The three-way S5H was designed, as its name suggests, to be used in a horizontal orientation and features two 10-inch Extended Linear Excursion (ELE) bass drivers, newly designed by ADAM Audio specifically for the S Series. Like the LF ELE units on all other models in the range, the S5H’s woofers feature ADAM Audio’s proprietary Symmetrical Magnet Assembly (SMA) ensuring that low-frequency audio remains tightly controlled and free of distortion at all times. The crucial mid-range frequencies are handled by ADAM Audio’s new hybrid DCH. This innovative 4-inch MF driver was also newly developed by ADAM Audio exclusively for the S Series and combines the sonic advantages of cone and dome drivers in a single, one-piece unit.

Together with the S-ART treble driver — the latest version of ADAM Audio’s widely respected folded-ribbon tweeter, now manufactured to tighter tolerances than ever before — the resulting combination produces a powerful but non-fatiguing sound, with a palpable sense of depth: the ultimate in high-resolution, natural-sounding audio reproduction.

The off-axis responses of the treble and mid drivers remain extremely accurate thanks to the addition of high- and mid-frequency waveguides milled from solid aluminum: ADAM Audio’s newly developed Mid-range and High-frequency Propagation Systems (MPS and HPS). The resulting stable, wide-ranging dispersion ensures that teams of more than one person can work in the loudspeakers’ sweet spot simultaneously, as is often necessary in larger control rooms.

The S Series’ custom-designed DSP optimizes the loudspeaker crossovers to create linear responses across the entire range, as well as providing user equalization and in-room tuning/voicing functions. The DSP also manages the limiter-based high-frequency driver protection, processes signals from the AES3 digital inputs, and will eventually support various expansion options. Software updates can be easily performed via the associated USB port, which also allows users to connect computers and control the speakers’ DSP functions through a software interface.

No fewer than three separate amplifiers power the drivers: a 700 W Class D amplifier for the bass drivers, a 300 W Class D for the midrange, and a 100 W Class D unit for the S-ART tweeter.

With its innovative features, advanced design, generous headroom, and enormous dynamic range, the S5H rightfully takes its place as ADAM Audio’s flagship reference monitor: an extraordinary loudspeaker offering audio reproduction to the highest standards of fidelity.