Q Acoustics M40 Review
With state-of-the-art cabinet design and audio power, is this the perfect two-box hi-fi setup?
If you took a pair of Q Acoustics’ excellent M20-powered speakers and stretched them on a rack for a month, you might end up with the M40. This is a self-contained micro tower system with stacks of power – a convenient two-box setup for stereo streaming from your smartphone, a turntable, a streamer… or even your TV.
Everything you need is in the box aside from input cables, so there’s an interconnector to link the two speakers, screw-in feet, and two foam bungs to dampen the bass ports should you wish. These speakers are available in white, black, or natural walnut; the grille is always black and can’t be removed.
Q Acoustics has decided to make this product Bluetooth-only for streaming rather than worrying about Wi-Fi. While the company has more expensive options for Wi-Fi streaming, £ does seem quite a hefty price to pay for only a single wireless option.
A basic remote is included, and volume controls are on top of the powered speaker and a power button. In reality, you’ll probably be adjusting the volume on your source device.
The sound is rich and warm, and this is a highly convenient way to bring sophisticated audio to any living space without straying into ‘distressingly expensive’ territory.
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Output 2x100W
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, SBC, AAC), USB-B, 3.5mm, phono, optical
Dimensions 2x 710x296x250mm, 12.4kg + 11.8kg
The units will power off if they’ve not been used for a few minutes, but if connected via USB, they’ll remain active.
Wired options are more plentiful than streaming ones: as well as phono inputs, you can use optical, 3.5mm jack, or USB. If you connect your computer via USB, you can play back at 24-bit/192kHz, as long as the source is up to it.
Switches on the back of the lead speaker enable you to select whether it serves as the left or right unit. A basic EQ setting also allows the speakers to be freestanding, against a wall or in a corner.
Verdict
Undoubtedly, Q Acoustics has made a great-sounding setup in the form of the M40. The design is excellent, with plenty of power to take Bluetooth audio to the next level, and it’s also great for use with a turntable or separate streamer. It’s a shame it doesn’t have any Wi-Fi smarts because that would have transformed this pair into world-beaters.
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Q Acoustics M40 Features
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