Digital Drive: REVIEW: AVI ADM9.1 Speakers by radar2866

Model:	ADM9.1
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$2250
Description:	Two way active standmount with built in DAC and pre-amp
Manufacturer URL:	AVI

Review by radar2866 on February 22, 2009 at 16:22:32
IP Address: 99.7.154.217 Add Your Review
for the ADM9.1

This is a review of the AVI ADM 9.1 active speakers. These are unique in that they are a self contained hi-fi system that is designed to take advantage of the growing popularity of computers and servers as sources of digital media. Both speakers contain active crossovers and two amplifiers, while the left speaker contains a remote controlled three input pre amp with one analog input and two optical inputs which are connected to a Wolfson 24/192 DAC. All a person has to do is plug in a digital or analog source and they are ready to go.

Before the 9.1s I was using an AVI pre paired with ATC active 20-2s, and while there was a lot I liked about the ATCs, they always had a harshness that bothered me. At the same time I was starting to acquire more music that was either on DVD or from a computer source so I needed something more than a CD player. I was trying some different high end DVD players when I heard about the 9.1s and how they were designed to work with a computer or other sources. I decided to take the plunge, and all I can say is it was probably the best decision I have made in this hobby.

The 9.1s deliver everything I could want. They are very detailed without ever being harsh, while at the same time they throw a very deep and wide soundstage. No matter if I am playing AIFF files from my Macbook, or spinning a record from my LP-12 they just seem to have a musical coherence and flow that I have not heard with other systems. I think it might start with the fact that the bass is some of the tightest and most detailed that I have heard. This makes it easier for me to follow bass lines and seems to lay a foundation under the music. One example is the Trinity Revisited DVD from the Cowboy Junkies. Throughout the disk, the bass player and drummer just seemed to be locked in to each other, and this brings out all of the guitar and harmony parts from the other performers. It is kind of hard to explain, but music just seems to sound like it is being played as a whole. Since the 9.1s have gotten me more into computer based music, I have been exposed to sites like Archive.org which has a large live music section. I have downloaded some unbelievably awesome Ryan Adams concerts in 16 and 24 bit FLAC files. Some of the more well recorded shows are just phenominal, and they are free and legal -what more could a person ask for. Since the AVIs throw such a soundstage, and are very transparent they also do a great job with movies. I finally broke down and bought a Blu-Ray player, and while the two channel high res tracks won't replace full surround sound, the 9.1s do a pretty convincing job. Like I said I get the same results playing my LP-12 through a Graham Amp 2 SE into the analog input of the 9.1s. Two of my all time favorite records are the 45 RPM of Hugh Masekala's Hope, and Stevie Ray Vaughan Live at the El Macabo. Played back on the 9.1s I get all of the dynamics as well as the subtlety and details of the more quiet passages as well as the ambiance and feel of the clubs in which these performances took place.

In summary, the ADM9.1's not only sound great but also provide an easy way to get into computer audio, while reducing the number of boxes and cost of a hi-fi system. While I would never call the $2250 price tag small money, for the control and playback part of an excellent hi-fi system I find the 9.1s to be a steal, especially when just one standalone component can cost as much.

Product Weakness:	Only three inputs. Can't change components other than source.
Product Strengths:	Incredible sound and ease of use. Great value.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: AVI
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Graham Amp 2 SE
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Macbook LP-12
Speakers: AVI
Cables/Interconnects: Action Hardware, Lifatec
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, rock, blues, female vocals
Room Size (LxWxH): 36' x 36' x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Just my empty basement
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Furman
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	AVI
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Graham Amp 2 SE
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Macbook LP-12
Speakers:	AVI
Cables/Interconnects:	Action Hardware, Lifatec
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, rock, blues, female vocals
Room Size (LxWxH):	36' x 36' x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Just my empty basement
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Furman
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner