ADAM AUDIO A77H: Playmaker in the Midfield

The ADAM AUDIO A77H is the largest monitor in the new A-Series, positioned as a midfield playmaker that covers more ground than any other A-Series monitor. It represents ADAM Audio's successful replacement for the popular AX series, building on the acclaim received for models like the A4H and A7V.

The A77H is a three-way active bass-reflex monitor, featuring a sophisticated digital architecture. A newly developed Digital Signal Processor (DSP) linearizes the frequency response and precisely distributes signals to the drivers. The monitor offers extensive equalization for adapting to the listening environment, controllable via the advanced 'A Control' software or through Sonarworks SoundID for custom room correction profiles.

Priced around 1,300 Euros per unit, the A77H sits in the upper mid-class, offering remarkable value considering its high-quality technology and components, manufactured in China but designed with Berlin expertise.

A front view of the ADAM AUDIO A77H studio monitor reveals a black, three-way active speaker featuring a central DCH mid-range driver, two seven-inch MLM woofers, and the signature X-ART tweeter housed within an HPS waveguide. The cabinet has angled side edges for scattering reduction, reminiscent of the older S3A models, a design choice that enhances audio reproduction.

The 'H' in A77H signifies its horizontal orientation, making it ideal for console placement. However, it can also be used vertically by rotating the HPS waveguide and X-ART tweeter assembly by 90 or 180 degrees. Weighing over 17 kg, the A77H requires a solid, stable surface for optimal performance, with mounting threads available on the underside of the MDF cabinet.

The front panel features rounded bass reflex ports, an acoustic improvement that aids in wall-proximity placement. The two seven-inch woofers utilize Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fiber material, known for its low weight and high stiffness, contributing to precise bass reproduction down to 34 Hertz.

The DCH (Dome Cone Hybrid) mid-range driver, positioned above the woofers, is based on ADAM's highly regarded S-Series mid-range technology. It employs an MLM cone and is designed to avoid audible distortion by operating its voice coil within a large, linear magnetic field.

ADAM's hallmark X-ART (eXtended Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, manufactured in Berlin, is renowned for its excellent impulse response and high-frequency clarity. The accompanying HPS (High-Frequency Propagation System) waveguide, made from a fiberglass composite, is designed to provide uniform and directed sound radiation. This waveguide optimizes the horizontal dispersion of the tweeter to match the mid-range and woofers, resulting in a more consistent off-axis frequency response and a wider sweet spot. Vertically, it helps reduce reflections from surfaces like mixing consoles, mitigating comb filtering effects.

Internally, the A77H relies on a powerful DSP for signal processing. Analog signals from the XLR or RCA inputs are converted to digital via a 24-bit/96 kHz AD converter. The DSP manages driver distribution, linearizes the frequency response, and ensures temporal coherence. The rear panel offers basic room adaptation controls: Bass, Desk, Presence, and Treble filters. For more advanced control and fine-tuning, the 'A Control' software provides access to a six-band equalizer and allows remote operation via Ethernet. The integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference enables precise room calibration, with correction profiles exportable to the monitor's DSP.

Out of the box, the A77H is tuned for maximum neutrality and signal fidelity, with 'Pure' mode being the default. In testing, the monitor delivered a spacious, room-filling soundstage, notable for its clarity and precision. The imaging is excellent, with a stable phantom center and well-defined individual sound events, even in complex mixes. The monitor accurately tracks dynamic impulses, from guitar strings to bass figures.

The sweet spot is wide, though minor off-axis colorations were noted, which are not considered significant for typical studio use. The A77H excels in dynamic range, impulse response, resolution, and spatial imaging, making it a strong contender even against higher-tier models like the S3H. Its hybrid amplifier design (Class D for bass, Class AB for mids and highs) allows for high sound pressure levels without audible distortion.

The A77H is particularly praised for its bass performance, described as the 'bass star' of the A-Series, providing tight and accurate low-end reproduction. The overall sound is balanced and engaging, making it a pleasure to work with for extended periods.

ADAM AUDIO A77H Technical Specifications

The ADAM AUDIO A77H is a highly capable midfield monitor that impresses even critical listeners with its high playback fidelity and excellent room imaging. It confidently earns its designation as a true studio monitor, offering a compelling blend of advanced technology, refined design, and outstanding sonic performance that makes it a strong recommendation for professional audio environments.