ADS Opinions Sought...

DAA

Active Member
I’m a huge fan of acoustic suspension speakers and currently have my fully restored OLA speakers doing main duty. But, I’m curious about ADS. I have a pair of 300s that I like with a sub. I’m hoping the L420/520/620 May be more my speed. My main amp is a Sony TA F700ES. Plenty of clean power. Jazz, classical, folk/rock mostly. I can grab 420s locally in mint shape for $150 and have a very good sub already. Opinions sought on models to look for. Thx!
 
Pretty much any and all as far as I'm concerned, especially all models with a 3 digit model number. 420s are highly regarded. I really like all models with the original "sticky dome" kids and tweets. Later models with standard soft domes not quite so much. Mint shape L420s at $150 would be a no brainer for me.
 
My room is 13x16...but open on one side. I have system on long wall with speakers about 7’ apart and foot off wall. I sit about 10’ away. Sounds great.

Thinking the 420/520 on stands with a sub crossed low may be ticket.
 
As most do, I really like the ADS offerings. However, my ears are sensitive and develop ear fatigue easily. This was so on the ADS L400 2-way. Not sure if specific to that particular model, but, I have not experienced such on any of their 3-way models and I have/had L710, L880 and L810. Most likely as Porkloin mentions above, it is the midrange that really gets most accolades.
 
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I really enjoy my 520's. Don't feel they are lacking in the midrange. Voices sound very natural. You also may not need a subwoofer with the 520 or 620 (unless you are an organ fan). I was shocked at the bass from my 520's - Quite satisfying.
 
I have owned 520's & 620's, I currently have 300's and 780's, I have heard 1230's and enjoyed them all.

ADS speakers are well built, good looking and great sounding, just about everything you could reasonably want in a speaker.

In an average size room use the single woofer models, in a larger space use the dual woofer models.

It is highly recommended to have the mids and tweeters serviced. While they might sound good as is, after a thorough cleaning and new ferrofluid they really sing.

Richard So is a member here and the "go to" for all things ADS, he can help you with service/repairs.
 
Bigger is better in my opinion, and if you like tight bass I suggest you look for L-710s or larger. As Porkloin says the dome mid is a key addition, and the double woofers help.
 
Currently spinning some jazz vinyl thru the Advents and man, if the ADS top them...I could be a convert...gonna start hunting...
 
I trust Glenn's opinion... I tried to break into his house last Thursday night to steal his ADS910 but he had them glued to the floor... the bastard! LOL ;-)
I thought I heard something in the middle of the night, figured the dog farted! Good to know the 27 tubes of JB Weld I used lived up to the hype and kept the 910's glued solid to the basement concrete! As an extra precaution, I have motion sensors buried in the cabs, and there's a direct line to my local FBI branch office if they move!
 
Been building a collection of ADS speakers for some time now, so far:
aDs 400
a/d/s - L 300c
aDs - L 300
ADS - L400
ADS - L520
ADS - L620
ADS - L880
ADS - L980
ADS - M12

I really don't need this many sets, yet I can't see selling any for a while.
As for the sound, each has their merits in certain settings. For more critical listening, I have the 980 and 880 stacked, and they sound wonderful, play together nicely.
If my curiosity keeps me looking, I might add a L series tower to the list: 1290/1590 perhaps.
i just love their sound, they make most music sound great.
 
Been building a collection of ADS speakers for some time now, so far:
aDs 400
a/d/s - L 300c
aDs - L 300
ADS - L400
ADS - L520
ADS - L620
ADS - L880
ADS - L980
ADS - M12

I really don't need this many sets, yet I can't see selling any for a while.
As for the sound, each has their merits in certain settings. For more critical listening, I have the 980 and 880 stacked, and they sound wonderful, play together nicely.
If my curiosity keeps me looking, I might add a L series tower to the list: 1290/1590 perhaps.
i just love their sound, they make most music sound great.
Nice collection! Keep going!
 
$150 seems like a lot for L420s. You should be able to find L520s or L620s for that price.

I prefer the L620/L520 over the L710/L810.
 
I still have my original pair of 910s, as well as a pair of L series towers, either 1290 or 1590, that are still driven by internal amplifiers. I know that the 910s need some work, as the top end isn't as good as it used to be, and there is a general loss of definition in the sound. (cross-overs, tweeter issues, dried out bass drivers?) I also worry that the L towers will fail sooner or later ( they've been used ten months a year for decades).

If these speakers / amps need service, is there a trusted place / ADS specialist I can take them for service? If not, will I have to do it myself?
Also: should I ask these questions as part of a new thread?
 
I still have my original pair of 910s, as well as a pair of L series towers, either 1290 or 1590, that are still driven by internal amplifiers. I know that the 910s need some work, as the top end isn't as good as it used to be, and there is a general loss of definition in the sound. (cross-overs, tweeter issues, dried out bass drivers?) I also worry that the L towers will fail sooner or later ( they've been used ten months a year for decades).

If these speakers / amps need service, is there a trusted place / ADS specialist I can take them for service? If not, will I have to do it myself?
Also: should I ask these questions as part of a new thread?

Richard So. Just a quick search for his ADS service and he can take care of all your Speaker Upgrade/repair needs. Reasonable prices Professional Service and very much respected.
 
I would think the L300s would be ideal matched with the right sub. If you were going to bother getting larger mains, I would hold out for a pair of L880's, (or rarer L730,L630s).
 
Richard So. Just a quick search for his ADS service and he can take care of all your Speaker Upgrade/repair needs. Reasonable prices Professional Service and very much respected.

No problem my friend. I would have provided a link for you but I'm on my phone and it doesn't always cooperate when trying to post links. Richard will take care of you.
 
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