ADAM AudioD3V Active Desktop Monitoring System with USB-C Connection (Pair, Black)

First, Adam released the firmware update to stop standby mode in Feb 25.Outstanding performers! The only small speakers I’ve used that I feel like a sub is optional. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t get to 20hz, but they get deeper than any speaker I’ve tried this size. I feel like these are a great value too. You spend $100-150 for a good amp, that would leave you at most $200 to get a pair of speakers, and I couldn’t find anything of this caliber close to that price.I am going to add a sub, but I’ll probably cross these pretty low. I just ordered another set to do a powered surround sound setup.Cons:1. No auto-sense connection, you must double press the volume button to change to USB-C input.2. A proprietary speaker interconnect cable. I can’t be too upset, as I appreciate that data and power are consolidated into a single cable.Pro:1. Stellar sound! These speakers actually thump, which I was finding impossible for this size at any price point. I almost went with the the SVS Prime Sarellites, but they were bigger, required separate amplification, and more expensive overall . These are a perfect size for near-field.2. The ability to change the DSP to match the room.3. Ability to turn off the auto standby, though I’m currently using the standby. I just hook my iPhone up to it USB-C to USB-C and jam out. Unplug my phone and walk off. 20 minutes later they go into standby4. The physical size is perfect for a desk, but I’m using them on a sim rig surround sound.5. Zero listening fatigue. Instead of turning these down after 30 minutes because your ears are getting tired, you’ll still have these cranked up.

I have some complaints but they're outweighed by the sound quality and ease of use over USB.The good: These sound fantastic. I needed a subwoofer with my old MB42x speakers, but don't with these, at least for my listening preferences - they go impressively low for their size. I like the USB-C input so I don't have to worry about extra equipment. The 3 room correction switches let you quickly tune the speakers for your setup, or your personal taste. The presets are good enough that I don't feel like I need to mess with an EQ.The bad: At least over USB, these speakers always emit a low hiss while on, even after updating the firmware. It's noticeable when using them as desktop speakers in a quiet room. When the USB-connected PC powers off, there's always a loud pop. There's an always-on status LED that I had to cover with a black sticker. There's no built-in bluetooth, which I miss from my previous setup. Finally I wish the manual explained how the room correction switches adjusted the EQ

These little speakers punch way above their weight in quality of sound. And they are superbly designed, from the way the included stands angle the speakers upward from a typical desk surface to the way those stands slide into the speaker bases. Their bottoms are covered with a great non-slip material. The box also includes a few strips of non-slid material you can put onto the bottoms of the speakers, and they go into well-designed grooves that are designed to fit around the stands when you use them. Every aspect of the design radiates quality.All of this is in service of sound as good as any speakers this size I've ever heard. The tweeters radiate in a tight cone, so you want to be sure you've got them pointed at your ears - if you're too far off-axis, you'll lose those crisp high ends. So if you're looking for a pair of everyday room speakers that sound fine as you walk around the room, these wouldn't be a great choice for that reason. But that's not what they were designed for - they are monitors for people sitting between them, either a musician or engineer working on music, or just a music lover who spends a lot of time in one spot, such as working at the computer. For those people, these are fabulous.Update: The original release of the speakers included two problems (the highs were diminished at low volumes, and the speakers turned off automatically after being quiet for a while, requiring you to manually turn them on again later). People complained, and the manufacturer released a software patch that resolved both issues. The patch came out for both Windows and Mac (a rarity), and it worked perfectly. I consider that really fantastic customer service. Great speakers from a great company!

If you're in the market for a set of desktop speakers and want to make one solid purchase and be done, look no further. These speakers are an absolute standout. I’ve spent thousands of dollars over the years on various levels of audiophile gear, and for the money, nothing comes close to what these deliver.The inclusion of a ribbon tweeter at this price point is practically unheard of—and it shows in the performance. The articulation and separation are exceptional, offering a clarity and presence that rival far more expensive setups. They fill a small space beautifully, delivering clean, balanced sound with impressive bass for their size. No, they’re not subwoofer replacements or “thumpers”—but that’s not what they’re meant for. When I want that low-end punch, I turn to a different setup.But if you’re looking to mix, enjoy your desktop environment, and hear music or audio exactly as it was intended, these are the ones. I researched for months before pulling the trigger, and I can confidently say it was a fantastic decision. In this price range, there’s simply nothing close.