ADAM Audio D3V desktop monitors (pair) – black (returned)

The D3V is a fully active desktop monitor system designed for composers, producers and music lovers who want to enjoy ADAM Audio’s sound quality as conveniently as possible. Available in white or black, these active monitors feature the legendary gold-coloured ribbon tweeter and remain true to ADAM Audio’s established German industrial design.

Each pair of active speakers features 3.5-inch aluminium low-midrange drivers and a ferrite magnet system, powered by 80-watt amplifiers. The low-midrange drivers are complemented by double-sided 3.5-inch passive radiators, which give the D3V an extended frequency response down to 45 Hz.

Drawing on 25 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of ribbon tweeters, ADAM Audio has developed the compact 1.5-inch D-ART (Desktop Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter). It delivers the precise, uncoloured high-frequency reproduction for which the manufacturer’s established monitors are renowned.

The D3V features a USB-C input. Consequently, when connected to a computer, the monitor system functions as a digital output device and requires no additional audio interface for playback. This plug-and-play functionality also extends to mobile devices, allowing users to enjoy high-quality sound reproduction without the data compression or conversion typically associated with such connections. The D3V also features balanced 6.35 mm TRS inputs for conventional analogue audio applications.

The rear of the left-hand speaker features a range of user-friendly switches to address the typical acoustic issues arising from speaker placement. On the front panel, there is a headphone socket and a volume control that also manages audio input selection, mute and other functions.

The D3V comes complete with detachable monitor stands, which are angled at 15° towards the user’s ears. In addition, the underside of both monitors features a standardised 3/8-inch thread for mounting on microphone stands.

Fully active 3.5-inch aluminium mid-bass drivers with ferrite magnet system

Optimised using ADAM Audio’s state-of-the-art Klippel measurement system, the highly symmetrical voice coils and ferrite magnets help to minimise unwanted distortion and provide linear drive to the low-midrange drivers. Each one-piece concave cone is made from ribbed, thick aluminium with a long linear excursion, delivering uncoloured sound even at surprisingly high output levels.

The D3V is a fully active design with four amplifier channels and a DSP-controlled crossover. The low-midrange drivers are powered by 80-watt amplifiers, with the Link connection cable transmitting an amplified signal to the right-hand loudspeaker.

D-ART Tweeter

A quarter of a century of research and development into ribbon tweeters has led to the development of ADAM Audio’s powerful 1.5” Desktop Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter. Each diaphragm is folded by hand and bonded to 40-W amplifiers that drive each unit. Like all other ADAM Audio tweeters, the D-ART features a finely tuned crossover managed by a high-precision signal processor.

Passive radiators

The D3V utilises double-sided passive radiators in each loudspeaker, totalling four per system. Each passive radiator consists of a stainless steel plate acting as a moving mass and a specially stabilised long-throw rubber surround acting as a suspension. Together, they reinforce the speaker’s lowest frequencies through their interaction with the main bass-midrange drivers, thereby contributing to an increase in sound pressure across the entire system.

USB-C direct input

The D3V is ADAM Audio’s most user-friendly monitor system to date, as it features a plug-and-play USB-C input. When connected to a computer, mobile phone or tablet, the speakers function as a digital output device, eliminating the need for an additional audio interface. This direct digital connection enables high-quality audio playback without the data compression or additional conversion typically associated with desktop monitors.

DSP Room Acoustics

On the rear panel of the left-hand speaker, there are three switches designed to counteract the typical acoustic issues arising from speaker placement. ‘POSITION’ refers to the fixed position of the speaker within the room. ‘DESK’ refers to the size of the desk in front of the speaker, whilst ‘ROOM’ refers to the degree of acoustic damping in the room where the system is used.

Balanced analogue inputs

In addition to the USB-C input, the D3V features analogue inputs for conventional audio applications. It enables balanced connections to audio interfaces as well as direct connections to a wide variety of hardware, including synthesisers, drum machines, samplers and DJ mixers. The USB-C port or the balanced analogue inputs can be selected by pressing the volume control on the left-hand speaker.

Headphone output, monitor stand and mounting options

Functionality and convenience played a major role in the design of the D3V. The front-panel headphone output automatically takes over audio playback when connected. The package also includes monitor stands angled at 15°. In addition, there is a standardised 3/8-inch thread on the underside of both monitors for mounting on microphone stands.

Injection-moulded housing

The D3V’s enclosure is made from high-quality injection-moulded ABS polycarbonate with thick walls and generous bracing to prevent vibrations and unwanted resonances. The rounded shape reduces unwanted sound diffraction at high frequencies whilst paying homage to ADAM Audio’s long-standing, established industrial design.