Sometimes you just need to record the first note. The mid-range is filled with mellow golden details; sparkling and clear upper register, with easy extension; and pleasant clean and delicate bass.
After tilting the speaker toward the listening position, I enjoyed a surprisingly clear soundstage. The center channel appeared in front of my computer screen with impressive accuracy and size. Vocals seem to come to life right in front of you, while other instruments are cleverly placed throughout the stereo image on both the vertical and horizontal planes, creating a lovely tonal collage for the vocalists. complex mixes as well as simple acoustic tracks.
What I like most about the sound of the M20 HD is how easily the speaker creates the textures and colors of the instrument. They seem to actively enjoy creating guitar tones, from the sparkling acoustic solo in Nickel Creek’s “Out of the Woods” to the electronic melodies of Mason Jennings on “Machines.”
There really isn’t an instrument that the speakers don’t handle with care. The waterfall piano in Brian Eno’s “Burning Airlines Give You So Many More” is smooth and fluttery yet impressively clear, allowing you to relax and let the sound flow through you. The drum side of Snarky Puppy’s pop song “Go” has a paper texture. Even John Lennon’s resounding scream in the intro to “Two of Us” feels special, shining with expressive reverberation. The speakers also did a great job with the song’s powerful dynamics, popping up with a climax when the chunky, live guitars played out jingle sounds at the microphone.
The bass output is something that some listeners may find lacking. Total frequency response is listed at 55Hz-22khz, but that 55Hz low is a gap. There’s some punch for sure, but if you’re looking for a punchy burst of hip-hop and electronic music, it doesn’t quite hit what you’ll get with the Prime Wireless Pro; KEF LSX II; or even Klipsch’s source pair, Five Elements, when you get below 70Hz or so. If you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, you’ll probably want to add a subwoofer.
That also applies to TV content. If you connect the speakers to your TV’s optical output, you’ll find them a bit brighter than when you hear them at your desk, and you won’t get the room-filling pops you see with speakers. bigger without some help. But the speakers still do a great job with TV, movies, and games, delivering original dialog and great detail across the board. (I don’t always find myself mesmerized by the oboe part in one 30 stones episode.) The stereo gap is still a prominent feature here, with details ranging from the clack of an ice block to the crashing waves that spill out onto either side of the soundstage to give it a sense of impressive immersion.
The M20 HD speakers are an especially great choice for those looking to set up a simple turntable system without purchasing both separate stereo speakers and amplifiers. There’s no dedicated phono input, so you’ll need to buy a phono amplifier, but the analog inputs and internal speakers make for a great means of enjoying the warmth of your favorite turntable.
My only slight hesitation in recommending the Q Acoustics M20 HD is that as I write this review, The Fives by Klipsch is available for an incredibly low price of around $500 online (down from $800). The Fives aren’t exactly like the M20 and up, but they do offer phono input, a settings app, and HDMI ARC to use your TV remote for power and volume.
However, while the M20 HD speakers may not integrate as seamlessly into your home theater as today’s most advanced options, they are often cheaper than their powerful competitors and the sound quality is great. Their sound is undeniable. For the right buyer, especially those looking for a great pair of desktop speakers or something simple for new turntable For use between Spotify sessions, the M20 HD speaker is a great bargain.
