Brandon SchockThere are plenty of budget monitors out there to pick from, although most of them come with serious drawbacks. The KRKs are too bass-heavy, the Yamaha HS5s are too piercing, the list goes on. The ADAM Audio T5Vs? Well, they have some drawbacks too, but on a purely objective level, these monitors perform far better than a handful of their other budget counterparts.
Our verdict on the Adam Audio T5V
In our opinion, this monitor is absolutely fantastic. Some people have their own personal gripes about the ribbon tweeters, which they’ve said causes some serious ear fatigue, or that they’re too bright. For us, we didn’t notice anything except for how great the monitors sounded. While their frequency response isn’t as flat as some higher-end models, we found that they sounded transparent and full enough for their price range. Plus, its capability to play at loud volumes without losing clarity (especially in the low end) puts this speaker several steps ahead of its competition.
Overall, we strongly recommend taking a look at the Adam Audio T5V. At this price point, you really can’t do much better.
Check availability and current price: SweetwaterAmazonPower and frequency response
These monitors have a frequency response of 45 Hz-25 kHz and can reach a maximum sound pressure level of 106 dB. Considering that these are budget monitors, it is surprising how finely tuned the bass is on the T5V. Compared to other budget monitors, there is no contest when it comes to the low end.
Even at high volumes, there is practically zero distortion coming out from the bass. You really have to crank these things to hear just to hear any effect in the bottom end, and to be quite frank, you shouldn’t make a habit of listening to music that loud, so whatever minor amount of distortion that is present shouldn’t be an issue. There was barely any hiss from the tweeters as far as we can tell.
Build quality
The Adam Audio T5Vs are well built and have a serious look to them. Ribbon tweeters aren’t something often seen in this price range either, but it’s much appreciated that Adam Audio was able to find a way to make such a choice affordable. Overall, the monitors feel solid and look great.
I/O and controls
On the rear panel, you’ll find your standard IEC socket, On/Off switch, and volume control. The monitor has both a balanced XLR input and unbalanced RCA input. ADAM has also provided the monitor with two room control switches, so you can cut or boost 2 dB for both low and high frequencies.
Compared to other studio monitors
Before we finish up here, let’s take a quick look at some other monitors and how they compare to the T5V.
Adam Audio T5V vs. JBL 305P Mk2
While the Mark II is an excellent speaker, we found that the ADAM was able to produce much more bass, and play much louder in comparison. The JBLs are much cheaper, however, so if you’re not looking to spend as much on the T5Vs the JBLs are a worthy contender.
Check out our full JBL 305P Mk2 review
Adam Audio T5V vs. KRK Rokit 5 G4
The KRK Rokits are pretty divisive in gearhead circles, some people love them, and a lot of people think they’re way overhyped. In comparison to the T5Vs, the KRKs bass response is a lot more overwhelming. We found the T5Vs produced a cleaner, fuller bottom end while not coloring the rest of the mix as the KRKs would. We pick T5V.
Check out our full KRK Rokit 5 G4 review
Adam Audio T5V vs. Adam Audio T7V
We figured we would throw in the next step up from the T5Vs, being the T7Vs. These are a bit bigger, pricier, and have a wider frequency response than the T5Vs. So if you want the T5Vs or already have them and want to upgrade, the T7Vs will give you everything great about the T5Vs and then some.
