Adam Audio Studio Pro SP-5 Closed-Back Headphones

2019-07-25T09:21:39

Firstly, let me mention some of what struck me as the positive aspects of the Adam Audio “SP-5” headphones: They are fairly substantially built, albeit from what appears to be primarily plastic materials. They are as comfortable as (for instance) the venerable Audio-Technica “ATH-M50 headphones. (The SP-5”s actually have a similar build and very similar padding as the ATH-M50s.) The ear-pads of the “SP-5”s provide a very good “seal” –, and thus they offer as effective repression of ambient noise as I’ve ever experienced from a set of headphones. They have a very wide sound reproduction response -, and personally, I found the low-bass response to be quite satisfactory. Personally, I liked Adam’s inclusion of “ULE-technology” (i.e., “Ultra Low Emission” technology), which reputably “reduces magnetic radiation by up to 98%”. If you use headphones for many hours at-a-time (and have concerns about the possible health ill-effects of such prolonged usage), that design feature is quite possibly a worthwhile precautionary aspect. They come standard with a selection of TWO detachable connection-cords: a coiled cord with a ¼-inch-diameter plug, and a straight cord with a 3.5 mm plug (some companies make you pay extra for a coiled cord). They also come with a nice semi-rigid storage case. I would say that these are probably some of the better CLOSED-BACK headphones that you’d be able to find in this price-range. ~ One other positive quality of the “SP-5”s that I wanted to emphasize (despite my forthcoming “negative” assessments) is that I found this model to have an amazingly clear and articulate mid-range reproduction. Since this model is especially intended for studious listening of professional recording mixes, etc. –, having a midrange reproduction that is remarkably devoid of “murkiness” is a crucially important feature. Even if you use some other model of ‘phones for better overall sound reproduction, the “SP-5”s are especially good for assessing or studying sonic material in that midrange area. ~ Now let me mention some of what I consider to be the NEGATIVE aspects of the “SP-5”s: Let me explain that I was initially attracted to the “SP-5” headphones due to their “S-LOGIC Plus technology” feature, which promised “a soundstage and spatial-imaging similar to the experience of using reference-monitors”. In fact. I would estimate that the “SP-5”s only provide the perception of around a meager 20° of forward placement of the sound sources from the usual “hard-left / hard-right” placement situation of regular headphones. Also, I had a concern that since this is a “closed-back” model of headphones, that its design would impart a “compression effect” to its sound — as is typical of closed-back models. A YouTube “review video” of this product said that it didn’t have this effect; but quite-the-contrary, I must opine that this model DOES impart a very noticeable “compression effect”. For-instance, I also have a set- of AKG “K702” OPEN-BACK headphones –, and I’d say they provide MUCH better transient response and dynamic “detail” than the “SP-5”s. (I wish some company would produce a model of ‘phones that could somehow combine the general sound quality of the “K702”s with the mid-range clarity of the “SP-5”s — at a decently AFFORDABLE price.) Finally — speaking of price — all-things-considered, I personally figure that the Adam “SP-5” are somewhat overpriced, considering that their construction is only comparable with (for instance) the much more affordable ATH-M50s; and their overall sound quality is in some ways actually inferior to (for instance) the “K702”s, which cost only about ? of the price of the “SP-5”s. Due to these assessments of mine, if you are considering buying the “SP-5”s –, I would recommend that, if possible, you personally audition them before making your purchase.

CHARLES E.