Q Acoustics M20 review

Q Acoustics more than achieves its aims with this desktop system Tested at £389 / $599 / AU$899

All-in-one hi-fi system: Q Acoustics M20
(Image: © Q Acoustics)

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The perfect solution for those who want a neat, flexible and affordable stereo system

Pros

  • +

    Insightful and spacious presentation

  • +

    Unfussy placement-wise

  • +

    Great connectivity options

Cons

  • -

    Nothing at this level

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Should we call Q Acoustics’ M20 proposition a neat and flexible pair of Bluetooth desktop speakers, or an entire high-resolution wireless music system? Q Acoustics would no doubt prefer the latter, but physically, two versatile boxes are what you’re getting.

Essentially, the M20 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 also be wired to the M20 through optical, RCA line-level, aux and USB Type B connections, and there’s a subwoofer output if you want to add one to the set-up. aptX HD Bluetooth is also onboard, meaning you can wirelessly stream high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/48kHz) to them from compatible devices. 

But should you? And should you consider Q Acoustics’ M20 proposition at all? That is what we’re here to find out.

Build

All-in-one hi-fi system: Q Acoustics M20

(Image credit: Q Acoustics)

It’s not possible to remove the grilles from the front baffle of the M20 speakers, but if we could, we’d see a two-way design with 125mm mid/bass driver and 22mm tweeter. One speaker in the pair is the mains-powered 'master' and feeds the other through a supplied piece of speaker 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 back of this master is where you’ll find all inputs, switches and also the amplification, which is 130W in total. The only features on the back of the slave speaker are a set of binding posts and the bass reflex port. 

As you’d expect, Q Acoustics has carried over some established engineering techniques found in its passive stereo speakers, including P2P (Point to Point) internal bracing, which adds extra rigidity to the parts of the enclosure that most need to be stiffened, leading to a quieter cabinet.

Q Acoustics M20 tech specs

All-in-one hi-fi system: Q Acoustics M20

(Image credit: Q Acoustics)

Finishes x3 (black, walnut, white)

Cabinet type Two-way reflex ported

Frequency response 55Hz - 22kHz

Crossover frequency 2.4kHz

Inputs Bluetooth 5.0 (with aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, SBC, AAC), USB (24-bit/192kHz), optical (24-bit/192kHz), stereo RCA, 3.5mm

Power 2 x 65W

Dimensions (hwd) 279 x 170 x 296mm (11 x 6.7 x 11.65 inches)

Weight 5.1kg (passive speaker), 5.5kg (powered speaker)

The system's tonal balance can be tuned depending on whether the speakers are placed in a corner, against a wall or in free space, thanks to a further switch on the back of the master speaker which adjusts the bass response. And in case you need to place them flush against a back wall (which you may need to, considering they’re 296mm deep – easily as deep as your average bookcase), Q Acoustics has even supplied foam bungs for the reflex ports, to lower the level of bass. It’s worth experimenting here with what works for you, in your particular room, because once you get it right these speakers will reward you for it. We settle on placing them 20cm away from the back wall, angled in towards our listening position, and leave the foam bungs in the packaging.

The black cabinet of these speakers looks classy and minimalist, rather than devoid of flair – but they’re 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 as you press it to scroll through Bluetooth, optical, analogue and USB source options) flanked by premium-feeling volume up and down buttons. 

The supplied remote is nicely designed and can also be used for playback control, volume adjustment and changing audio sources, although an indicator to register our button pushes would be welcome.

Provided you’re au fait with feeding the supplied speaker cable through binding posts and tightening them (rather than simply sticking a 3.5mm cable plug into the back of each speaker, which you could do if you have the necessary connectors), set up is simple – and Bluetooth pairing couldn’t be easier. 

Features

All-in-one hi-fi system: Q Acoustics M20

(Image credit: Q Acoustics)

Although the M20 is not a wi-fi enabled proposition (it cannot support wireless network streaming), the main selling point over competitors at this price point is undoubtedly the pair of stereo RCA line-level inputs on the back of the master speaker, which allow us to physically connect an appropriate source, say a Bluesound Node streamer or Marantz CD6007 CD player.

Now, if we want to pause aptX HD and aptX Low Latency Bluetooth streaming from our phone to listen to an album on Tidal from the Bluesound, we can. And once we have connected a USB A-B cable from our laptop to the master M20 speaker, we can watch the news on BBC iPlayer with levelled up stereo audio, too. Q Acoustics' M20 speakers are ultimately convenient and continue to present various options however we consider using them.

Sound

All-in-one hi-fi system: Q Acoustics M20

(Image credit: Q Acoustics)

The closest five-star competition to the M20 system that you might consider at this level is the Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 desktop speakers, but put the two pairs side by side and the Ruark proposition is dwarfed by the Q Acoustics. It’s as if we’ve put a pair of full-sized hi-fi stereo standmounters beside a set of Bluetooth desktop speakers – but remember, there’s only a small difference between these two propositions in terms of price.

Sonically, too, the sound from the M20 feels fuller, louder and less compressed. Where the Ruark product seems to say “I’m meant for your laptop” and certainly does a splendid job there, the M20 has greater ambitions. Certain desks may actually be too small for the Q Acoustic M20, but this is ultimately a just-add-source solution that is designed for maximum flexibility in your home. 

We stream I’ll Be Around by Yo La Tengo on Tidal from our iPhone, and the textured walking bass, guitar picking and sombre vocal comes through with space around the notes and at volumes that easily go loud enough even for larger rooms. 

We switch to AC/DC’s Hells Bells and the right speaker is all angry, snaking guitar, while the left brims with bells and cymbals in an expansive soundstage. As the drums kick in, the Q Acoustic M20 displays a great sense of timing too, with all musical strands held competently within a cohesive mix. 

When streaming Masterjam by Rufus and Chaka Khan, we become especially aware that there’s a deliberate refinement to the presentation here, with an easily handled treble that, while present and pleasing, won’t overexpose harshness in certain Bluetooth files and recordings. Chaka Khan’s effortless and gloriously belted vocal here goes up through the rafters alongside the horns and electric guitar, in a sensible and very listenable performance. 

Verdict

All-in-one hi-fi system: Q Acoustics M20

(Image credit: Q Acoustics)

Q Acoustics has released an unfussy, just-add-source set of powered speakers that we find impossible to dislike. With all of the amplification squirrelled away in the master speaker and the plethora of connectivity and placement options covered, the M20 is far more likely to become your entire music system than it is simply your new desktop speakers – and for this money, you’ll be hard pushed to better the sound quality with hi-fi separates. 

SCORES

  • Build 5
  • Features 5
  • Sound 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Ruark MR1 Mk2

Best hi-fi systems 2022: micro, vinyl and streaming music systems for the home

7 tips to improve your computer sound quality

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test

  • alex.g
    Can a turntable really be used with these speakers? I don't see a ground connection available on the speakers...
    Also, is there a dedicated stand for them or do they work with the existing Q A ones?
    Thanks!
    Reply
  • nopiano
    alex.g said:
    Can a turntable really be used with these speakers? I don't see a ground connection available on the speakers...
    Also, is there a dedicated stand for them or do they work with the existing Q A ones?
    Thanks!
    To use a turntable, you’d connect at ‘line’ level, so either you'd need one with a built in phono stage, or use a separate phono preamp. In both cases there won’t be an earth lead at the speaker end. The ground/earth will be connected to the phono stage only.

    I would expect these to fit the existing Q3000FSi stands as they use the 3020i cabinet, I believe. Suggest you check with your dealer or QA before buying however.

    https://www.richersounds.com/catalog/product/view/id/16177/s/q-acoustics-q3000fsi-floor-stands-black/
    Welcome to the forum, and don’t be disappointed that the magazine won’t reply to you. They don’t respond to reviews!
    Reply
  • matengawhat
    you're right re stands, the 3000fsi are listed in the manual along with the Q3000WB wall brackets

    picked these up at the weekend in white for a change to match furniture and surprised how nice they sound, really well balanced speakers, sound great from small footprint and the extra settings for speaker placement makes them a very flexible/tidy solution - picked up from ebay with the nector discount for £330

    if had to be picky the only think that is slow is adjusting volume, not sure if that is because takes a while to respond or if they have just put a lot of steps in

    wouldn't hesitate to recommend them
    Reply
  • Needle Static
    If I were to use the M20s with my Desktop PC, would a DAC like DragonFly Black improve things? Or is their own DAC more than sufficient?
    Reply
  • Thanos
    Just got the M20 and because i want to get sound from both PS5 and Pc was wondering if there is a difference in audio quality if i connect them through USB to Gigabyte M32U instead of plugging them to Pc. Pc is connected to M32U via Display Port.
    Reply
  • vag1989
    Hi, I am thinking of buying the m20 for my living room (about 30m2), to use them as an all in one solution (turntable, music, tv - movies). The available space is rather limited and I don't own any other decent audio equipment, so affordable powered speakers seems the way to go. I used to have a sound bar but it clearly lacked in music playback quality. Would you recommend the m20?
    I am a bit confused about their power, or it isn't such a big deal? The m20 has an rms of only 64w combined (32+32), and the aforementioned 130w in the review is their peak power. I thought that rms is more important.
    To sum up, the m20, the elac debut connex, or sth else? (Triangle br02 bt is also in my shortlist, although the m20 has the better price)
    Reply
  • 12th Monkey
    vag1989 said:
    Hi, I am thinking of buying the m20 for my living room (about 30m2), to use them as an all in one solution (turntable, music, tv - movies). The available space is rather limited and I don't own any other decent audio equipment, so affordable powered speakers seems the way to go. I used to have a sound bar but it clearly lacked in music playback quality. Would you recommend the m20?
    I am a bit confused about their power, or it isn't such a big deal? The m20 has an rms of only 64w combined (32+32), and the aforementioned 130w in the review is their peak power. I thought that rms is more important.
    To sum up, the m20, the elac debut connex, or sth else? (Triangle br02 bt is also in my shortlist, although the m20 has the better price)
    You might want to ask this question in the main hifi forum. This subforum doesn't get much traffic.
    Reply