ADM review - WHF Assistance Please...

[Messiah]

For those at WHF that reviewed the AVI ADM 9.1s - With what level of seperates kit would you say the ADMs are equivalent too??

This is always a contentious topic with reports of people replacing much more expensive kit with them so it would be nice to hear your opinion on this....

(I am sure you must have been expecting something like this)

 

[Frank Harvey]

Well they did mention the DAC was on par with the Cyrus CD6se - would be interesting to hear about the rest of the components...

 

[Messiah]

Definitely!

I know you were having quite a 'discussion' about this on another forum so I thought you would be interested.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Very!!

 

[Anonymous]

Pass

 

[Frank Harvey]

Something tells me you're not going to find out Messiah - I think this one is being given a wide berth.....

 

[Clare Newsome]

Or maybe the test team, currently working on finishing yet another issue, haven't yet had time to answer a query posted late last night

 

[Simon Lucas]

Messiah:For those at WHF that reviewed the AVI ADM 9.1s - With what level of seperates kit would you say the ADMs are equivalent too??

I was involved in the reviewing process, and I'm satisfied with the published review. Personally, I'd say they sound comparable to (though obviously not the same as) roughly £2000 or so spent on a well-sorted combination of stereo amp, DAC, stand-mounting speakers, speaker cable and interconnects. I'm acutely aware that others, perhaps more directly involved with the ADM9.1s, might feel differently.

FrankHarveyHiFi:Something tells me you're not going to
find out Messiah - I think this one is being given a wide berth.....

Most forums posts are given a wide berth while folks is in bed.

 

[The_Lhc]

Simon Lucas:FrankHarveyHiFi:Something tells me you're not going to find out Messiah - I think this one is being given a wide berth.....
Most forums posts are given a wide berth while folks is in bed.

Guh! We never gave you people permission to sleep! WE DEMAND SATISFACTION AT ALL HOURS! Dammit...

 

[Frank Harvey]

I haven't had any sleep for 2 months

 

[The_Lhc]

FrankHarveyHiFi:I haven't had any sleep for 2 months

And how are the magic pixies today?

 

[Frank Harvey]

Just having a cuppa and donuts with them now.

 

[chebby]

Simon Lucas:I was involved in the reviewing process, and I'm satisfied with the published review. Personally, I'd say they sound comparable to (though obvious not the same as) roughly £2000 or so spent on a well-sorted combination of stereo amp, DAC, stand-mounting speakers, speaker cable and interconnects. I'm acutely aware that others, perhaps more directly involved with the ADM9.1s, might feel differently.

And for someone with £2000 the ADM9.1s could be bought with their partnering sub.

I was impressed that you found the speakers to be 'beautifully finished'. (I never realised. My only clue as to their build previously was a photograph somewhere of a broken pair, partly revealing the mdf and veneer etc.) The photos on the manufacturer's website don't exactly do the ADM9.1s any favours. (Unlike the Neutrons that are very nicely photographed.)

Would any of you be happy to listen to the ADM9.1s for up to 12 hours a day, five days a week at reasonably considerate sound levels? (I notice the review says the signature is "upfront - going on insistent" which could get tiresome.) I work from home and use my system for music but mostly radio during that time. (FM, Freeview, iPlayer etc.)

Can the ADM9.1s play very well at lower than very LOUD volumes. (I have never really seen this mentioned. All their fans seem to prefer to talk instead about 'realistic' SPLs.)

Would "upfront - going on insistent" become too much after a while?

The bass criticisms don't bother me. I favour smaller two way speakers already.

 

[drummerman]

chebby:

Simon Lucas:I was involved in the reviewing process, and I'm satisfied with the published review. Personally, I'd say they sound comparable to (though obvious not the same as) roughly £2000 or so spent on a well-sorted combination of stereo amp, DAC, stand-mounting speakers, speaker cable and interconnects. I'm acutely aware that others, perhaps more directly involved with the ADM9.1s, might feel differently.

And for someone with £2000 the ADM9.1s could be bought with their partnering sub.

I was impressed that you found the speakers to be 'beautifully finished'. (I never realised. My only clue as to their build previously was a photograph somewhere of a broken pair, partly revealing the mdf and veneer etc.) The photos on the manufacturer's website don't exactly do the ADM9.1s any favours. (Unlike the Neutrons that are very nicely photographed.)

Would any of you be happy to listen to the ADM9.1s for up to 12 hours a day, five days a week at reasonably considerate sound levels? (I notice the review says the signature is "upfront - going on insistent" which could get tiresome.) I work from home and use my system for music but mostly radio during that time. (FM, Freeview, iPlayer etc.)

Can the ADM9.1s play very well at lower than very LOUD volumes. (I have never really seen this mentioned. All their fans seem to prefer to talk instead about 'realistic' SPLs.)

Would "upfront - going on insistent" become too much after a while?

The bass criticisms don't bother me. I favour smaller two way speakers already.

I disagree and say it is not necessary to spend over £800 on a sub. Mine cost substantially less and did a fine job. The problem then is that they (9.1s) really sound completely different, more akin to a substantial speaker system. I leave it to the people that actually own them to comment in detail but yes, a sub balances everything but then I feel the same with almost every speaker I've used, active or passive.

 

[chebby]

It was not a sub question. So no need to disagree with me.

I merely pointed out that if comparing to a £2000 seperates system it might be fair to point out the ADM9.1s and their sub together cost about £2000 and that might be the fairer comparison.

I have no interest in subs at all and I rather like small two-way speakers, so what some people perceive as a lack of bass probably would not bother me.

My concern is presence and clarity, especially at low to domestically reasonable (but not extremely loud) listening levels.

I am not sure that the review panel's observation that they are "upfront-going-on-insistent" is the same thing.

(Do reviewers ever assess products at moderate levels before racking up the volume?)

 

[Anonymous]

If I may, Chebby. I prefer a more laidback and warm sound than many people, something my system achieves without losing incisiveness. The Quad adds a degree of colour that makes it very pleasant for long-term listening and I don't need to turn up the wick for a good bass output (without a sub).

In comparison the AVI ADM9.1 sound "fresher", not as coloured, colder and leaner. They certainly weren't bright but did well at conveying a live feel without going over the top. For me they're too lightweight. My Spendors have "tweaks" in their output that make them sound larger than they are, not to mention that there's undoubtedly some distortion that's absent in the AVIs due to their amp control (this opens a whole new argument of whether driving speakers properly is preferable).

I don't think you'd have any problem listening to these all day at lower levels, especially given that you currently use nSats, speakers that I found brighter on the 5i compared to the AVIs.

If I were in your shoes I'd either keep the Naim kit or pursue the Spendor SA1/Harbeth P3ESR investigation. Either way, I think you'll end up with a more detailed sound with some colour that makes the whole experience more enjoyable. I guess it costs a lot more though!

 

[drummerman]

chebby:

It was not a sub question. So no need to disagree with me.

I merely pointed out that if comparing to a £2000 seperates system it might be fair to point out the ADM9.1s and their sub together cost about £2000 and that might be the fairer comparison.

I have no interest in subs at all and I rather like small two-way speakers, so what some people perceive as a lack of bass probably would not bother me.

My concern is presence and clarity, especially at low to domestically reasonable (but not extremely loud) listening levels.

I am not sure that the review panel's observation that they are "upfront-going-on-insistent" is the same thing.

(Do reviewers ever assess products at moderate levels before racking up the volume?)

Understand chebby, but it was compared as it is, without sub to a 2k system on this instance. SimonL may or may not have aimed higher if he had used them with a sub, who knows and it doesn't really matter. I would say though they are certainly worth listening to if someone is in the market for such a solution and prepared to travel a little, unless they now offer a home trial.

 

[Simon Lucas]

chebby:
Simon Lucas:I was involved in the reviewing process, and I'm satisfied with the published review. Personally, I'd say they sound comparable to (though obvious not the same as) roughly £2000 or so spent on a well-sorted combination of stereo amp, DAC, stand-mounting speakers, speaker cable and interconnects. I'm acutely aware that others, perhaps more directly involved with the ADM9.1s, might feel differently.

And for someone with £2000 the ADM9.1s could be bought with their partnering sub.

I was impressed that you found the speakers to be 'beautifully finished'. (I never realised. My only clue as to their build previously was a photograph somewhere of a broken pair, partly revealing the mdf and veneer etc.) The photos on the manufacturer's website don't exactly do the ADM9.1s any favours. (Unlike the Neutrons that are very nicely photographed.)

Would any of you be happy to listen to the ADM9.1s for up to 12 hours a day, five days a week at reasonably considerate sound levels? (I notice the review says the signature is "upfront - going on insistent" which could get tiresome.) I work from home and use my system for music but mostly radio during that time. (FM, Freeview, iPlayer etc.)

Can the ADM9.1s play very well at lower than very LOUD volumes. (I have never really seen this mentioned. All their fans seem to prefer to talk instead about 'realistic' SPLs.)

Would "upfront - going on insistent" become too much after a while?

The bass criticisms don't bother me. I favour smaller two way speakers already.

I'm not sure I'd be keen to listen to any speakers for 12 hours a day, 5 days a week but the AVIs wouldn't be any more wearing than the alternatives. They work perfectly well at lower levels - I personally tend to listen to speakers at moderate volumes when reviewing and only give them a bit of a thrashing to make sure they don't fall to pieces at volume.

 

[chebby]

Simon Lucas:I'm not sure I'd be keen to listen to any speakers for 12 hours a day, 5 days a week...That is a must for me. I hate 99 percent of TV and ALL daytime TV (and would not watch TV whilst working anyway) So my system is on all day playing radio from various sources. Mostly speech radio (drama, news, documentaries, comedies etc.) I prize - above all - the ability of speakers to present a very realistic image of well recorded radio drama. Enough to completely suspend disbelief and make the speakers disappear for the entirety of even a 2 1/2 hour long play.

Simon Lucas:...but the AVIs wouldn't be any more wearing than the alternatives. Good.

Simon Lucas: They work perfectly well at lower levels - I personally tend to listen to speakers at moderate volumes when reviewing and only give them a bit of a thrashing to make sure they don't fall to pieces at volume. Excellent.

 

[drummerman]

chebby:

Simon Lucas:I'm not sure I'd be keen to listen to any speakers for 12 hours a day, 5 days a week...That is a must for me. I hate 99 percent of TV and ALL daytime TV (and would not watch TV whilst working anyway) So my system is on all day playing radio from various sources. Mostly speech radio (drama, news, documentaries, comedies etc.) I prize - above all - the ability of speakers to present a very realistic image of well recorded radio drama. Enough to completely suspend disbelief and make the speakers disappear for the entirety of even a 2 1/2 hour long play.

Simon Lucas:...but the AVIs wouldn't be any more wearing than the alternatives. Good.

Simon Lucas: They work perfectly well at lower levels - I personally tend to listen to speakers at moderate volumes when reviewing and only give them a bit of a thrashing to make sure they don't fall to pieces at volume. Excellent.

Fandubydastic?

 

[Anonymous]

So the AVIs are "upfront going on insistent" are they? That spells ear-bleed for me, so that's them off the list.

How did the Dynaudios rate?

 

[Escapism]

Chebby,

FWIW I work from home quite often (12 hour shifts) and usually have the 9.1s on for the duration, and at moderate to low levels. I have never found them to be fatiguing, before, or after I bought the sub.

 

[chebby]

Tarquinh:So the AVIs are "upfront going on insistent" are they? That spells ear-bleed for me, so that's them off the list.

That is how the review described their... "overall signature".

There are other qualities described in a bit more detail.

(Lean, clean, fast, controlled, authoritative, detailed, insightful, dynamic etc.)

The description of build quality was useful (including the photo) as I had always - wrongly - assumed they looked tat from existing photos on the AVI website and other places.

They are starting to tick a few boxes I would never have thought they would. I like excellently finished speaker boxes with real wood veneer that are made in the UK preferably. I understand the wood veneered ADM9.1 cabinet are UK sourced and only the gloss black/white cabinets made in Indonesia.

The electronics are sourced in Wales. The speakers are designed and assembled and tested in the UK. (I previously thought the whole thing was spat out of a factory in Indonesia and AVI only packed and despatched them.)

It seems only the drivers are made in Indonesia (Sinar Baja).

The DAC is a standard OTS Wolfson WM8741 unit that is utilised by plenty of companies.

I like the fact that it has one RCA analogue input (I would need one for a Denon TU1800 DAB/FM tuner at least for the FM part.)

Two optical inputs is ok. (an extra USB would be ideal though as I could use up both opticals with DVD/HDD/Freeview recorder and DAB tuner digital out and not have a spare for the laptop.)

I am going to need to know much, much more though. The only option will be to hear them first. This is where the whole thing falls over. AVI only sell via their website and the T&Cs on returns look potentially expensive as postage and 're-packaging' costs would be involved. Also they only seem to have a 1 year guarantee. (I am used to 3 or 5 year guarantees.) They don't seem to like the speakers being removed from the box and used before returning.

Does anyone here - who own them - know what service and backup is like? (All I have ever read from AVI seems to be that every customer is happy and no units ever fail.) Bearing in mind the company's rather colourful public persona, I wonder if a customer who didn't like them or had a problem - and wanted to return them - would be told they are 'stupid'.

 

[Anonymous]

chebby:The description of build quality was useful (including the photo) as I had always - wrongly - assumed they looked tat from existing photos on the AVI website and other places.

I don't mean to be annoying but I wasn't thrilled by the build quality. I think it was partly the fact that the internal foaming can be clearly seen through the front ports. Makes them lose a bit of class to be honest.

 

[Anonymous]

chebby:
Tarquinh:So the AVIs are "upfront going on insistent" are they? That spells ear-bleed for me, so that's them off the list.

That is how the review described their... "overall signature".

There are other qualities described in a bit more detail.

(Lean, clean, fast, controlled, authoritative, detailed, insightful, dynamic etc.)

The description of build quality was useful (including the photo) as I had always - wrongly - assumed they looked tat from existing photos on the AVI website and other places.

Thanks Chebby. When I see fast, controlled, detailed, dynamic etc used in a review it means definite ear-bleed! Beginning to think I should save up for some Cremonas and have done with it.

Trouble is there's not much room chez nous, so actives, and small ones at that, seem a good option. Any comments on the Dyns?