Experts recommend Adam Audio A7V more than Focal Shape 65
As of 10 Jan 2025, experts prefer Adam Audio A7V over Focal Shape 65, but both Studio Monitors have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Adam Audio A7V received 4 recommendations: from Pocket-lint (2 Dec 2023), Careers In Music (27 Nov 2024) PianoDreamers (14 Sep 2024) and 1 other. By contrast, Focal Shape 65 received only 2 recommendations from Hyperbits and Music Radar (27 Nov 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor | higherhz.com  | Pocket-lint  | woodandfirestudio.com  | Hyperbits  | Gearank  | Careers In Music  | Music Radar  | PianoDreamers  | Music Critic  | Popular Science  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | - | $720 |
 Adam Audio A7V The Adam Audio A7V Studio Monitor is a powerful and accurate speaker that is ideal for professional recording studios, home studios, and music producers who require high-quality sound and accurate monitoring. | - | 5 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 8 | 7 | - |
| 12 | - | $899 |  Focal Shape 65 The Focal Shape 65 Studio Monitor is a powerful and precise nearfield monitor suitable for professional use, praised for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction and well-balanced low-frequency performance. | - | - | - | 12 | - | - | 1 | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Studio Monitors ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 2 Dec 2023 Pocket-lint ranked Adam Audio A7V as #5
Rank Studio Monitor Comment ... ... ... #5 out of 6 Adam Audio A7V Best mid-priced studio monitors... ... ... Source: www.pocket-lint.com - On 27 Nov 2024 Careers In Music ranked Adam Audio A7V as #1
Rank Studio Monitor #1 out of 8 Adam Audio A7V ... ... Source: www.careersinmusic.com - On 14 Sep 2024 PianoDreamers ranked Adam Audio A7V as #8
Rank Studio Monitor Comment ... ... ... #8 out of 10 Adam Audio A7V Best Studio Monitors Under $1500 (For The Serious Home Studios)... ... ... Source: www.pianodreamers.com - On 16 Feb 2024 Music Critic ranked Adam Audio A7V as #7
Rank Studio Monitor ... ... #7 out of 10 Adam Audio A7V ... ... Source: musiccritic.com - Hyperbits ranked Focal Shape 65 as #12
Rank Studio Monitor Comment ... ... ... #12 out of 20 Focal Shape 65 Best Professional Monitors ($1,000-$5,000/pair)... ... ... Source: hyperbitsmusic.com - On 27 Nov 2024 Music Radar ranked Focal Shape 65 as #1
Rank Studio Monitor Comment #1 out of 9 Focal Shape 65 The best value for money high-end studio monitors... ... ... Source: www.musicradar.com
After counting and adding up the 99 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Adam Audio A7V outranks Focal Shape 65. This is not to say that Focal Shape 65 is a bad option. Like Adam Audio A7V, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Adam Audio A7V outranks Focal Shape 65 by 9 positions. This indicates that, as of 10 Jan 2025, Adam Audio A7V is more critically acclaimed than Focal Shape 65.
| Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor | higherhz.com | Pocket-lint | woodandfirestudio.com | Hyperbits | Gearank | Careers In Music | Music Radar | PianoDreamers | Music Critic | Popular Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $198 |  Yamaha HS5 The Yamaha HS5 is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it a great choice for home studios and small recording spaces. | - | - | - | 4 | 8 | - | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | - | Check price |  JBL 305P MkII The JBL 305P MkII is a highly recommended and affordable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction with advanced technology and excellent stereo imaging. | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | - | 7 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | - | $720 | Adam Audio A7V The Adam Audio A7V Studio Monitor is a powerful and accurate speaker that is ideal for professional recording studios, home studios, and music producers who require high-quality sound and accurate monitoring. | - | 5 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 8 | 7 | - |
| 4 | - | Check price |  Neumann KH 120 A The Neumann KH 120 A is a bi-amplified speaker system designed for accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it ideal for critical listening applications in professional recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast environments. | - | - | 1 | - | 12 | 4 | - | - | 9 | - |
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Expert reviews [7]
Total expert reviews: 7
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 4
| Highest score by Home DJ Studio | 94 |
| Average score based on 7 reviews | 90 |
| Lowest score by strongsounds.com | 87 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [10]
Total expert reviews: 10
- with a score: 3
- without a score: 7
| Highest score by techapel.com | 100 |
| Average score based on 10 reviews | 90 |
| Lowest score by What Hi-Fi | 80 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- Powered Studio Monit with 7" LF Driver
- Rotatable X-ART HF Driver
- DSP-based Tuning (each)
- Read more
From Seller:
- Low tweeter directivity for a flexible listening position
- Designed without a port allowing it to be placed near a wall
- Numerous settings for optimal integration & accurate control, even in the very high end. Numerous settings for optimal integration & accurate control, even in the very high end
- Read more