darrenwm Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Background Being a happy owner of this controversial speaker for the whole of 2008 I was excited to upgrade to the latest model. A nice Wammer collected my '9s on Tuesday, and arrived yesterday. Physical differences I was boring and went for the same finish, so my brand new speakers look exactly the same as my old ones! The only visual indication is the label on the rear panel, and a subtle change in connectivity. The remote control has changed from light grey plastic to light blue plastic. The change in functionality is the addition of a second optical input, bringing the total of inputs to three. The internal differences are a new DAC - Wolfson WM8471 - and some sort of upgrades to the power amp section. The price has gone up too - £1125. Sound quality I haven't listened for long yet and look forward to spending time with them. The initial observation is more clarity to the sound. The knock-on effect of this more detail, more apparent subtle dynamics, and I am finding vocals in particular much easier to pick out. I am happy with the change. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Hi darren - Thanks for the opinion and the photos. I look forward to your thoughts on the sound as you spend more time with 9.1s. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
radar2886 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Darren, Thanks for the comments. I was hoping I would not get the upgrade bug, but I may have to make the switch when they become available in the States. I am really happy with the original USB version, but with more 24 bit material becoming available I think it would make sense to switch. Although I will miss that ability to rip my records to my Mac. I thought the new version was just going to be a DAC and connectivity upgrade, but it sounds like a lot of the electronics were also improved. ADM9.1s ,2.0 Ghz Mac Mini, Panasonic BD-35 blu-ray player. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Hi Radar - Soon I will have both the 9 and 9.1s in my listening room! I'll have a full report in the near future. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
darrenwm Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Are you getting two pairs for comparison? Or do you have an existing pair? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I'm getting both in for review. The 9s are here already and I await the 9.1s arrival! Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
darrenwm Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Chris, how do you find the ADM9? Do you like them? How would you rate them for the money, and against other speakers? What do you consider to be their main rivals? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Hi Darren - I've only spent a limited amount of time with the ADM9s so I can't offer too much information at this point. My first impression of them was really positive. They are substantial speakers, well designed, and the sound is much bigger than one would expect. So, only positives to speak about thus far. A thorough review to come... Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
darrenwm Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 I've spent more time with the 9.1s and they really are incredible. It'll be interesting to see if you think they're a big step forward too. I certainly do! Link to comment
radar2886 Posted July 25, 2008 Share Posted July 25, 2008 Come on Darren you are supposed to say that there is no real change except the DAC and inputs. Now I am going to have to upgrade for sure. Just out of curosity are you the same guy who posted the teardown pictures on hifiwigwam. ADM9.1s ,2.0 Ghz Mac Mini, Panasonic BD-35 blu-ray player. Link to comment
darrenwm Posted July 25, 2008 Author Share Posted July 25, 2008 When I heard the first side-by-side comparison I thought they were slightly better, but having had them at home now I can be certain they're a big step forward, and could definitely identify the new ones blind. The extra input is just a bonus. Link to comment
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