’s T10S is sensible [2].

References

[1] Spinorama.org, “Measurements for speaker Adam T5V (ASR / Klippel NFS)”, https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/Adam%20T5V/ASR/index_asr.html, accessed 2025-08-18 (-3/-6 dB points, 300 Hz–5 kHz deviation, Preference)
[2] ADAM Audio, “T5V Product Sheet (PDF)”, https://www.adam-audio.com/content/uploads/2018/01/ADAM_Audio_T5V_Product_Sheet.pdf, accessed 2025-08-18 (45 Hz–25 kHz, 106 dB per pair @1 m, 50 W+20 W, DSP crossover)
[3] ADAM Audio, “T Series – technology overview”, https://www.adam-audio.com/en/t-series/, accessed 2025-08-18 (built-in DSP crossovers, amp ratings)
[4] Sweetwater, “ADAM Audio T5V 5 inch Powered Studio Monitor (pair pricing shown)”, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/T5V–adam-audio-t5v-5-inch-powered-studio-monitor, accessed 2025-08-18 (pair 479.98 USD / single 239.99 USD)
[5] Erin’s Audio Corner, “Kali Audio LP-6 v2 (Second Wave) – measurements”, https://erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kali_lp-6v2/, accessed 2025-08-18 (equal-or-better measured performance)
[6] B&H, “Kali Audio Project Lone Pine Studio Monitor LP-6 v2 (Black)”, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1661707-REG/kali_audio_project_lone_pine_studio.html, accessed 2025-08-18 (single 249.00 USD → pair 498.00 USD)

(2025.8.20)