Low on smarts, massive on sound

British producer Q Acoustics has a wealthy heritage on the subject of producing top-tier speakers for hi-fi methods.

With the M20 HD audio system, the corporate guarantees a simple, one-box answer for music listening, TV, motion pictures and gaming.

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

Over the previous few weeks, we have been utilizing the audio system with quite a lot of totally 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 house 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 purpose, which we thought was a disgrace. They give the impression of being 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 lively, whereas the 3020i audio system require a separate amplifier.

This implies one of many models 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 every other equipment – these work indepently of every other equipment.

We’re testing the white model, which we expect will mix in fairly properly with a whole lot of trendy 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 gentle 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 assist for banana plugs, too, if you would like a quick-swap answer.

The included distant works successfully and is simple to function. It will 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 lively audio system at twice the associated fee and affords 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 value level.

The efficiency is well 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 alluring. 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 on the lookout for.

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

This attribute is useful on the subject of watching TV or motion pictures, permitting you to listen to dialogue clearly, with a nice pure tone.

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

It is not on the degree of Dolby Atmos methods, in fact, however there may be outlined directionality that matches the motion on display. This additionally signifies that the M20s are fairly efficient as a gaming companion.

To all however essentially 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 assist
• USB (24bit/192kHz compatibility)
• Digital optical (24bit/192kHz compatibility)
• Stereo RCA and three.5mm

Most of the audio system that we take a look at right here at Pocket-lint are filled with sensible options, app assist and streaming performance, however the Q Acoustics M20s take a really totally 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 client that locations a excessive worth on audio constancy and, even in 2023, that is finest achieved with wired connections.

The array of ports on supply means that you will have no situation 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 essentially the most hassle-free possibility for cellular units, and the aptX HD assist signifies that you will be getting respectable high quality from supported units.

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

The M20s additionally function a subwoofer output, so should you’re craving some further bass, it is easy so as to add a sub to your set-up.

We would significantly advocate trying into it should you’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 value level. Should you’re on the lookout for a set of powered stereo audio system, these ought to be excessive in your record.

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

The M20s do not supply something within the realm of sensible options or multi-room assist, as a substitute selecting purely to concentrate on the fundamentals. You get a wide selection of wired connections that permit for connecting to nearly any supply, plus the comfort of Bluetooth whenever you want it.

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