SQL Queries And Methods - Accessing Different Database

Below is an example of how I prefer to work with a database. Results are fast; even across the network and I understand the syntax perfectly.

Code:
Sub DBPreferredWay()
folder = ThisWorkbook.Path & "mydatabase.mdb"
Set db = OpenDatabase(folder)
strSQL = "SELECT * FROM transactions WHERE [SimilarItems] = " & myFocus
Set tR = db.OpenRecordset(strSQL)

[Code] ........

I'm trying to access a different database; a database being hosted on my SQL server. Because of security and what not; it looks like I'm needing to use adodb but I can't stand it and the slowness (minutes to receive queries. IS there a way for me to access my sql server database similarly to how I'm accessing MDB tables across the network? Below is what I've been trying with the adodb

Code:
Sub SqltoACCPAC()
Set conn = CreateObject("adodb.connection")
Set rs = CreateObject("adodb.recordset")
phrase1 = "DRIVER=SQL Server;DATABASE=" & "VNODAT;SERVER=192.168.0.91,1433": conn.Open phrase1, "SA", "password"
strSQL = "SELECT * FROM ICITEM WHERE [SEGMENT1] >= 101 AND [SEGMENT1]