Adam Audio Introduces Active Desktop Monitor and Matching Subwoofer

According to a press release, German hi-fi manufacturer Adam Audio is introducing the A5, its smallest active desktop monitor, and a matching subwoofer, the Sub7.

The release says that the A5 features an Accelerating Ribbon Technology (ART) tweeter, a unique driver design that differentiates this active mini-monitor from the crowd. Adam Audio’s Web site says that the technology is based on the work of Dr. Oskar Heil, who in 1972 invented the Air Motion Transformer, which is, in brief, a pleated membrane with embedded conductors that is suspended in a magnetic field. As audio signals are applied to the conductors, adjacent folded surfaces of membrane either pull toward each other or are pushed apart (their movement is almost like the bellows of an accordion) thus squeezing air in and out. Unlike dynamic drivers that act as pistons and move air in a 1:1 ratio, the Air Motion transformer moves air at a 4:1 ratio. In other words, the air moves in and out four times faster than the folded surfaces of the membrane are moving. The driver thus reproduces sound with exceptional clarity and transient speed. 

The press release says that the A5 also has a 5-inch carbon fiber/Rohacell driver, which is light,,strong, and responsive, to complement the ART tweeter. Each A5 also has two 25-watt amplifiers and balanced and unbalanced inputs. Instead of the common “master-slave” set-up, the A5 features Stereolink technology, so each speaker can act as the “master,” enabling users to adjust the volume of both speakers from either speaker’s volume control.

Adam Audio’s Web site says that the Sub7 incorporates a 140-watt amplifier and a 7” paper cone to extend bass response to 30Hz. The Sub7 features a 0-degree/180-degree phase switch and a switchable 85Hz high pass filter to optimize performance.

Pricing: $900 for the standard-finish A5; $980 for high-gloss finish; $600 for standard-finish Sub7; $650 for high-gloss finish.

For more information, visit www.adam-audio.com.