Q Acoustics M20 HD review: Low on smarts, big on sound

- British producer Q Acoustics has a wealthy heritage on the subject of producing top-tier audio system for Hello-Fi techniques.

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

Due to 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 always comes with conventional Hello-Fi techniques. 

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

Our fast take

The Q Acoustics M20 HD audio system ship exceptional sound high quality - particularly given their cheap worth level. When you're in search of 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 could be a improbable addition to a gaming PC setup, too, supplied you may have 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 good options or multi-room assist, as an alternative selecting purely to deal with the fundamentals. You get a big selection of wired connections that permit for connecting to virtually 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 worth, as long as you are prepared to forego the trendy bells and whistles.

Q Acoustics M20 HD review: Low on smarts, big on sound

Q Acoustics M20 HD

4.5 stars - Pocket-lint really helpful
For
  • Improbable sound high quality
  • Minimal and enticing design
  • Nice connectivity choices
  • Glorious worth for the efficiency
  • Bluetooth 5.0 wi-fi playback
In opposition to
  • Old style speaker wire connecting the 2 audio system
  • No good performance
  • Non-removable grilles

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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.

Nonetheless, on this mannequin, the grilles aren't detachable for some cause, which we thought was a disgrace. They give the impression of being enticing sufficient with the covers in place, although, so most customers will not be deterred.

Q Acoustics M20 HD review photo 16

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.

We're testing the white model, which we expect will mix in fairly properly with plenty of fashionable residing rooms, however the M20s are additionally obtainable in walnut or black to match different decors.

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

Q Acoustics M20 HD review photo 3

The audio system come equipped 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 may nonetheless want to attach them to the mains, in addition to join the left and proper with good old style speaker wire.

The speaker terminals have a pleasant, low-profile design, and the big floor space makes putting in the speaker wire a breeze. There's assist for banana plugs, too, in order for you a quick-swap resolution.

Q Acoustics M20 HD review photo 20

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 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 reasonably priced worth level.

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

Q Acoustics M20 HD review photo 1

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 delivered the fullness that we have been in search of.

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

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

Q Acoustics M20 HD review photo 4

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 techniques, after all, 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 arduous to fault. We have beloved listening to them over the previous few weeks and can very a lot miss them once they have to return.

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

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

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

Q Acoustics M20 HD review photo 8

The very fact is, these audio system are for the kind of client that locations a excessive worth on audio constancy and, even in 2022, that is greatest achieved with wired connections.

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

After all, Bluetooth streaming is essentially the most hassle-free possibility for cellular gadgets, and the aptX HD assist signifies that you may be getting first rate high quality from supported gadgets.

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

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The M20s additionally characteristic a subwoofer output, so if you happen to're craving some extra bass, it is easy so as to add a sub to your set-up. 

We would significantly suggest trying into it if you happen to'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.

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To recap

The Q Acoustics M20 HD audio system punch nicely above their worth level on the subject of audio high quality, and so they look pretty, too. When you can stay with out the trendy conveniences of good audio system, you may get some unbeatable sound on your cash.

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