ADAM A7V vs. FOCAL SHAPE 65

[KidForToday]

I narrowed down my monitor search and I'm looking for feedback from people who use the ADAM A7V or FOCAL SHAPE 65. I've read the usual tech data and marketing hype, but it would be great to hear about the user's experience and pros/cons. If applicable, which sub are you using to accompany them? Sound-wise, I will be using synths, a drum machine, guitar, and bass to create music ranging from Boards of Canada to Depeche Mode.

Thanks!

[Arpangel]

I think there’s little to be gained by comparing monitors in this price range, there are minimal differences, that wont make or break your system.
Especially given the music you’re making, if you were recording demanding acoustic sources then more expensive monitors would be worthwhile, but not in your case IMO.
Unless you’re comparing the speakers you mentioned with far more expensive ones, then you would definitely hear worthwhile differences.
I'm in a similar area to you musically, mainly electronic, abstract etc, and I use the cheapest monitors I can get away with.

[Hugh Robjohns]

They are both competent monitors for the price.

Personally, I'd go with the focal, but it really is a personal preference rather than a clear 'winner'.

Both brands offer matching subs, but in my experience subs usually do more harm than good unless the room is extremely well treated... which is almost never done!

[KidForToday]

I think there’s little to be gained by comparing monitors in this price range, there are minimal differences, that wont make or break your system.
Especially given the music you’re making, if you were recording demanding acoustic sources then more expensive monitors would be worthwhile, but not in your case IMO.
Unless you’re comparing the speakers you mentioned with far more expensive ones, then you would definitely hear worthwhile differences.
I'm in a similar area to you musically, mainly electronic, abstract etc, and I use the cheapest monitors I can get away with.

Thanks for the feedback!

[KidForToday]

They are both competent monitors for the price.

Personally, I'd go with the focal, but it really is a personal preference rather than a clear 'winner'.

Both brands offer matching subs, but in my experience subs usually do more harm than good unless the room is extremely well treated... which is almost never done!

Thanks for the feedback!

[Aled Hughes]

I've never tried the Focals, but I have the small Adam A4V, and I like them. From what I read they're quite a step up from the old A7 / A7X, though I have no experience with those either.

Bear in mind though that the Adam publicity machine is a relentless monster. Almost every Youtube video about the new speakers is titled "Are these the best studio monitors ever?!"

[ore_terra]

A7v user here. all I can say is that they are ok. There is nothing I miss. And as Sonarworks user it's pretty neat to have the profile in built in the speakers

[KidForToday]

I've never tried the Focals, but I have the small Adam A4V, and I like them. From what I read they're quite a step up from the old A7 / A7X, though I have no experience with those either.

Bear in mind though that the Adam publicity machine is a relentless monster. Almost every Youtube video about the new speakers is titled "Are these the best studio monitors ever?!"

I'm avoiding the marketing and going with user experience and my ears.

[KidForToday]

A7v user here. all I can say is that they are ok. There is nothing I miss. And as Sonarworks user it's pretty neat to have the profile in built in the speakers

Do you think Sonarworks is legit and does a good job?

[ore_terra]

it does for me. I'm not relying solely on Sound ID of course. My room is treated. But the software helps.

there's a trial period so you can try and decide yourself.

[Arpangel]

"Are these the best studio monitors ever?!"

They are being very careful though, I notice they’ve swapped the first two words around, in that sentence.

[resistorman]

I've had Focals and Adams, they both sound great. I find the Adams to be a bit more forgiving and "nice" to the music.

[Arpangel]

I've had Focals and Adams, they both sound great. I find the Adams to be a bit more forgiving and "nice" to the music.

I did listen to these when I was looking, but both these didn’t grab me.
I found the Adam's too coloured , hyped, and the Focals had this annoying high frequency thing going on, that I didn’t like. I bought the Eris 8 instead, sounded the best of the bunch in this area, to me.

[tea for two]

which sub are you using to accompany them? Sound-wise, I will be using synths, a drum machine, guitar, and bass to create music ranging from Boards of Canada to Depeche Mode.

Thanks!

Reviewed by Paul White 2023.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/kali-audio-in-unf
I was saving up for a Kali In-UNF with its desktop Bass unit. For my untreated room which is just a bit of a bedroom, bit of a lounge I use for audio stuff.

::

I found the Adam's too coloured , hyped, and the Focals had this annoying high frequency thing going on, that I didn’t like. I bought the Eris 8 instead, sounded the best of the bunch in this area, to me.

Any news on yammy Hs8.

[Arpangel]

Any news on yammy Hs8.

I just cant be bothered, it’s too much effort for too little return.
I think my Behringers will see me out, unless I can get up enough enthusiasm to get something "much" better, I don’t see the point. The Berrys work, and sound "OK"
I can imagine spending a few grand and sitting there thinking "yeah? And?"
That’s not a possibility, you all know it's a certainty.

[tea for two]

I think my Behringers will see me out ....
I can imagine spending a few grand and sitting there thinking "yeah? And?"

Bass would make the most difference to what I have.
Also as it's untreated room there's only a few I could choose from : Kali In-UNF with it's desktop Bass unit is one of them.

[Arpangel]

I think my Behringers will see me out ....
I can imagine spending a few grand and sitting there thinking "yeah? And?"

Bass would make the most difference to what I have.
Also as it's untreated room there's only a few I could choose from : Kali In-UNF with it's desktop Bass unit is one of them.

Have you tried the iLoud's?

[tea for two]

I think my Behringers will see me out ....
I can imagine spending a few grand and sitting there thinking "yeah? And?"

Bass would make the most difference to what I have.
Also as it's untreated room there's only a few I could choose from : Kali In-UNF with it's desktop Bass unit is one of them.

Have you tried the iLoud's?

I keep a lookout in my usual places 2nd hand used gear purrchase, so I can keep or return. Nuffink as yet for quite a few months.

[tea for two]

I was looking at some Sonodyne SRP speakers monitors. SoS did a review of a different Sonodyne model.
So utuub it had to be : there's a person using Senny HD600 with Sonodyne SRP500. As there's several SoS forumees prefering Senny HD600 I thawd I'd phone up Studiospares as they stock Sonodyne. Studiospares have SRP400 in stock would arrange listening if booking beforehand.