Andrew Chapman Creative’s ADAM Audio A7V Review: Truth, Lies, and Ribbon Tweeters

Three Years In: The A7V Reality Check

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as perfect speakers. Andrew Chapman Creative opens with this hard truth, reminding us that every monitor lies in its own way—you just have to pick the lies you can live with. The ADAM Audio A7V, under Chapman’s microscope for nearly three years, gets the long-haul treatment here, not some shiny unboxing fluff.

Chapman’s approach is refreshingly blunt. He’s mixed on these, checked results in the car, on headphones, and even up against a Bluetooth speaker for translation checks. He’s not here to ask if the A7Vs are “good”—he’s asking if they help you make better mixing decisions and if they’re still worth their price tag. If you want a review that skips the honeymoon phase and dives straight into the gritty reality of studio life, this is it.

Accuracy, Clarity, and the Mix Translation Game

Chapman breaks down what matters: accuracy, clarity, nuance, and detail. The A7Vs score a monster 9.5 out of 10 for detail, thanks to those signature XR tweeters. You’ll hear every pin drop and every transient slice through—these monitors are crystal clear, maybe even too honest for some. But with all that detail comes a trade-off: sometimes, the more you see, the less your mix translates to the outside world.

Mix translation is the acid test—how well your mix survives outside your bunker. Chapman’s surprised here: the A7Vs actually pull an 8 out of 10 for translation, better than he expected. They’re not just forensic tools; they help your intent survive the jump to headphones, cars, and cheap speakers. But don’t expect miracles—no speaker nails every category, and you’ll still have to make peace with a few compromises.

"I'm going to give them a 9.5 out of 10."

© Screenshot/Quote: Andrewchapmancreative (YouTube)

A7V vs. The Competition: Neumann KH120s and Beyond

What’s a review without a little shootout? Chapman lines up the A7Vs against the Neumann KH120s, both in the same price ring. The Neumanns are midrange masters—great for sorting vocals, guitars, and pianos—but they leave you guessing on the low end. The A7Vs, on the other hand, bring the sub frequencies with more authority, letting your kicks punch where they should.

On the high end, the Neumanns sizzle, while the A7Vs keep things tamed and controlled. Both mixes work, but the A7Vs offer a more balanced picture, especially if you’re after true low-end and less ear-piercing highs. Chapman’s not shy about calling out the differences—if you want to hear the real impact, you’ll need to check the video for the full sonic street fight.

Room Matters: Treated vs. Untreated Spaces

Here’s the kicker: the A7Vs like a treated room. Chapman points out that these monitors reward you for sorting your acoustics—stick them in an untreated box and you’ll miss half the magic. The translation score gets a boost if your space isn’t a sonic disaster, so don’t blame the speakers if your room’s bouncing bass everywhere.

He also dives into ear fatigue, that sneaky gremlin that ruins late-night mixes. Surprisingly, the A7Vs are easy on the ears, scoring 8.25 out of 10. You can mix for hours without feeling like you’ve been in a toaster-fight. That’s rare for such detailed monitors, and a big win if you’re grinding out long sessions.

Final Verdict: Still a Street Weapon in 2026?

"For me, the answer is yes."

© Screenshot/Quote: Andrewchapmancreative (YouTube)

So, are the A7Vs still worth your cash? Chapman’s answer is a solid yes—these monitors help you make better mixing decisions, with best-in-class clarity and a low end that doesn’t lie. They’re not perfect, but they’re a serious upgrade if you’re moving up from entry-level boxes and want something that’ll actually tell you the truth.

Despite a few quirks and the need for a decent room, the A7Vs remain a compelling choice for producers who want their mixes to survive the outside world. If you’re ready to step up your monitoring game and want a tool that kicks like a drunken horse, Chapman says these are still in the fight. For the full sonic punch, though, you’ll want to catch the video—some things just can’t be put into words.