Low on smarts, massive on sound

British producer Q Acoustics has a wealthy heritage in relation to producing top-tier speakers for hi-fi programs.

With the M20 HD audio system, the corporate guarantees a straightforward, one-box resolution for music listening, TV, films and gaming.

Because of the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 and no extra amplifiers required, we’re hoping for that signature Q Acoustics sound with out the trouble that usually comes with conventional hi-fi programs.

Over the previous few weeks, we have been utilizing the audio system with a wide range of completely different units to see how they carry out.

Design

• Dimensions: 279 x 170 x 296mm
• Weight: 5.1kg (passive speaker); 5.5kg (powered speaker)
• Finishes: Black, White and Walnut

Followers of the Q Acoustics model will really feel proper at dwelling with M20s, because the design may be very paying homage to the model’s longstanding 3020i bookshelf audio system.

Nevertheless, on this mannequin, the grilles aren’t detachable for some cause, which we thought was a disgrace. They appear engaging sufficient with the covers in place, although, so most customers will not be deterred.

The opposite key distinction is that these audio system are energetic, whereas the 3020i audio system require a separate amplifier.

This implies one of many items has an amplifier built-in, and it additionally has a small management panel on the highest with quantity controls and a multi-functional energy button. You do not want some other equipment – these work indepently of some other equipment.

We’re testing the white model, which we predict will mix in fairly properly with lots of fashionable residing rooms, however the M20s are additionally accessible in walnut or black to match different decors.

They’ve a really clear and minimal aesthetic, with smooth rounded corners and solely a skinny aluminium strip to interrupt up the in any other case single-colour chassis.

The audio system come provided with an influence cable, some primary speaker wire, foam bungs and an infra-red distant.

They’re additionally marketed as wi-fi, however the actuality is that they profit from Bluetooth supply connectivity.

You will nonetheless want to attach them to the mains, in addition to join the left and proper with good old school speaker wire.

The speaker terminals have a pleasant, low-profile design, and the massive floor space makes putting in the speaker wire a breeze. There’s help for banana plugs, too, if you’d like a quick-swap resolution.

The included distant works successfully and is straightforward to function. It might have been good if the color was matched to the audio system, however it seems that a black distant is supplied with all fashions.

Regardless, it is simply on par with remotes supplied with energetic audio system at twice the price and provides loads of comfort.

Sound efficiency

• Tweeter: 22mm (0.87 in)
• Mid-Bass Driver: 125mm (4.92 in)
• Frequency response: 55Hz – 22kHz
• Peak Energy: 2 x 65w

Merely put, the Q Acoustics M20 HD audio system sound excellent – particularly given their comparatively inexpensive worth level.

The efficiency is definitely on par with some audio system that we have examined at double the worth, making them a compelling worth proposition.

The sound is detailed and spacious with a pleasant degree of heat that makes the music really feel wealthy and welcoming. At decrease volumes, we felt the audio system lacked a little bit of low-end grunt, however cranking them up a bit delivers the fullness that we had been searching for.

Vocals have loads of presence and there is some heat to the mids that enables for readability with out sibilance.

This attribute is helpful in relation to watching TV or films, permitting you to listen to dialogue clearly, with a pleasing pure tone.

Additionally useful is the width of the soundstage, which is equally efficient in music listening and content material watching.

It isn’t on the degree of Dolby Atmos programs, after all, however there’s outlined directionality that matches the motion on display screen. This additionally implies that the M20s are fairly efficient as a gaming companion.

To all however probably the most analytical set of ears, the M20s produce a sound that is laborious to fault.

Options and connectivity

• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and Low Latency help
• USB (24bit/192kHz compatibility)
• Digital optical (24bit/192kHz compatibility)
• Stereo RCA and three.5mm

Lots of the audio system that we check right here at Pocket-lint are filled with good options, app help and streaming performance, however the Q Acoustics M20s take a really completely different strategy.

You will profit from Bluetooth 5.0 as your solely wi-fi connection, and that is supplemented with an abundance of wired connections.

The actual fact is, these audio system are for the kind of shopper that locations a excessive worth on audio constancy and, even in 2023, that is greatest achieved with wired connections.

The array of ports on supply means that you will have no difficulty connecting the audio system to a PC, Mac or TV in addition to extra critical Hello-Fi tools like a CD participant or turntable (with a pre-amp).

In fact, Bluetooth streaming is probably the most hassle-free possibility for cell units, and the aptX HD help implies that you may be getting respectable high quality from supported units.

Nonetheless, as we talked about, for critical audiophiles, cables are the best way to go.

The M20s additionally function a subwoofer output, so for those who’re craving some extra bass, it is easy so as to add a sub to your set-up.

We would significantly advocate wanting into it for those who’re utilizing the audio system for movie-watching or gaming.

For music listening, although, the 125mm driver can present sufficient low finish to fulfill most ears.

Verdict

The Q Acoustics M20 HD audio system ship outstanding sound high quality – particularly given their affordable worth level. In case you’re searching for a set of powered stereo audio system, these must be excessive in your checklist.

They’re equally succesful for music listening or used as a soundbar different. They may be a implausible addition to a gaming PC setup, too, supplied you could have the area to accommodate them (they’re pretty sizable in comparison with regular PC audio system).

The M20s do not supply something within the realm of good options or multi-room help, as an alternative selecting purely to concentrate on the fundamentals. You get a big selection of wired connections that permit for connecting to nearly any supply, plus the comfort of Bluetooth while you want it.

Q Acoustics has valued sound above all else, and that is resulted in some excellent sounding audio system at an excellent worth, as long as you are keen to forego the fashionable bells and whistles.