ADM9's

The speakers have caused a lot of controversy over the years for some of the claims associated with them.  However, in my experience, they really are game changers.

For me, they replaced a passive system that cost over £8000 and it wasn't even close.  Obviously tastes differ so, as with all kit, do try to have a listen to make sure they suit you before committing yourself as they're not for everyone.  Some people complain about a lack of bass and others think they're too clinical - whatever that means.

How large is the room?  They have plenty of power so will go loud enough for most rooms and circumstances, but as you've got the space and if funds allow, I'd recommend adding the matching sub, especially if you you want to use them for home-cinema as well as hi-fi duties.

Have a look at Dynaudios XEO speakers, but the AVI ADMs come in cheaper.

I should also add that any extraordinary claims regarding performance, particularly when comparing to 'much more expensive' systems, should be taken with a large pinch of salt until you can her them in action and this applies to other equipment too.

I had an audition of the 9s in comparison with some other similar active (adam, dynaudio) and passive (PMC) speakers - check my system thread for a brief report.

From my experience they are very good and hold extremely well even in comparison with much larger ATC SCM 50s, within the size limitations, of cause - i.e. in comparison with the 50s the 9s will be a bit weak on deeper and loud bass but perfom as good on all other fronts. The bass they have is excellent, jsut not as deep as on bigger speakers. I think that with a good sub (and I said it many times) the 9s will be almost impossible to beat at ANY budget. given that thye are also a remote pre-amp they are unbeatable value for money and a must try for anybody considering proper HIFI, even if they already have preamps, amps and speakers, however expensive.

agreed.  the only reason i don't have some is because i don't really have anywhere to put the sub, which i think is necessary if you listen to bass heavy music.  i think they are better than almost every passive system i've heard regardless of price.  i could go on  and on about how much better they are, and the reasons why, than passives.  but i won't.

I'm yet to hear a pasive system anywhere near the £2k mark that sounds anywhere near as good as mine. I find actives tend to offer better value for money anyway, and these do happen to be a pretty good example of some. I checked out some Adams and Dyns and found the AVI to be better. They are definately worth a listen if you are looking into the active ranges. I'm not sure how much you're looking to spend, but if you're worried about the sub, then there's the ADM40s which are due out soonish I think. They are apparently planning on doing a sub for them but I'd imagine the size would give at least some of the bass extension. 

I've only heard them at a show, and they sounded harsh and 'shouty' to my ears. Obviously some peeps would say my system is likely to be rolling-off the top-end, so it's a matter of personal taste.

I'm also curious about the ADM 9's. My question is whether thy are acceptable for listening to music without a sub (I have no interest in HT). I'm not a bass freak by any stretch of the imagination, but I do listen to all kinds of music (including hip-hop and reggae). 

I think they're fantastic speakers, easily the best i've ever heard. I'm currently using them without a sub and they're bassy enough for me. The clarity and naturelness of them is amazing.

I must say, while I don't agree with the "bass shy" comments of some people. They have plenty of bass down to below 60Hz, I personally couldn't use them without a sub (in much the same way as any other smallish standmount)

Mainly due to the amount of bass heavy music I listen to I guess

-

But from my own experience, the Avi sub is definitely not a must. It obviously is preferable, but both my MJA and BK subs integrate beautifully with my ADM9Ts.

-

I think anyone in the market for a high quality system with smallish standmount speakers should at least try to listen to them. They are certainly not "harsh" or "shrill" by any stretch of the imagination. "Accurate" and unforgiving of poor recordings maybe.

It depends which people, as you can see. When I heard them I said this:

www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/very-interesting-demo-today?page=5

In other words they are very good but didn't do it for me. It's probably the room's fault...

Do remember that they have just been 'improved' and they are claimed to be 'quite a bit better'. Although why they had to bother is unclear.

i assume your pmcs have enough bass in your room?

When you say it's unclear why they had to be improved, does this mean you thought they were fine as they were?  I thought you had an issue with a lack of bass with them?

I liked the ADMs straight away, but I can understand how they can a bit of a shock after a lot of speakers.  Some people use EQ to add a mid bass hump to make them sound like the passive speakers they're used to.  When I compared my outgoing speakers to the ADMs + sub, I realised that although mid bass was considerably louder on the passives, they had a lot less extension and what bass they did have was not as well defined (to my ears).

Yes. As I've said many, many times in the past, I'm sure they'd be totally different in my room, which is why I urge people to listen to them and decide for themselves.