REVIEW: Adam Audio T8V Studio Monitors
WATCH THE VIDEO REVIEW BELOW
I long be fan of Adam Audios equipment. The build quality is excellent and more importantly, the sound quality is incredible. So when I was invited to try the T8V’s - a budget friendly monitor with 8” woofer - how could I say no?
Key Features
U-ART 1.9” ribbon tweeter
Polypropylene 8” woofer
HPS waveguide
Rear-firing bass-reflex port
90 watts of RMS power
Amplifier Power U-ART Tweeter: 20 W [RMS]
Amplifier Power Woofer:70 W [RMS]
Frequency response 33Hz – 25kHz
Max. peak SPL at 1 m per pair: 118 dB
Built-in Amplifiers: 2 x Class-D
Crossover Frequency: 2.6 kHz
Analog Inputs: XLR, RCA
Out of the box impressions & Build Quality
Max. peak SPL at 1 m per pair: 118 dBI’m going to cut straight to the point, these are obviously large monitors, measuring H400mm x W250mm x D335mm and weighing in at 9.8kg each - this is obviously all necessary to house that 8’ Polypropylene woofer. However, thanks to Adams beautiful cabinet design, they some how manage not to feel too bulky and are definitely a good looking monitor.
As you would expect from a German manufacturer, the build quality is excellent. Each unit feels solid and well constructed and if they did go for an unadvised tumble - I suspect they would damage what they hit more than be damage themselves, but obviously don’t try this! However, the bevelled front gives you a hint that more thought has gone into these than simply ‘big cabinets’. Inside is where the magic happens and they are design to be acoustically optimised. But if you do have any concerns, Adam also through in a generous five year warranty, so you are well covered.
A strong family heritage…
The T8V is the big brother to it’s predecessors, the T5V & T7V - with the number reflecting the woofer size (so 5”, 7” & 8” respectively) but all sharing the U-ART tweeter and HPS waveguide. The T-Series line-up represent Adam Audios more budget friendly alternatives launching in 2018. The T7V’s and in particular, the T5V’s received fantastic reviews from most that tried them and have been warmly embraced by those who need high-end quality studio monitoring options whilst not breaking the bank.
As an owner of Adam’s slightly more expensive A5X’s and Sub7 - I was keen to see just what the extra money gets you compared to their ‘entry level’ options. In fairness, I would almost be disappointed if the more expensive options didn’t outperform the T8V’s but having long been amazed by the quality of Adam’s product, I knew that nothing would really surprise me.
Main Features
So the obvious headline feature is the 8” woofer and the first thing you notice is that this thing wants to be pushed. Lower volumes will never do a speaker like this justice and to be frank, the T8V’s aren’t really built for casual listening. The ideal situation for getting the most from the woofers is a large studio environment where they can be driven at high volumes.
However, the real star of the show is the ribbon tweeter up top. This special piece of kit as a clarity to the high-end that just needs to be heard. It offers accuracy without being so bright that it’s unlistenable and makes the overall package, combined with that large woofer, a very compelling one.
Who should buy them?
They are, beyond doubt, a very capable studio monitor. However, they are not for every space. They really do call for a larger room that can accomodate them and I don’t just means their physical size - they offer a big sound when pushed and need a bit of breathing space.
The price is very appealing and for this reason, those looking to buy their first studio monitors should take a long, hard look at the T8V’s. For those looking for a little more refinement and maybe an upgrade from existing monitors, then maybe a look at the A5X’s may be a nice alternative.
Final Thoughts…
These are a great studio monitor. I really feel it’s unfair to call them an ‘entry level’ monitor as their price tag suggests - these are very capable. Size may be an issue but if you have the space, they are fantastic. Sound quality is good and clarity excellent and whether plan to use them for ‘actual’ monitoring or just casual music listening, they are a sound option.