Focal Shape 65 vs Adam Audio A7V: Comprehensive Speaker Comparison 2024 Guide

You're ready to make a big purchase, but you're having trouble deciding between these two powerhouses, the Focal Shape 65 and the Adam Audio A7V.

Trust me, I know how difficult that decision is… especially if you have no plans on whipping out that dreaded return postage label!

You know how the saying goes, buy right, buy once! Or something like that…

Either way, I've got you covered!

I've broken down the good, the bad and the ugly of these babies, so providing you have a clear idea of exactly what you plan on doing with it, you will have a clear idea on which one is best for you, by the end of this article.

Let get into it…

At A Glance:

Focal Shape 65

Focal Shape 65 Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• High quality sound.
• Enhanced frequency range.
• Midrange detail.
• Extended top end.
• Fast and natural sounding bass.
• Good for long hours of listening without fatigue.
• Wider imaging sweet spot.
• Auto off/on feature.
• Excellent sound quality.
• Great detail in both higher and lower range frequencies.
• Work well in smaller spaces.
• Can be used without a subwoofer.
• Can be positioned near a wall.
• Sound translates well on other playback devices.
• Cons:
• Pricey.
• On & off switch is at the back, not in front.
• No volume control on the units.
• Auto off/on feature can be finicky.

Adam Audio A7V

Adam Audio A7V Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Great sound quality
  • Build quality is excellent
  • Powerful speakers with impressive volume and power
  • Good for genres with fast transients
  • High frequencies are solid and crispy
  • Compatible with Sonarworks for running profiles without the program
  • Upgrade for studio
• Cons:
  • Connection process is disliked
  • Need to purchase additional cables and switch for connection
  • A Control software was delayed and still has bugs
  • Extra step needed for exporting files for speakers
  • Mids are less emphasized compared to highs
  • May not be the most accurate or natural-sounding monitors

Key Differences Between The Focal Shape 65 And The Adam Audio A7V

The main differences between Focal Shape 65 and Adam Audio A7V are based on their sound quality, design features, market rankings, suitability for room sizes, and dispersion.

Focal Shape 65 is celebrated for its natural, spacious and enveloping sound. Unique to this model is its design without a rear bass port. This characteristic allows it to be placed directly in front of a wall without compromising the sound quality. In terms of power, it boasts an impressive 105 W Class AB which contributes to its extraordinary monitoring quality.

Contrastingly, the Adam Audio A7X, provides a sharp output with an emphasis on precise high range audio. Some users have described its sound as flatter and straighter compared to that of Focal Shape 65. Another feature that sets it apart is its frontal reflex ports which makes them equally adaptable for positioning close to walls.

In terms of popularity or preference within their industry segment as per July 2023 data, Adam Audio A7X outranks Focal Shape 65 by six positions.

Suitability based on room size may also affect your decision between these two models. For instance, one user chose Focal Shape over Adam because they found it more suitable for their room size and budget.

Dispersion or how sound spreads from speakers varies significantly between these two models too:

• The dispersion from ADAMs becomes increasingly narrow towards high-end frequencies.
• In contrast, Focals offer wider dispersion.

  Your choice between these two models should therefore hinge on what you value more – whether that's natural versus flat sound or wide versus narrow dispersion.

  Features	Focal Shape 65	Adam Audio A7V
  Tweeter Directivity	Low tweeter directivity for a flexible listening position	Handmade precision X-ART tweeter
  Design	Designed without a port allowing it to be placed near a wall	Two-way A7V combines a new 7-inch woofer built from Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fibers
  Settings	Numerous settings for optimal integration & accurate control, even in the very high end	Room adaptation equalization: Bass, Desk, Presence, and Treble
  Cone	Flax sandwich cone: controlled & articulated bass; natural & detailed lower mid-range; & upper mid-range registers	Multi-Layer Mineral Woofer: A Series woofers are constructed with a unique blend of mineral stone fibers that have been baked together to create a lightweight but highly stable material
  Fastening Mechanisms	Fastening mechanisms present on the back and underneath the loudspeaker: for installing on the ceiling or a wall fastening accessories not supplied	N/A
  Output Wattage	220.0 watts	N/A
  Power Source Type	Corded electric	N/A
  DSP Based Electronics	N/A	The A Series capitalizes on the transformative power of DSP-based electronics to provide greater tuning precision and better predictability than analog-only speakers
  Vocings	N/A	A Voicing is a pre-defined sound profile of the A Series monitors. On the back panel, you will find two different selections, UNR and Pure. Here you will also find the Ext option which is dedicated to the extended functionality that comes with A Control via the Ethernet connection
  Frequency Range	N/A	41 Hz to 42 kHz

What You Need To Know About Focal Shape 65

The Focal Shape 65 is quite a powerful piece of audio equipment. Just imagine it – this speaker boasts an impressive output wattage of 220.0 watts! You can expect to have some great sound blasting out from this bad boy. The best part? It's power source is corded electric, so you won't have to worry about batteries running out mid-song.

Its design allows for low tweeter directivity, meaning you'll have a flexible listening position. Great news if you like to move around while jamming to your favorite beats!

The speaker comes with numerous settings for optimal integration and accurate control, even when it gets to the very high end of the scale. All in all, this means more precision and less distortion for your music.

A neat feature about its design is that it doesn't require a port; making it suitable to be placed near a wall without compromising on the sound quality. Plus, there are also fastening mechanisms present on the back and underneath of the speaker which makes installing on the ceiling or wall possible – just note that the necessary accessories aren't supplied with your purchase.

Also worth mentioning is its special Flax sandwich cone. This infuses controlled and articulated bass with natural detail in both lower and upper mid-range registers – perfect for getting every nuance out of those intricate compositions!

Want more info? Check out detailed specs at Focal's official page. Don't wait too long though – with quality this good, they might just fly off the shelves!

My 1 Month Review Of The Focal Shape 65

Design and Build

After a month of using the Focal Shape 65, I must say, this thing is built like a tank. It has this robust, sturdy build that feels incredibly premium. The black and grey colors give it a rich professional look that would enhance any workspace or studio.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is something else, I mean it’s just spectacular. It delivers such a clear, detailed sound that really brings out the essence of my music. I sense no distortion even when cranked up to max volume, which is an amazing feature in itself.
– Superb low-end performance: The bass from this bad boy is punchy without being overpowering – a perfect balance in my opinion.
– Mid-range: The mid-range frequencies are distinct and clean which greatly enhances vocal tracks.
– High-end: The high end is crisp without any harshness; listening to high-frequency instruments felt like a new experience with these speakers.

User Experience

The controls are user-friendly. Initially, it took me some time to get used to it but after figuring out what's what, adjusting settings became second nature. One thing I particularly liked was the LFE mode feature that allows for desktop optimization – very thoughtful indeed!

Value for Money

Now let's talk about value for money. Yes, these monitors might be on the pricier side but let me tell you why they're worth every penny:
– Superior sound quality
– Robust build
– User-friendly controls
To put simply – they deliver on all fronts!

Overall as an audiophile and casual listener, I am thoroughly impressed by the Focal Shape 65. From its sleek design to its stunning sound profile – everything just screams ‘quality'. This one month with Focal Shape 65 has truly been an enjoyable ride!

What You Need To Know About Adam Audio A7V

The ADAM Audio A7V Speaker is an upgraded version of the highly acclaimed A7X. The A7V uses a new 7-inch woofer made from Multi-Layer Mineral (MLM) fibers, created by baking mineral stone fibers together, resulting in an incredibly stable yet lightweight material. This innovative design allows it to produce a wide range of frequencies from 41 Hz to 42 kHz.

Another cool feature is the handmade precision X-ART tweeter which ADAM Audio is known for. It amplifies high-frequency sound making your music clearer and more detailed. The A7V also comes with DSP-based electronics, which offer higher precision and better predictability than regular analog speakers.

One customization option you will have with this speaker is the ability to choose from two pre-defined sound profiles, or “voicings”, named UNR and Pure. These are accessible on the back panel along with an ‘Ext' option for further functionalities when connected via Ethernet.

But what makes this speaker really shine its ability to adapt to your room's acoustics with four different equalization options: Bass, Desk, Presence, and Treble also found on the back panel.

This means you can tweak the sound output depending on where you place your speaker or how your room is structured – enhancing your listening experience immensely! These features make the ADAM Audio's A Series A7V one smart and versatile speaker!

My 1 Month Review Of The Adam Audio A7V

After a month of testing the Adam Audio A7V, here are my thoughts:

Sound Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Adam Audio A7V was the exceptional sound quality. The bass was punchy and tight, while the mid-range and highs were crystal clear. The balance between different frequencies was just perfect – not too boomy or overly sharp.

Detail Retrieval

I am particularly impressed with their ability to extract intricate details. With these speakers, I started to notice subtle elements in songs that I never heard before, even in familiar tracks! These speakers just expose every nuance of your audio.

User Experience and Design

The user experience and design of Adam Audio A7V is top-notch.
Setup was fairly easy and straightforward. Even if you're not particularly tech-savvy, you should be able to set it up quickly without any issues.
Not only do they sound amazing but they look great too! These monitors sport a clean, stylish design that easily fits into any studio setting.

Durability

One month in and I can vouch for their durability. They have been used daily without showing any signs of wear or quality degradation.

Bang for Buck

At this price point, one would expect some compromises, but with the Adam Audio A7V monitors, it's really hard to find faults.
These are truly professional-grade monitors offering exceptional value for money.

In summary:
– Exceptional Sound Quality
– Detailed sound reproduction
– Easy setup
– Stylish Design
– Durable
– Value for Money

Having spent a whole month with these brilliant pieces of technology makes me conclude that anyone seriously invested in audio production needs to consider adding some A7Vs into their rig.

Who The Focal Shape 65 Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Adam Audio A7V

Focal Shape 65 is a high-end studio monitor that's perfect for both seasoned professionals and serious audiophiles. If you're in the market for an upgrade to your existing studio monitors, here's why Focal Shape 65 might be the ideal choice for you:

• Exceptional sound quality:
The Focal Shape 65 boasts excellent audio fidelity. Users have praised its clear and detailed high and low frequencies, as well as its natural sounding bass. Its midrange detail is particularly noteworthy – a feature often lacking in other speakers within this price range.

• Long listening comfort:
You'll find the Focal Shape 65 to be incredibly comfortable to listen to over long periods of time. This is ideal if you're planning on spending hours in your recording studio or just enjoying your favorite playlist.

• Wide imaging sweet spot:
Unlike some other models, these monitors provide a wide imaging sweet spot, meaning you won't need to constantly adjust your position to achieve the best sound quality.

However, it worth noting that:
– The on/off switch is located at the back of the unit which can be inconvenient.
– There isn't a volume control on the unit itself which means adjustments must be made via mixer or sound card.

Before making this significant investment, you may want to consider these factors:
– These are not entry-level speakers. They are designed with a professional ear in mind.
– They come with an auto off/on feature which can take some getting used to.
– Due to their advanced features and specifications, they do command a higher price point than some other options in the market.

So if you value exceptional detail across all frequency ranges and require a monitor that can comfortably handle long listening sessions, then Focal Shape 65 could well be what you've been searching for.

Who The Adam Audio A7V Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Focal Shape 65

Who is Adam Audio A7V for?
Adam Audio A7V is designed for professional sound engineers, producers, and audiophiles who value exceptional sound quality above all else. It's also suitable for anyone who uses Sonarworks software regularly as these monitors offer a seamless integration with Sonarworks.

Why might someone choose to buy it?

• Sonarworks Integration: One of the most compelling reasons you might choose the Adam Audio A7V is its compatibility with Sonarworks. If you are someone who works extensively with this platform, these monitors could lead to a smoother workflow without having to open the program or plugin frequently.

• Exceptional Sound Quality: If you are upgrading from basic speakers like Yamaha HS5's, you will find an immediate difference in sound quality. The image and detail that Adam Audio A7V offers are prominent, providing a fuller picture of your mixes.

• Incredible Power: The speakers are incredibly powerful to deliver a huge sound. However, they remain appealing due to their amazing sound quality rather than just the loudness.

Potential Pain Points

While this product has many advantages, there might be some areas where users may feel less satisfied:

• You might find the connection process a bit complex as it involves ethernet cables and USB switches.

• The A Control software could have been more user-friendly. At the initial stages of shipping these monitors, issues were reported about bugs in this beta version software.

Despite these potential pain points, many enthusiasts of audio and music production have found that after moving past the setup stage and any initial software bugs they were faced with, the benefits of Adam Audio A7V far outweighed any initial barriers they encountered.

For those who require power-packed studio monitors and use Sonarworks frequently in their work processes – purchasing Adam Audio A7V would address all their needs effectively.

I understand if the Focal Shape 65 and Adam Audio A7V don't quite meet your requirements. That's why I have compared similar products in other posts that you might find useful. Take a look at my comparison between the Focal Shape 65 vs M-Audio BX4 if you're interested in exploring these brands.

If Neumann's renowned sound appeals to you, then my post on the Focal Shape 65 vs Neumann KH120 might be just what you’re after. For something different, check out my article on the Focal Shape 65 vs Yamaha HS5.

Or perhaps you'd find Focal Shape 65 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2 more up your alley. Each post provides detailed comparisons to help you choose your perfect match!

FAQs

Buyer's Guide: Important Things To Consider & Look Out For When Buying Speakers

1. Identify Your Needs and Preferences

The first step in purchasing a pair of monitor speakers online is identifying your specific needs and preferences. For example, are you seeking studio monitors for professional audio monitoring or are you just an avid music listener who appreciates high-quality sound?

Keep an eye out for whether you need active speakers, like the Focal Shape 65, which have built-in amplifiers and can save precious space in a home studio setting. Alternatively, maybe your focus is on smaller, 6.5-inch speakers, such as the Adam Audio A7V—ideal for those who need powerful performance from a compact size.

2. Focus on Frequency Response

When browsing through different models of monitor speakers online, pay close attention to the specific details about each speaker's frequency response.. This refers to how well a speaker reproduces sound across all frequencies—from the lowest (such as bass) to the highest (like treble).

In this regard, it's essential not just to look at numbers but also read users' reviews about matters like low frequency extension and high-frequency detail representation.

3. Prioritize Sound Accuracy

For anyone involved in production or who simply values quality listening experiences, focusing on the sound accuracy offered by monitor speakers is pivotal. Again here, models like the Focal Shape 65 excel with their ability to reproduce audio accurately—a key factor when making critical tweaks during mastering sessions.

4. Consider Imaging Precision

If you're looking for depth and realism in your sound playback, consider investing in monitors that offer excellent imaging precision—this often ties directly into their overall sound accuracy.

Near-field monitors,, again like the Adam Audio A7V, are designed specifically to provide precise stereo imaging when listened to from a close proximity—an essential feature if accurate panning decisions need to be made during mixing sessions.

5. Read User Reviews

Before making any online purchase—especially when it comes to technology—it's always wise to take some time reading user reviews about products you're interested in buying! Be sure not only listen for likable features but also any potential inconveniences or issues they may have faced with using those speakers.

6 .Consider Room Size

Don't overlook this point because ultimately your room size can affect how well certain models will perform acoustically within that space.

Larger rooms might require bigger monitors capable of producing more output; however smaller settings could benefit more from compact yet powerful options like near-field monitors or even 6-iches ones!

7: Value for Money

Lastly but equally important consider if what’s offered by these speakers match up with their price tag – giving special attention towards those aspects mentioned above such as frequency response range ,sound accuracy and imaging precision which contribute heavily towards deciding value-for-money!

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