Q Acoustics M20

SMALL SPEAKERS

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Should we call Q Acoustics’ M20 proposition a neat and flexible pair of Bluetooth desktop speakers, or an entire hi-res wireless music system?

Essentially, what we have here is a pair of powered speakers designed to work wherever you feel like putting them – perched on a bookshelf or speaker stands; fixed to the wall; flanking your computer screen or your TV. They also have a lot of useful connections on the back: TVs, CD players, turntables and laptops can be wired to the M20 through optical, RCA line-level, aux and USB Type B connections; and there is a subwoofer output if you want to add one to the set-up. aptX HD Bluetooth is also on board, meaning you can wirelessly stream hi-res audio (up to 24-bit/48kHz) to them from compatible devices.

Classy, minimalist look

The M20 are a two-way design with a 125mm mid/bass driver and 22mm tweeter. One speaker in the pair is the mains-powered ‘master’ and feeds the other through a supplied cable. In a further nod to ease of use, the back of the master speaker features a switch allowing you to allocate it as either the left or right channel.

The system’s tonal balance can be tuned depending on placement, thanks to a switch which adjusts the bass response.

The black cabinets look classy and minimalist, rather than devoid of flair – but they are also available in a white or walnut finish. On the top of the master speaker, you also get a power button framed with an LED light (which glows different colours to indicate Bluetooth, optical, analogue and USB sources) and there is a nicely designed remote in the box.