ADAM S3A or K&H 0300D

[Tom Sigmond]

Hi,



I have the JBL lsr 6328 and the 6312 sub with it.
Its a nice set but I'd like to have another set which complements it, someting more acurate and detailed.

I've nailed down the above two monitors by reading a lot.
Unfortunately there's no store here around who has them in stock to listen to them so I have to by and try... .
I probably can send a pair back and take the other speaker if I like. (have to pay for the shippingcosts offcourse)

Around here the prices are less then in the US. (I don't tell you how low causse some of you will pull out hairs probably...)
I'm from the Netherlands and both speakers are factured in Germany.
They're both in the same league price wise, being the 0300D about $ 650,- less expensive then the S3A.

What can you tell; same quality here or apples and oranges or is there mayby a favorite of the two by most of you?

I know there are a lot of posts here where those two fly by but not really a post which compares them. (Well, I didn't find it...)
Some people here who have good experiences with both monitors and can tell differences?

For what its worth, I'm into dance music so maybe that can make a better advice.


Thanks

[chimpleton]

K&H owner here - great monitors, only problem could be that they might not go loud enough for you for monitoring dance music. But, hey, that depends how loud you like it!

[kingofswing]

Originally Posted by chimpleton

K&H owner here - great monitors, only problem could be that they might not go loud enough for you for monitoring dance music. But, hey, that depends how loud you like it!

I currently own a pair of Adam P33's in my studio, but am looking to make an upgrade to either the S3a's or the K&H o300d's. Next week i have a pair of o300d's and s3a's arriving for demo. I only have 3-4 days to use them side by side.

Other than those two, im also looking at the Quested VS3208 as a main monitor, and later get a pair of adam p11's for nearfeilds. Not shure yet.

But without even hearing the K+H o300d's, i would guess they are going to be pleasant and smooth, with out the same surgical experience i have with my adams.

Time shall tell.

[echotp]

O300d owner here as well, love em, don't want to leave em. I agree volume is an issue, but, so are my ears. I use a sub on a switcher with them to give me the extra stuff down lowwww. Would highly reccomend these babies, you will never doubt them. I master on them as well-

[mixerguy]

I've listened a bunch to both.... I'd go for the 0300D

The ADAMS are somwhat honky. (some folks don't think so at all)

The 0300D's are pretty darned good!

Yes, they don't go stuupid loud.

and you may want the sub....... maybe.

YMMV

[Tom Sigmond]

Originally Posted by kingofswing

I currently own a pair of Adam P33's in my studio, but am looking to make an upgrade to either the S3a's or the K&H o300d's. Next week i have a pair of o300d's and s3a's arriving for demo. I only have 3-4 days to use them side by side.
Time shall tell.

Hello King it would be great if you let hear your final thoughts after this 4-days treil.

Originally Posted by kingofswing

But without even hearing the K+H o300d's, i would guess they are going to be pleasant and smooth, with out the same surgical experience i have with my adams.

Time shall tell.

Uhh..., that sounds good for the K&H in the begin of your centense but in the end not... .

Originally Posted by chimpleton

K&H owner here - great monitors, only problem could be that they might not go loud enough for you for monitoring dance music. But, hey, that depends how loud you like it!

Well, dance music has to play loud in clubs but producing it LOUD would make my ears bleed in no time... .
Sometimes its usefull to boost the volume and listen how the kick and bass act together but for most of the time its a 'normal' volume to produce and mix.

Originally Posted by echotp

O300d owner here as well, love em, don't want to leave em. I agree volume is an issue, but, so are my ears. I use a sub on a switcher with them to give me the extra stuff down lowwww. Would highly reccomend these babies, you will never doubt them. I master on them as well-

I took a look at your website Tom and saw you had them turned a quarter; standing. I assume thats not a problem for the sound to your ears?

I was thinking about the sub too but as I already own the jbl set with sub I can switch to them to play loud if I need. Or are there people who say its another world hearing the low end on the sub of the K&H?


It looks like most of you are leaning towards the 0300D.


gr. Tom

[Solunaris]

Don't forget to check out Barefoot Audio MicroMain 27's. They look pretty cool, and Jeff from Vintage king told me he got some for his studio and they're spectacular. I personally haven't heard them but his description is that they don't have as detailed mids as the S3A's but they are nicer on the top and bottom. I don't think he implied that the Barefoot's had a weak midrange but just saying that's the only place the Adam's were kinda more accurate I guess. Either way as an S3A owner, i'd interested to here the O300D's and the Barefoot's.

[CKK]

I've got the Adam S3A's with the Adam sub10.

Wonderfull combination, lots of definition in the top and mids. And a tight deep bottom end that makes it "easy" to control the bottom end.

I'd auditioned a whole bunch of different monitors (genelec, krk, dynaudio, blue skye etc.) but the S3A/sub10 combination was the one for me. Nice for rock/pop/classic/club.

Remember that when it comes to monitors, your listening environtment is a crutial factor. If not treated right all speakers sounds like shit. But I guess you know that.

Have fun hunting down the right speakers for your studio.

[iziphonics]

I had the very same problem some time ago and after evaluating I chose O300Ds.
They sound more solid to my ears than S3As. Wonderful bass, clean top-end. You can't tired of them. Yes, I heard they are not loud enough for some people, but I have never felt limited in this terms.

[deft_bonz]

I took the K&H instead of Adam or Dynaudio. They're in my eyes the best. But be aware they are not the loudest. I do also dance music and I don't mind this.

[ianfreefall]

Anyone compared the Adam or K&H directly against the Genelec 8050/7070 combo?

Genes seem to be getting cold shouldered on these forums these days, and yet they're still a top name in monitoring, selling well, and the 8000 series got a load of good press when they first came out.

[echotp]

As far as K&H's in the vertical position, I tried it for a week, the switched back to horizontal. Much better imaging.
I run my sub x-over @ around 55hz. It is a Sunfire powered sub (Bob Carver). I keep the KH's on full freq response and just switch the sub in as needed to check bottom. The KH's are wonderful unfatiguing speakers as all seem to agree on. I do run them up loud while tracking sometimes and the logos flash indicating protection circutry working, then bump the level down and work there for a minute or so. Approx 95-100db spl. Which is plenty.

[GYang]

I had long trip toward K+H 300D.
Mackie, Dynaudio, Event, Genelec, ADAM.
Than I tried PMC, small active monitors with incredible resolution.
I liked them more than S3A and still they are one of the best nearfileds, especially if I need 2-way monitors.
K+H 300D are slightly fuller, so at the end of the day better then reference PMC.

K+H 300 vs ADAM S3A

I think answer is quite obvious. In 5000 k range I'll be very happy to find something better. Even their 10 k flagship 500D monitor is just louder, bigger, but same in quality of smooth, detailed sound.

[Tom Sigmond]

Originally Posted by arrogantbastard

Don't forget to check out Barefoot Audio MicroMain 27's. They look pretty cool, and Jeff from Vintage king told me he got some for his studio and they're spectacular. I personally haven't heard them but his description is that they don't have as detailed mids as the S3A's but they are nicer on the top and bottom. I don't think he implied that the Barefoot's had a weak midrange but just saying that's the only place the Adam's were kinda more accurate I guess. Either way as an S3A owner, i'd interested to here the O300D's and the Barefoot's.

I' m always a bit scared about 'detailed mids' if its in the direction of ' to much detailed mids'.
I ended up with that fear becausse of a set of Dynaudio's BM6a I had for three years.
They were very defined in the mid and highmid region. This leaded to a mix that wasn't that fine and detailed in that section when I listened back on other systems.
In other words; becausse the mid and highmids where so clear and detailed, I was in the supposition that I was done mixing in that region. Listening back on other systems, my mixes lacked the definition in that region!


I see a particulair path here.
A lot of people who own the Adam S3a haven't had a listen to the 0300D.
The ones who have, did choose the 0300D... .
I think I know which speaker to start with.

Thanks for all your replies, it helped me a lot.


gr. Tom

[Tetness]

Originally Posted by Tom Sigmond

I' m always a bit scared about 'detailed mids' if its in the direction of ' to much detailed mids'.
I ended up with that fear becausse of a set of Dynaudio's BM6a I had for three years.
They were very defined in the mid and highmid region. This leaded to a mix that wasn't that fine and detailed in that section when I listened back on other systems.
In other words; becausse the mid and highmids where so clear and detailed, I was in the supposition that I was done mixing in that region. Listening back on other systems, my mixes lacked the definition in that region!

Correct.

[GYang]

Originally Posted by Tom Sigmond

In other words; becausse the mid and highmids where so clear and detailed, I was in the supposition that I was done mixing in that region. Listening back on other systems, my mixes lacked the definition in that region!

It goes without saying that second (even third) set of smaller monitors with less resolution should be part of monitoring setup. Some tweaks are best done on something like NS-10 that lacks many things associated with high fidelity.

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by Tom Sigmond

I' m always a bit scared about 'detailed mids' if its in the direction of ' to much detailed mids'.
I ended up with that fear becausse of a set of Dynaudio's BM6a I had for three years.
They were very defined in the mid and highmid region. This leaded to a mix that wasn't that fine and detailed in that section when I listened back on other systems.
In other words; becausse the mid and highmids where so clear and detailed, I was in the supposition that I was done mixing in that region. Listening back on other systems, my mixes lacked the definition in that region!

Fully understood.

However, the comment that we hear the second most about the ADAMs is that mixes done on them translate tremendously well to other systems. That's probably one of the reasons that the user list on our web site has so many well known and well respected people on it...


...and before anyone asks what's the first thing we hear most about the ADAMs, it's that people seem to really like the way they image.

dB
ADAM Audio USA

[kingofswing]

Originally Posted by Tom Sigmond

I have the JBL lsr 6328 and the 6312 sub with it.
Its a nice set but I'd like to have another set which complements it, someting more acurate and detailed.

Looks like you need to look into a pair of Adams IMHO. Its seems like your current JBL system is loud n proud with a nice low end (due to a sub) and sparkling top end.

It also seems like you want something different from the JBL's...something thats 'more' acurate and detailed...Adams.

I find the Adams very surgical, a true mix monitor. In reference to another post you made, I feel that the midrange is not hyped at all (Never had lack of midrange in my mixes with my p33s), its just the ART tweeter's amazing separation (in the upper frequencies, and the mid / woofers fast transients that allows for such detail to be captured and placed in front of you, with speed and bite. For example, i find that percussions are revealed so well on the adams, that eq'ing, panning, etc, becomes alot easier. Also many other instruments like bells, guitars, etc, come out with so much presence and bite, that mix decisons are made with ease IMO. I still feel that the Adams are very surgical as apposed to the smooth flattering sound thats normally associalted with brands like JBL, Genelec, etc.

In all honesty my only gripe with the adams is the weak bottom end, compared to many other brands. They just dont go as low as the specs claim. However, it just makes me wonder (right to this day) if the same Adam detail would be present, had a more deeper sounding woofer or perhaps a sealed design had been used in thier speakers...hmm.

Again another pair of references wouldnt hurt which you will have after another set anyway.

BTW, once i get my demo pair of the o300d's, i will try to do my basic breakdown of what i hear throuch them, compared to the Adams.

Hope this helps.

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by kingofswing

my only gripe with the adams is the weak bottom end, compared to many other brands. They just dont go as low as the specs claim. However, it just makes me wonder (right to this day) if the same Adam detail would be present, had a more deeper sounding woofer or perhaps a sealed design had been used in thier speakers...hmm.

They actually do go down as low as our specs claim (32 Hz).

It has been my experience that moving the S3As around can have a pretty dramatic effect on the bass response. Even moving them a few inches can have a noticeable effect. You might want to try that...

Also, if you're using them horizontally, do make sure that the subwoofer driver is positioned on the outside (B speaker on the left hand side, A speaker on the right hand side).

dB
ADAM Audio USA

[kingofswing]

Originally Posted by Bryce

They actually do go down as low as our specs claim (32 Hz).

It has been my experience that moving the S3As around can have a pretty dramatic effect on the bass response. Even moving them a few inches can have a noticeable effect. You might want to try that...

Also, if you're using them horizontally, do make sure that the subwoofer driver is positioned on the outside (B speaker on the left hand side, A speaker on the right hand side).

dB
ADAM Audio USA

thanks for the advice bryce. will try that. Maybe the Adams produce a much clearer bass, which is meant to be heard and not felt...not shure.

On another note Bryce (sorry to change the subject guys), what is the main difference between the P33a's (i own) and the S3a's (im looking to buy).

I know the S3a's are kevlar cones, but what about the meat inside?

Do they share the same amps (class D), or are they different? Are the

look forward to your reply.

[NathanEldred]

I like having both, it's fun and practical (seriously)! It's a luxury I can afford since I don't have kids.

[synthetic]

Swing, you might want to look at the S2As. I preferred them to the P33As. The P series is a little boxier and more hi-fi, IMO.

I just got my pair of S2As set up. Wow. Wow. Back to listening to SACDs now.

[lordmiguel]

Originally Posted by ianfreefall

Anyone compared the Adam or K&H directly against the Genelec 8050/7070 combo?

Genes seem to be getting cold shouldered on these forums these days, and yet they're still a top name in monitoring, selling well, and the 8000 series got a load of good press when they first came out.

Ive got both the 8050/7070 combo and the s3a's (no sub). I'd have to say that the s3a's blow them away for detial and clarity. They definitely do not crank, but i find that primarily i'm using the gennies for is heavy volume to impress clients, and to do a quick reference to hear whats going on with the 7070 sub since i don't have the adam sub. My gennies won't be here this time next year, that's for sure.

[Rep]

Originally Posted by CKK

Remember that when it comes to monitors, your listening environtment is a crutial factor. If not treated right all speakers sounds like shit. .

This is the BIGGEST truth.
This is THE MOST important thing If you want even a chance,
to get Anything to slightly translate outside of your room...

Get the cheaper ones, and spend the difference on the room !
... That is the best advice anyone can HONESTLY give you ...


.

[Rep]

Originally Posted by synthetic

Swing, you might want to look at the S2As. I preferred them to the P33As. The P series is a little boxier and more hi-fi, IMO.

I just got my pair of S2As set up. Wow. Wow. Back to listening to SACDs now.

Me too ... actually the S2A's sound is not quite as big as the S3A's,
... but they are tighter when sitting closer , and sweeter overall to me !

[cl516]

this is what happened to me personally:

i was in the market for speakers few months back -
i was interested in the K&H, Adam's and also Barefoots.

Barefoot Micromains weren't done yet, so I couldn't do those.

Got in touch with someone from K&H, but they never got back to me about pricing or availability in Canada.
When I went to AES, there was one pair of K&H O300D that was sitting at the sennheiser booth, unplugged and not ready to be heard at all.

I'd always been interested in the S3A's,
my dealer in toronto said i could try them for awhile, no worries about returning if need be. I tried them, and ended up keeping them.

they have been entirely wonderful.
I had a slight amp problem recently, but the Canadian distributor for ADAM
sent a replacement part to my dealer and sorted it out above and beyond the call.

[studjo]

I had both at the studio for a comparison. I listened to the Adams at different shows (AES/Musikmesse). I wasn't impressed that much and didn't really get the hype for em. On the other hand I was very impressed by the K&H (heard on the same shows)

So before I went into test-mode I thought: this is eays I'll take the K&H and call it a day no question about it. So I started comparing and they are very, very different. I started mixing - still very very different. But at the end of the day it wasn't all that clear which monitor I'd choose. The Imaging of the Adams is stunning - the imaging of the K&H isn't that bad either. The K&H is very controlled where the Adam is very fast. I prefer the "sound" of the K&H but the Adam isn't as bad as I thought (honkyness - mixerguy mentioned).

I haven't decided yet - there is another monitor in the game (Focal - much more $$$) and now it's basically the question of a new monitor or stick with my very beloved BM6A. I think both Adam and K&H aren't the improvement I was looking for when I started this whole thing where the Focal just floors em all (it's supposed to with that price)

Jo

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by kingofswing

Bryce (sorry to change the subject guys), what is the main difference between the P33a's (i own) and the S3a's (im looking to buy).

I know the S3a's are kevlar cones, what about the meat inside?

Do they share the same amps (class D), or are they different?

They do both use switching amps, but different makes with different power ratings. Each P33As has three 100W UCD amps where each S3A has three use 250W ICE power amps.

Plus, the S series have the tweaking controls on the front panel - they're on the back on the P series.

dB
ADAM Audio USA

[lordmiguel]

Originally Posted by studjo

.....there is another monitor in the game (Focal - much more $$$) and now it's basically the question of a new monitor or stick with my very beloved BM6A. I think both Adam and K&H aren't the improvement I was looking for when I started this whole thing where the Focal just floors em all (it's supposed to with that price)

Jo

Yes, but the SM8's is an apple/orange comparison with regard to either of the speakers on topic in this post, notably price point (you mentioned) and features (they're digital). I don't doubt they're probabaly *excellent* as a few have said and look quite fancy too (i don't wanna to pay for that!), but i don't need converters either, i need speakers. Having said that if you get a set of Focals i'd love to hear all about it. cheers

[blackcatdigi]

Originally Posted by studjo

I started mixing

And when you were done mixing? Did you take the quick mixs out into the world and see how they translated?

Really, that's the ONLY thing that matters, all else being equal.

Good Luck!