Adam Audio Studio Pro SP-5

Unlike their studio monitors, where the ribbon tweeters are an obvious key selling feature, Adam Audio have opted for a relatively classic design with the SP-5, leaning very much toward a more conservative aesthetic. This arguably extends to the technical proficiency of the headphones, with the integrated 40mm drivers a common format and the 70 ohms lying firmly within the range of everyday studio headphones. Technical finesse comes to the forefront instead thanks to Adam Audio’s cooperation with Ultrasone, a business partnership that has endured since the very beginning of Adam Audio. Bavarian-based Ultrasone has contributed its patented S-Logic Plus technology to these headphones. If you read available information on this tech carefully, you’ll notice the stipulation that the acoustic “focal point” of the membrane does not point directly toward the auditory canal. Rather, it is shifted slightly along the axis, intending to give a more spatial sound. Certainly, the partnership between these two companies is a real North-South collaboration, with the SP-5 proudly presented with “Made in Germany” on the inside out of the headband.

Appearance

As mentioned at the start of this review, the SP-5 shines with a pleasantly discreet appearance. It’s finished in matte black, accented only with “Adam Audio” and “S-Logic” branding. The loudspeakers can be pivoted 90 degrees, ensuring that the headphones can be stowed away in the high-quality carry bag that comes with each pair. A straight mini jack/mini jack cable and a spiral mini jack/jack cable are also included in the package. The desired cable is attached to the jack at the left of the headset, with bayonet locking for total security of connection. As a closed headphone design, the ear cups sit relatively firmly on the head, which can provide impressive external noise shielding. However, this also means that you might experience a slight degree of discomfort if wearing them for long periods.

Sound

I’ll keep it short: The Studio Pro SP-5 not only convinced me, but outright impressed me. This is mainly due to the fact that the headphones deliver top performance in all three core areas – frequency response, stereo resolution, plus dynamic/transient display. Firstly, there is the far-reach frequency spectrum. Manufacturer specification here is 8 Hz to 38 kHz. What’s more important about those impressive stats is that they’re also audible. You’re always left with the impression that the SP-5 clearly illuminates all corners of the spectrum. In regards to the overall tuning, the bass in particular – in contrast to many other studio headphones, which act rather discreetly here – gets a lot of attention, which adds to the listening pleasure. In higher frequencies, it’s a little more reserved but in such a way that nothing is missing. Rather, it results in a more “unstressed” sound character. All this takes place in a stereo field that’s as wide as it is resolved. The bold advertising statements of the S-Logic driver certainly aren’t hyperbole. The premier dynamics and crispness round out enjoyment of these headphones. All in all, the result is a sound that’s not only compact and differentiated, but also one that sounds extremely modern. Quality like this is rare for studio headphones. What’s more, due to its swivelling ear cups and closed design, there’s nothing to stop you from taking these studio headphones with you to the DJ booth.