Adam A7X: Buzzing and rattling around 100-150Hz

[blueman]

Several months ago, I picked up a set of Adam A7X monitors (brand new) at Guitar Center; they are the "glossy" style. After using them for about 2 months, I started noticing a buzzing sound (on one speaker) that eventually evolved into a rattle whenever playing bass notes around 100-150Hz range. It was harder to discern at lower volumes, but when I got up near -15dB to -12dB in volume, it really started to become apparent, so...I sent them in for warranty repair. I got the monitor back and it worked perfectly, until a few weeks ago when the rattle returned. I sent it back in again for (a second) repair. Initially, I was told that some speaker wire was touching the speaker cone and that's probably what caused the rattle; the tech secured the wire inside the cabinet and viola, it was fixed; well, temporarily (as it turns out)

At this point, I'm pretty nervous about whether or not I can trust these monitors I bought them based on the stellar reviews they receive and it's ironic that, for the money I spent (over $1,000), I am having issues with quality control/construction.

Have any of you heard of this happening with A7X monitors before? Any idea(s) about what it could be? I NEVER turn them up past unity gain; they stay parked at the center "0" setting, and I rarely get them louder than -15dB with attenuation (I'm using a Nano Patch for passive attenuation). I just don't get it! Could it be that these monitors just don't handle bass well?

I'm anxious to hear any thoughts or ideas you guys might have. Could it be something I'm doing wrong, or is it just poor QA/workmanship, or bad luck?

You can hear an audio clip of the buzzing (rattle) here.

Thanks for the help!
Rich

[lfm]

I was very close getting a pair of those as well - and never heard anything but good about them.

Bad speaker element is my first thought. But if it's on both speakers that is rather unlikely.

It's 5 years warranty as I remember - at least in Europe.

Ask to have them replaced - not repaired.

It's german product - and I always felt german businesses are very serious about their reputation and good to deal with.

Contact them directly if no success with US agent.

[FaX]

Several months ago, I picked up a set of Adam A7X monitors (brand new) at Guitar Center; they are the "glossy" style. After using them for about 2 months, I started noticing a buzzing sound (on one speaker) that eventually evolved into a rattle whenever playing bass notes around 100-150Hz range. It was harder to discern at lower volumes, but when I got up near -15dB to -12dB in volume, it really started to become apparent, so...I sent them in for warranty repair. I got the monitor back and it worked perfectly, until a few weeks ago when the rattle returned. I sent it back in again for (a second) repair. Initially, I was told that some speaker wire was touching the speaker cone and that's probably what caused the rattle; the tech secured the wire inside the cabinet and viola, it was fixed; well, temporarily (as it turns out)

At this point, I'm pretty nervous about whether or not I can trust these monitors I bought them based on the stellar reviews they receive and it's ironic that, for the money I spent (over $1,000), I am having issues with quality control/construction.

Have any of you heard of this happening with A7X monitors before? Any idea(s) about what it could be? I NEVER turn them up past unity gain; they stay parked at the center "0" setting, and I rarely get them louder than -15dB with attenuation (I'm using a Nano Patch for passive attenuation). I just don't get it! Could it be that these monitors just don't handle bass well?

I'm anxious to hear any thoughts or ideas you guys might have. Could it be something I'm doing wrong, or is it just poor QA/workmanship, or bad luck?

You can hear an audio clip of the buzzing (rattle) here.

Thanks for the help!
Rich

They handle bass exceptionally well.
People often ask me what sub I'm using in my room and I don't have on (pair of A7X's).
I'd demand a new pair as mine are absolutely flawless and never been an issue to work with.
Just so you know - I'd say you're the exception to the rule.
Rattle is not something that my Adams do at all and they should go down to around 45hz quite comfortably.
That definitely sounds borked.

[spitboxer]

From prior reviews, I looked before I picked up a pair myself. There was an early run that user's reported having this issue.

check this thread

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... dam-9.html

My understanding is there was a point in time Adam fixed the issue and the later ones seem to not have those problems. I forgot where exactly, but someone posted a serial number cut-off. So if yours were before you might have issues, if after you should be fine.

[blueman]

Thanks guys. I greatly appreciate your input! I just feel sick to my stomach having spent this much money thinking I was getting a "high quality" set of monitors.

I'm starting to regret this purchase, and wondering if I should just sell them off and spend my money somewhere else?

[spitboxer]

Nobody's perfect! Sometimes things get overlooked even by the big guys. To me they are kick ass speakers. You should find out the serial and cross check em. If not, get a brand new pair. I'm sure adam will take care of you.

Sometimes we have to deal with the hassles, sometimes we are the lucky ones.

Good luck!

[blueman]

I'm sure adam will take care of you.

Sometimes we have to deal with the hassles, sometimes we are the lucky ones.

Good luck!

Well said, and thanks again!

[blueman]

check this thread

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... dam-9.html

That helps A LOT! Those posts are [unfortunately] completely consistent with my experience; at least I understand what's going on now. I can't check the serial number on that particular monitor because it's in route to Adam in NY, but I did check the other one (which, incidentally does not have this issue) and the serial number was well above the numbers they mentioned. Hmmm, that's interesting indeed.

R

[Monib]

I bought a pair about 2 years ago, and they are still going strong! No rattling, I would say try to get it repaired.

[blueman]

I asked them to replace the one with the rattle. The other one is working perfectly and I haven't had any problems with it. They are not exactly a matched pair, right? So, it would be okay to just replace the one that's faulty? Well, I know it would take some time to break in the new monitor, but other than that, do I really need to worry about them being replaced as a pair?

[Zero dB]

Noooo if you're going for replacement I'd say definitely get the pair replaced! They might sound different and the second monitor could surely develop the same fault at some point? Best to just get it all sorted in one.

ZdB

[blueman]

This is starting to get stupid! I had to call the guy on the phone today to re-explain everything and convince him of the same exact problem that he already fixed back in March (yes, this is the same guy!). They seem defensive and unwilling to accept that I have a defective monitor. Honestly, I'm ready to give up and cut my losses.

[musikmachine]

And they've heard the clip of it buzzing and know of the buzzing issue from earlier models?

[AstralExistence]

i don't think your taking this to 'the next level' when you should be. if i were you, this would either be a lawsuit, or threat of one. this is ridiculous. what are you waiting for? i think you need to call there main office and demand a full replacement, or full money back. to quote the movie roadhouse, "be nice, until its time to not be nice" your being way to passive and you cant be passive with a company. you need to tell them whats up, see how they react to your complaint. ask to speak to the office manager, if no result demand it, feel free to be rude and aggressive.

if still no result, (under aggressive demand most times company will get scared and will refund your money in full, replace your item, and basically kiss your ass) then threaten to sue. wtf are you waiting for??? being passive will get you zero results. in fact if you do take them to small claims, they may not even send a rep due to the cost sending one. then you win. your statue of limitations (the legal ability to sue) are fading fast though. so cmon grow some, and stand up for yourself. get on it man.

[blueman]

And they've heard the clip of it buzzing and know of the buzzing issue from earlier models?

I sent them clips, yes. I'm not sure they know of the buzzing issue from earlier models though