Powered Magic! New Q Acoustics M20 Speaker Review

[@g.d.1722]

The best HiFi era is now. I have never had more information at my fingertips about anything and everything ever made in this hobby. People forget that as recent as just 10 years ago there were only scant reviews of non-mainstream gear, and most people didn't know what was out there or how it sounded. You needed your experienced friends and/or copies of old magazines. Now we have reviews, new and archived, for just about anything ever made. The world's your oyster.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Very good points. Well said 😊👍

[@haberdasherrykr8886]

i want lists of synergistic setups at various price points to completely bring this hobby to near completion and then focus on other audio delivery methods such as surround sound and then maybe even surrealism. Easier said than done yes but remember this level of access was once an monumentally elusive thing to imagine Now we need just need some investors and friendly gear sharers

[@cupofqwarffee4802]

Totally agree with this. You can get so much value for your money these days.

[@syanhc]

Agreed. And I bought these days on your review! Love them ❤

[@pedrolima8705]

If os still possible coment, for me the best era for audio was the late seventies. There was plenty of specialized magazines, lots of information and the beginning of psychoacoustics studies. There was not digital media, so all the improvement was done by fine enginer and research. The end of an era of advetures, but still prolific. Sorry for the english, I haven't spoken it for more than 20 years.

[@mcmurder8835]

Picked up a pair of these for desktop/work area. They really are extraordinary for listening to music, been really enjoying them. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to hear! 👍

[@NormanWisdom-m6z]

This is a comprehensive review. Thank you Tarun for taking the time.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@akersquarteracre8002]

I didn't appreciate well-matched components until... I did. It changed my hi-fi audio perspective and my overall enjoyment drastically, especially when working with a tight budget to begin with. Great review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing Brett 😊👍

[@d-dubb550]

Fantastic, in-depth review - thank you. My favourite era would have to be late 80's/early 90's. Spending Saturday afternoons in HiFi stores listening to dozens of systems - happy days..!!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

After watching your review I ordered a pair of M20 today!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 👍

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

​@@abritishaudiophile7314Received the M20 two weeks back here in Bangalore. I like its performance with an overall well balanced sound. I wish it had a little bit more top end air, otherwise it is an excellent package for the money. The speaker cable they provided in the package is of low quality and I replaced it with a better thicker gauge Nordost cable and it improved the low and mid performance of the passive speaker. I could see the internal wiring connecting the tweeter through the base port with the help of a torch light and it is a thick 12awg QED cable. Hence it is better to connect the passive speaker through a similar gauge high quality cable.

[@cliffmatthew990]

Late 80's early 90's was the defining period for me. Hi-Fi Mags, Tottenham Court Road, countless auditions in store and home. Fond memories of my system at that time; Michel Gyrodec Turntable, Meridan 206CD, Audiolab 8000A & P - Pre-Power Amp with Kef 104/2 Speakers. Immigrated to the USA mid-90's and have been in pursuit of the perfect system since. Thanks for the great reviews!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Cliff. I have made many a trip to Tottenham Court Road too over the years 😊👍

[@nacarp2000]

Cliff, same here, Tottenham Court Rd to US also, but via Australia for a few years.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

I moved away from London but would often just go on a trip to walk along all the hi-fi shops in Tottenham Court Road. One one such trip found them nearly all closed empty and locked up. The great crash. Hifi shopping never recovered from that. Occasionally a department store at the other end had some interesting gear and another similar department store in Knightsbridge but it was only computer gear in TCR and boring stacking units.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@geraldmcmullon2465 that was a real shame 😢

[@MrDoc55]

I appreciate the professionalism and the amount of useful information that comes out of ALL of your videos. Most helpful! Thank You!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy. Very kind of you to say 👍😊👍

[@grahaminkpen5436]

My fav period was the mid to late 70s and early 80s. Trips up to Hi-Fi corner and Comet in Edinburgh. Hi-Fi corner especially holds fond memories. A bank of speakers all wired up, a comfy listening seat and a comparison switch box thrust in your hand playing whatever you had brought with you. Bought a set of Spendor BC1 using this setup, they blew everything else away. 😀

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Graham 😊👍

[@avro66]

Great review tarun, I use a pair of quad A9s active speakers with dac, they are great speaker, my first active speakers were meridian M20 back in the mid 80s, my favourite decade for hifi is mid 80s to mid 90s, equipment just seems better built back in the day, looking forward to seeing another review soon.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Paul. I have many fond memories from that period too 😊👍

[@joeh9829]

Thank you for this review. Very helpful. Currently looking to add an audio system to my home office, room is approximately 12 X 12 feet. Was considering passive speakers and an integrated amp. But with limited space, an active speaker makes sense. It also helps keep some dollars in the budget for future upgrades to my main system. My Bryston amp and preamp are now 32 years old. Best HiFi era most likely the 70’s. Started with an Onkyo TX 4500 receiver, Bozak 301 speakers (made in Norwalk Connecticut my home state), with a Dual turntable (all purchased in 1977) and Philips CD 880 (1990 manufactured in Belgium). The late 1960’s and the 70’s was a great time for music. My current music library reflects this. I look forward to viewing more of your reviews. Best Joe H.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 👍

[@philpepp]

Good morning Tarun, looks like a late one for you! Very interesting review. I have had these in mind for my mum for TV and streaming music. She is hard of hearing so I'm going to arrange a demo for her to make sure she can hear enough of their sound. Your review confirms my thoughts on this speaker though. Thanks again. My favourite era was the early 90's as this was when I got into hifi, I got a Systemdec iix record player, Rotel CD player and Amp with small mission 760i speakers. I loved the sound, fast and warm, and had them for many years. Hope you and yours are all feeling better.👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Philip. I hope the demo with your mum goes well 😊👍

[@totalplonker824]

Regardless of the content, I always look forward to clicking on one of your videos... it's not just your knowledge but also the way your knowledge is delivered! 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy. Always great to have you watching and your support 👍😊👍

[@hrvojekant9415]

Oustanding review, as usual! Btw, right targeted item and the very interesting one for the most of audiophile viewers. Best regards Tarun

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend 👍😊👍

[@glyndoney]

Most influential period for me was the late 70's . Vinyl was plentiful hosting the greatest British bands ever! Latin jazz imports were wonderful bringing an array of top session musicians together. My early system comprised of Rogers LS35A s , Garrard 401 with Hadcock arm, tracking a Shure V15 cartridge (replaced later with Linn LP12, Rega silver arm , Ortofon Red M.C., Black box power supply) Amplifier Musical Fidelity A1. Apart from the deck, everything has been replaced in the last few months, but that 70's period, was the inaugural time of my musical nirvana and has never abated. Well done Taron for your insightful appraisal for all things hifi.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Glyn. Much appreciated 👍

[@billywindsock9597]

Late 80’s was fun. Linn updating the LP12 every week, Pink Triangle, Roksan and Townsend trying to knock them off the top and a range of amps and speakers competing with the NAD 3020 and KEF Coda III’s to be your next upgrade.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I have fond memories of that time too Billy. Thank you for sharing 😊👍

[@bobb.9917]

Hmmmm… Is that a Denafrips Hades/Thallo stack in the background that you are teasing us with? Now THAT has my full attention! 😎 I recently took delivery of a Denafrips Athena Preamp…and may also make the wire transfer for a Pontus II DAC. Thanks for another interesting review…you are very curious/knowledgeable about powered/active speakers and I have learned soooo much about them by watching your channel, Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bob. Much appreciated. Hades/Thallo review is in the wings 😊👍👍

[@marcus1970]

From the Early 80s and then for the next decade for me... Though, now for performance.... and I don't HEAR it slowing down! Another great video Tarun👍🏻

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Marcus 😊👍

[@jcphenry]

I am listening to a pair of Q Acoustics M20s at the moment, there has been so much positive response I couldn't resist trying them. The quality is excellent, and especially in terms of features for money. The engineering in these is impressive.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great 👍

[@RocketBrothersBand]

IMO this is the best audiophile channel on the net. After fumbling around for months watching reviews on gear, I decided to take your recommendation and got these speakers. Incredible, perfect for my small apartment space. Great sound doesn't have to be super expensive, and this is a testimony of what's possible these days. I ordered a subwoofer so I can get the lowest octave. But in terms on sound field, tone and just fun to listen to, these speakers do it for me. I'm sure some day, if given a bigger space, I may opt for something bigger and more powerful with bigger scale, but these are it for me.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It is great to have feedback like that. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@RocketBrothersBand]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Keep up the good work. I know every audiophile is on a quest to find sonic nirvana... and no doubt, a system is only as good as its weakest component, and there is always better. But, "for the money", using these speakers, which I paired with a Golden Ear Forcefield 3; an audiophile grade power conditioner, I'm simply amazed at how holographic and dynamic this system is in my small space. I could roll with this for years, and not really upgrade a thing.

[@mden2490]

What subwoofer did you buy? I just purchased these and will pair with a bluesound node.

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

Another great review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊👍

[@yyams]

Small world. My girlfriend had a pair of those BT3 jobbies when we met which still do a nice job on her desk. "Interesting, it appears I've found someone who sees value in better sound than that which comes free with your tv or laptop... I bet she'd come around to the idea of lots of boxes, wires, remotes, speakers 2m out from the wall invading every room, and monolithic cubes that make things fall off shelves when watching movies with a Zimmer soundtrack." It's been tough at times but she's stuck around:D Enjoyable as always dude, keep 'em coming.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

You are a luck man, my friend. Thank you for watching and sharing 😊👍

[@yyams]

​@@abritishaudiophile7314 - A somewhat daft change of direction, but I've been meaning to ask: Have you any listening experience with Quad II monoblocks in a modern context? I'm fairly sure that means I must have asked already and forgot the answer... I must work on that. If ever you need to get your hands on a pair to make that "how to refurbish and modernise old valve amplifier stuff" series you've always been dreaming of, do give me a shout:D

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@yyams I may have heard them a long time ago at a show but nothing recently. Thank you for the offer Mr. J. I am always apprehensive about borrowing peoples in loved gear. The life of a reviewer constantly involves moving things in and out of your system. The potential for damage is always a real possibility 😊

[@yyams]

​@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ahh, can't be too precious about 'em and far from mint! When it happens I will probably replacing everything but valve bases, a resistor here and three, transformers, and the rather beautiful wiring loom. I suspect, however, that you may have seen through my cunning attempt to get someone far more electrically minded than myself to carry out the actual work in the name of good content.

[@Mr.Bojangles12]

Your intelligent analysis made me subscribe 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate your support 👍😊👍

[@jked7463]

Great review by the way. I have gotten to the point that I listen to other reviews and compare them to yours. Your technical, yet, enthusiastic reviews cut a balance between purely analytical and purely emotional. But don't let it get to your head. Remember, pride comes before a fall. Stay you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy. Much appreciated. Don’t worry, my feet and (head) are well grounded 👍😊👍

[@madds6678]

My first thought was (and then you mentioned his name) I wonder how these compare to the elac navis active speakers similar in size features & price I believe. Great review again tarun & my favourite period for hifi was & is any time I buy some new gear 😁

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@Dr-T]

OK. I bought a pair of M20's (Second hand) I added a Sunfire 10" powered Sub NOW I HAVE MUSIC! The package is just wonderful. I've spent the day listening to a good selection of my music collection. Eva Cassidy had me in tears. Bach had me enthralled. U2 sounded wonderful Dark Side of the Moon was as good as I've heard. Smoke on the water could have done with a tad more volume (as could AC/DC) James Taylor had me on the stage with him. I completely agree with your rating These speakers are OUTSTANDING! Best wishes Bruce

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great 😊👍

[@CaptainDarrick]

U2 have never been wonderful

[@Dr-T]

@@CaptainDarrick OK -- a bit of poetic licence -- they sound wonderful - so do ACDC, The WHO, The Beatles, Jethro Tull, Metalica -- OK I'll stop now.

[@CaptainDarrick]

​@@Dr-TIt's ok mate, music is subjective...I just hate Bono

[@Dr-T]

@@CaptainDarrick 😁

[@pierrebruwer4301]

Nearly 45 thousand subscribers , when will Proac smell the coffee ? Thanks for another great video Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Pierre. I don’t they will change their mind anytime soon 😊

[@mikes6844]

Immensely enjoyable review, I’m of an age where I had enough money to progress from my Dansette record player to my first Roger’s Ravensbrook based record system. Magnum K2 speakers that rocked, I was in another world but buying vinyl was also part of the experience and I couldn’t wait to play my music. Leaps forward in tech while great have never replaced that initial WOW of being able to really listen to music. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mike. Much appreciated. Great to learn about your experiences 👍😊👍

[@carolineleonard8214]

For me it has been since 2010. Our audio system is settled and it is one that we both love and listen to vastly differing music on. I have completed the upgraditis part of life, since discovery of hifi in the late 1970s, from the 80s to 00s and now focus on exploration of anything and everything. E.g. John Darko recently mentioned Doom Jazz, never heard of it so off I went, dialled up Spotify and spent a good few hours listening to this from all over the world. Yes, I found one or two artists that warrant further listening. If they are STILL holding my attention then I will purchase CDs or High quality DLs. In years gone by I have wasted so much time (and money) on recordings for them to sit on a shelf...what can be better than that? Similarly with Hifi. The VFM with today's components is fantastic AND for the most part you can audition before you buy, even at home.....what can be better than that? The downside is that the higher the quality that want (not need) the fewer the stockists and generally none in many countries, mine included Wales. So ..... don't worry, be happy, and keep on listening. And watching Tarun's channel of course.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Caroline. Great to have your perspective and support 👍😊👍

[@steveaparicio]

Spot on review. I’ve had mine since launch and love them with all inputs, with TV using optical they are better than a sound bar costing the same. CD player via analog fantastic. And Bluetooth using Apple Music on an iPhone sound just as good.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Steve. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@johncallaghan3097]

My favourite period in hi-fi history? Boring, but it's the last few years, after a near 15-20 year hiatus. Never has it been so exciting and rewarding to get together a hi-fi system. I wanted to save money at first and so bought a fairly decent Sony DN1080 A/V amp and Q Acoustics 3020i for music and video, to which I later added a pair of Quad S2s and a separate Audiolab 6000A amp. Then came an XTZ A2-300 class D power amp (£500), and recently an Earmen Tradutto DAC (now £799, but £699 when I bought it), which one reviewer rates up there with the Denafrips Ares II. Shortly I'll have an Acoustic Invader class A JFET preamp arriving (£1170 before shipping and taxes), hand made in Serbia, which the same reviewer rates higher than a Hegel H190. To be fair, that's in conjunction with its matched, similarly-priced class D power amplifier, which is more powerful than mine, but from his description should sound similar. Thing is, back in the day, nothing I could readily afford actually sounded that good. Hence, I was never really engaged with my sizeable collection of (mainly) CDs. But these days, each step I'm taking definitely increases my musical enjoyment (quite apart from the secret, guilty delights of philatelic accumulation). I can't wait for the Invader to be delivered, and if that pans out, I'll move the 6000A to my study to improve my desktop system (it will rest on a shelf above the actual desktop). Back in the day, it was hard to explore the remoter highways and byways of Hi-fi. All we had were magazines and dealers to visit, and they tended mostly to talk about/stock the most popular brands. If you wanted the really good stuff, you'd have to spend a fortune, and so I rarely sampled it myself. Even at the hi-fi shows, there was very little that was both affordable and a cracking listen. IMHO, most of it sounded pretty much pants. Well, all that's changed. There's an embarrassment of riches, not to mention of good reviewers like yourself to spend hours perusing and comparing on KZbin. There are sound demos -- not the very best quality, to be sure, but more informative than mentions of specific tracks that one might or might not have readily available. Plus, we once had mostly only the obscure sound descriptors, many of which to this day I'm not 100% sure I understand.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to learn about your experiences John. I agree, this is a fantastic time to be into Hifi 👍😊👍

[@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926]

Finally got to hear these speakers! Great sound. A friend bought them based on my recommendation, which was based on your review. We auditioned them, unlike all my purchases which have been blindly based on your reviews.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Glad he is enjoying them Jeremy 👍👍

[@neilparsonage269]

Thanks Tarun for another outstanding review. Would have been keen to hear your thoughts of a direct comparison to the Kef LSX (especially as a desktop setup) . As for my favorite HiFi period ? That would be the era when I could afford to buy some HiFi from a Audio-T as opposed to Laskys/Argos. In my case late 80's which saw the acquirement of a Naim pre/power and a Linn LP12. Second period that springs to mind early 00's when the first streamers became available. Adding Jukebox capabilities to your HiFi ? Awesome !!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Neil. Great to learn about your experiences 😊

[@mikhalize]

The best era was the 70s to late 80s; when you had brick and mortar store fronts. One could go in and listen for hours and in the process learn a great deal. I loved finding a piece and saving up for it all the while going to the store to sample its piece from time to time. It kept me motivated. There were so many brands to choose from.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Michael 😊👍

[@mateojarquin]

Nice review! These look cool - and very similar to the PSB AM5 active speakers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I would mind taking a look at the AM5 at some point 😊

[@nrahal56]

For me, late 80's early 20's was the best era for Hifi, the choice of manufacturers and competition meant loads of innovation and very competitive prices, bi-wired speakers were basically standard with speakers as cheap as £150, my £200 Elatx Liberty 5+, are built solid, braced well, bi-wired, beautifully crafted cabinet with bevelled edges and ingrained, 15kg each, spikes 38-22khz, sound superb with my Denon dm41, giant slaying Amplifiers from the likes of Pioneer A-400, Marantz signature series, Technics SU series all retailing under £350, I partnered My Technics SU-570 PX capacitors with a Missions 731i with Missions Micrometer Stands, the sound was so emotional, being new to hifi I sold the speakers getting the Elatx floor standers, but to me it felt I sacrificed all the emotions of the Missions for a more fuller dynamic sound of the Elatx, but now I yearn for the emotions and feelings the Missions bought out of the music, and nowadays being grown-up and having financial obligations, I fear I might never regain that sound, I know I never imagined it, as my Ford Fiesta head unit coupled with uprated Kenwood speakers manages to bring out those emotions, but sadly I sold that car aswell, one of my favourite albums of the last 10 years has been Daft Punks Random Access Memories, it's impeccably recorded so sounds good on anything, but their's certain tracks on their, for instance 'Beyond ' that on some systems will touch your heart and on other systems sound just like good dynamic dance music, sparkling high's and solid well gripped bass and separation can for me only do so much, for me now it's all about capturing the emotions and soul, I'm thinking now I may only achieve this sound through a valve amp and possibly Wharfedale Linton speaker set up, but that's out of my budget, so hoping Marantz 6007 with Wharfedale diamond's 12.3's which might capture that when funds are available in 2 year's time hopefully 🙏. Great reviews as usual Taran 🙂🙏.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching Naresh. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@dubbled5287]

Purchased these speakers about a month ago after pondering for weeks about which speakers to buy. I was initially going to buy the kanto yu6 speakers but I believe the m20s were the better choice. They sound superb. My next buy is the subwoofer to beef things up a bit. I think it was the 3060s? Can't wait

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊

[@richardherbert3519]

Hi Tarun, another very interesting video. Any news of the Harbeth M30s yet .Please carry on the excellent work.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Richard. I am just clearing through present commitments. Then I will be on to Alan Shaw 😊👍

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Brilliant review. Brilliant product strategy by Q. They should sell millions of these. And btw, do I spy the new Denafrips separates in the background? Looking forward to the review on those as I’m about to pull the trigger on a pricey integrated but the build and value on the Denafrips separates is hard to ignore.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Craig. The Denafrips Hades/Thallo is in the wings 👍😊👍

[@yvesboutin5604]

Damn ! I hope there is a canadian distributor for Q acoustics ! For me, the 90's was the time I discovered and experimented with a wide variety of electronics. Later, caring for a family forced me to settle down with a specific system for more than a decade. Very good review, as usual !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Yves. Hifi took a back seat for me with start of this millennium until about 5 years ago. I still kept in touch with friends in the industry and listened to music on different gear but was not as active. There were other priorities. It is a big part of my life again now and I am really enjoying it 😊👍

[@bryanherr1093]

Another great review. The best time is now to be an audiophile, especially on a budget. Thanks Tarun!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I agree. Apart from the decline of dealers, there has never been a better time to be into music and Hifi 😊👍

[@bryanherr1093]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Yes, I am one of the lucky ones with multiple dealers in my town. Thanks again ABA.

[@clivevalentine6591]

I'm going to have to say mid to late 90's. Thumbing well worn copies of Hi Fi Choice and looking for the Best Buys at my price point to build my first listening room or just kit to short list. I'm going to have now as a close second. Streaming has made music way more accessible and Vinyl is making a bit of a come back.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing Clive 😊👍

[@joeh9829]

Tarun, any chance you might review the new M40?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx for the suggestion 😊

[@RafeLavine]

Great review Tarun. I've been looking forward to your next offering and I wasn't disappointed. Wow. Who'd have thunk it? Audio excellence for 400 quid! Amazing. Shows us how advances in technology start to trickle down to us mere budget conscious mortals eh? Being a confirmed hifi nerd, I'll fess up to some gear envy - it must be so cool to listen to all of this above average kit. Good stuff mate. Keep it up.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Rafe. Much appreciated. It is amazing what you can get for less than £400 these days 👍😊👍

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

AS FOR ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION 🙋‍♂️ TODAY IS THE BEST TIME IMHHO 😉👍😍😍😍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@frostycanada6404]

Tarun, my “cheap and cheerful” Paradigm V8 subwoofers take offence of that statement of yours. 😝😉😀 Favourite period for HIFI: I’ve been into audio since the early 90s and I would say right now is the best time. The quality of affordable products being produced today by all manufacturer is nothing short of amazing Brian.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Th am you for sharing FC. That sub isn’t cheap and cheerful 😂👍

[@goodsound4756]

I enjoyed the time of digital recorders, like DAT or Minidisc. Times before streaming, where a mixtape still was something personal. That completely vanished with streaming where you have playlists now.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 that as the time I as less involved in hifi. I missed the boat on DAT, minidisc, and laser disk 🤔👍

[@kava365]

Thanks for the review...Do they come with a remote? Congrats for the good content 👍👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Yes, they do. Sorry, I didn’t mention it 😊👍

[@nickm3861]

After watching everything on this channel, and an extended period of indecision, I have ordered a set of these speakers. Thank you Tarun, I appreciate your work.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great Nic. Please let me know how you get on 😊👍

[@FamilyRoyalty]

Checking in from the future! How are you liking the speakers?

[@nickm3861]

@@FamilyRoyalty They're really nice, very pleased with them. Had no issues at all.

[@antonchigurh4125]

Not related, but just had to comment on your lovely faded insert on your GMT. Great taste!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Anton. A lot of people had it replaced but I kept it original 🤔👍

[@nacarp2000]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Don't ever send it to Rolex for a service, they replace old hands etc even if you say no, ruining the value. Faded bezels, tropical dials etc have real character.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@nacarp2000 I like the faded bezel too 😊

[@josephstark4944]

Do you know if the DSP applies a high pass filter when a sub is connected? I know this is an old video now, but I am looking for new desktop speakers to replace my current 2.1 passive stack in my office.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Best to ask them directly 😊

[@Percival1919]

Great review. And as I have 2 pairs of Q Acoustics speakers (what I considered a a decent step into proper Hifi but I rarely play the pair that are connected), I knew I could potentially like he M20s for my desk. I went and listened to them last week after watching this and these impressed me more than a pair of Dali £1200 active speakers. I loved the sound of the M20s but do prefer to see the cones/drivers. So I’m wondering how Kanto YU4s compare.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences PA. I would have to get the YUA’s home to be sure but they sounded more like a smaller speaker than the M20s from what I recall 😊👍

[@darrenweight5972]

Just for fun, try to get your hands on a pair of Kali active monitors. They’ve recently put out a 3-way design with a concentric tweet/midrange and come in a 6” or 8” woofer size. My 2-channel system is Magnepan, emotiva xpa-1 gen 2 mono-blocks, Thorens turntable and a pair of custom designed (for Ray Kimber) 21” subs; because they’re super fast and match the Maggies well. Back to the Kali monitors. The older 2-way designs are ridiculously affordable - LP-6 and LP-8. Yes I know these aren’t “audiophile” speakers and are meant for recording studios. I’m asking because it’s nearly impossible for me to hear any active “audiophile” speakers unless I purchase them. But I see video after video of studios raving about the Kalis so I did buy a pair of LP-8’s that I use as a secondary pair of monitors in my recording studio and... yeah they sound “good” and are reasonably revealing etc. But I’ve never heard an active monitor designed for an audiophile setup. Plus if you do pick up the Kalis and they aren’t up to snuff, you could always put them on your patio or in your garage because they really are very affordable. Now that I’ve typed all this out, I hope it doesn’t seem ridiculous. It is 1am now where I am and I should probably go to bed. Unfortunately (or fortunately) your channel has kept me up past my bedtime because I’ve been binge watching it. Ok I’m done. Thank you sir for your perspective on hifi and you have a new subscriber.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Darren. Sorry for keeping you up so late. The support is greatly appreciated though. I appreciate the suggestion too 👍😊👍

[@pennfootball71]

Same reasons i love the KEF LS50 Wireless ii's I have connected to 2 stereo subs from REL. I have total controll over crossover and sub blending

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@Grrrr3FKAGrrrrGrrrrGrrrr]

You can get great sound for even less than the price of these Q Acoustics. In my second system I'm using Adam Audio T5V active speakers. Air Motion Transformer tweeters for £250!!! I have interconnects that cost more than twice as much in my living room system, I can't believe how good they are for this price. The T5Vs are Pro monitors and, unlike 'Hi-fi' speakers, are designed for near field use, but I expect I'm not the only audiophile who wants that design goal for their second system.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing 😊👍

[@anxiousappliance]

Thank you for your thoughtful reviews - I'm going to be a devil's advocate here. I found these warm but veiled. I tested them side by side with the SVS wireless pro speakers, and the level of detail and seeming neutrality in the SVS was a stark comparison. The Qs were excellent with the female voice - really beautiful, but to me they felt like everything otherwise was restrained - maybe softer dynamics, maybe too much insistence on a strong sound signature. I paired the SVS speakers with a 3000micro sub and to me it is a fantastic small system - all this with the world's wifi library at my fingertips. Interesting times....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx for sharing your experiences 😊

[@thewirah1]

There are better/cheaper options out there. I did a side by side comparison using various test tracks, and out of the box the main differences I noticed between the M20 and my smaller edifiers S350DB are the slightly better stereo separation and lack of low end on the M20. My wife and kids also preferred the S350DB in blind tests. The Edifiers have more inputs (the 3.5mm input doesn't disable the AUX input like on the M20). The knobs on the S350DB are also sturdier and durable than the three rubber buttons on the M20. The M20 might rival the S350DB with a subwoofer, but then you are dropping another $500.

[@jameschan2404]

Hi Tarun, My favour period of hi-fi was the seventies, when my father bought us a complete set top of the range Sony hi-fi. STR -7065A receiver, Sony cassette deck, Sony fully automatic turntable and a pair of Sony speaker. My father just gone at 94.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I am sorry for your loss James. I am sure you have many great memories and a lot to thank him for 👍🙏👍

[@jked7463]

For best sound, I'd say huge jumps in amplifier sound quality were made in the late 70's. Yes, I am that old. For analog sources, as always, just before digital came out the record producers figured out vinyl.. Although there some great recordings from the 50's. For speakers, I'd say the last decade, (improvements in material sciences) and especially after they got away from polypropylene cones,. But you know me, I am not very opinionated about these things.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to have your perspective my friend 😊👍

[@texfish]

Hi Turan ,another great vid. For a while you used to recommend a track of music at the end of your vids. This was handy for pointing me in the direction of music i wouldn't normally think of listening to. Although one of your suggestions was Soul recover by Ghost rider and wasn't my type of music it was very helpful when auditioning a new set of speakers because of it's very wide sound stage. Any chance of suggesting tracks again please ? Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Terry. I don’t know why I stopped doing that. Just a lot to get through I suppose. I will take that on board 😊👍

[@Roof_Pizza]

I think the late 90's early 2000's were the golden years. Top notch stuff, made in the proper countries of origin, amps rated all channels driven full range weighing as much as a St Bernard, no fans running, ever.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I thoroughly enjoyed the 90’s hifi era too 😊👍

[@Roof_Pizza]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Cheers.

[@hadrianasher]

Thanks for another excellent review Tarun. I'm currently running an Audiolab 6000a + 6000cdt into a pair of Q Acoustics 3020i speakers with their matching stands. Do you think that a pair of m20s would give a significant improvement or do I need a bigger budget to achieve a meaningful step up in sound quality?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Hadrian, the M20s would not be an upgrade from what you have. I would look for a pair of passive speakers. Something in the £600 to £1,000 range 😊👍

[@hadrianasher]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun, this feedback, its much appreciated. I'll continue with my research. Look forward to watching more of your excellent reviews in the future.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@hadrianasher thank you. I would start with the Wharfedale’s are they have been voiced to work well with the 6000A by parent company IAG 👍😊👍

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Mid-80s. The heyday of KEF (IMHO), Bryston, Thiel, Melos, Vandersteen, Audio Research. Most of what I wish I owned is actually vintage kit from that era.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@Romulus980]

My wow moment for HiFi was at the HiFi Bristol show few years ago when I heard ATC SCM40 (passive) speakers for first time driven by the entry level ATC Integrated amp via ATC CD. The wow came from the way the system (or speakers) presented the music likle the music came out of no where and the way it came out like it was live...! Most probably typical work of sealed speakers and the bass was spot on. When the music changed tempo during the track (Pink Floyd's- Money) via the ATC's I really heard and even felt the sudden increase in tempo- this was so exciting that I began to imagine what this system would do with my music collection....? During the same HiFi show I heard a very expensive system from USA, it was good but same time so boring....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing. ATC makes some great products 😊

[@jeremylynnchagaspereira3926]

Great video. Nice to see an Outstanding at this price level. I think the best hi fi era for me is more closely related to my income than anything else 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jeremy 😊👍

[@thethirdman225]

My favourite era was the early 1980s when we had crazies like Stig Carlsson and David Hafler experimenting with new things while companies like Linn and Celestion held the traditional market. It also saw the emergence of companies like NAD, who changed a lot of perceptions. But sound reproduction quality has never been better than it is today.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Great brands 👍

[@gthack371]

Just noticed you now have 44.1k subscribers :) Great content, as usual, thank you!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is very cool. I enjoyed it while it lasted 😂👍

[@mtkoshy6284]

Encouraged by positive reviews, I bought this set as a stop gap arrangement while my Amp went for repairs. Having been used to Rega-ATC combination, I was a bit sceptical whether my ears would accept the new sound. I was wrong. This is fantastic VFM product. The only problem I'm facing is that the volume control on the main unit is dim witted. Even with the remote control, the response time is poor. But I'm happy till Rega returns. Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@mike_lowndes]

Audioquest Indigo I think. The cables. I have had a pair for 25+ years.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Mike 😊👍

[@paulgibson3259]

It's funny, but I bought the M20's and I'm just enjoy listening to music much more now with good and bad recordings. I've always been a high detail guy, but I always end up somewhat irritated sonically by characteristics I always pursued. The M20s are the best of both worlds. Maybe not the big WOW factor of Totems, Proacs, Sonus Faber. Khorns, but Im listening and enjoying a broader variety of music and recording qualities. I came to the realization that most of the music I like just isn't recorded that well. And I don't need a system that amplifies that fact. I'll listen to God bless the Child off the Bridge CD by Sonny Rollins if I wan't to hear a great performance and recording. I've learned to respect tone and balance much more.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to learn about your experiences Paul 😊

[@ilkkatirkkonen725]

Exactly same feelings here!

[@mgsboedmisodpc2]

By the way what and absolute great job done showing the innards of the speakers something consumers rarely get to see even though its all about what one hears.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend 👍😊👍

[@carlsitler9071]

Then after those tiny speakers, listen to a good 3-way with 15" woofer.

[@themastroiannis]

your review really makes me want to buy them and try them!! have you or any of your subscribers compared them to modest passive speakers? i would like to replace my wharfedale diamond 11.2 bookshelf speakers run by an iotavx sa3 in a 4 X 5 meters room. will only be used for music (CDs and vinyls); mostly jazz, folk and classical (listening spot between 2 to 3 meters from speakers)... i actually like the synergy of the iota with the wharfedales.... but your glowing review is sooo tempting!! any thoughts anyone?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

You should check out my review of the AE100s 😊👍

[@themastroiannis]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hey Tarun, thanks so much for your response! I did watch your review of the AE100, but can't get those here in the US, and by watching your review, they seem designed more for desktop or near field listening? maybe i'm wrong? Perhaps changing the wharfedales and iota integrated to the Q acoustics will not be an improvement of any kind? by the way, going to AXPONA tomorrow! very excited about it!

[@johndavies6253]

Another great video, thank you. Lots of great tips too, I never would have thought to place my speaker stands on blocks to raise the height of the tweeters, I’ve been couch slouching for years!! As for favourite period in hifi, we’ll for me it was the mid 80’s to mid 90’s. Especially companies like Nakamichi, NAD and Audiolab, all standard width components which soothed my OCD and charming aesthetics. As for sound, well I’ve still not had the chance to hear Nakamichi or Luxman gear, that experience is still on my bucket list. Would you recommend and hifi stores near you for listening demonstrations?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you John. The 80’s and 90’s could arguably be the golden age of Hifi 😊👍

[@dannymcneal]

As I had been reviewing a good number of speaker options for my small living room with a fireplace insert, the YT algorithm probably pointed me in your direction, and I’m glad it did. I’ve enjoyed your commentary a lot. In my living room, I didn’t want speaker wires all over the place, especially crossing over or below my fireplace to connect them to each other. So I decided to go with powered bookshelf speakers (even though a number of audiophiles didn’t cheer too loudly for powered speakers). I settled on the Edifier S3000 Pro powered bookshelf speakers, and I’m glad I did, as they check all the boxes for me: great sound (as tested by the audio experts), small-ish size, wireless connection between the L & R speakers (no need to physically connect them together), plethora of inputs, beautiful styling, and matching stands. They look great and sound even better, and I have no doubt the Qs sound fantastic as well. Not all of us have a perfect listening room, but we can maximize what’s available to us and get as close as we can to audiophile-quality sound. Thanks again for another great review and commentary!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Danny. I appreciate you watching. Seems that you have the perfect solution for your scenario 😊👍

[@CaptainDarrick]

Oh dear . Not a mention in this review of the fact that if you need the two analogue inputs, you are snookered . When you use the small 3.5 input jack, it disables the two phono inputs .What ? I have a turntable ( with built in phono preamp ) and a CD player ( with no digital outputs) . I was thinking of upgrading my speakers to these M20s ...but I CANNOT .They are utterly useless now .DEAL KILLER . Why no mention of this in your review ? I had to find out elsewhere . Buyers BEWARE ..

[@jgm9188]

Thank you so much for the great review. Planning to get one soon. Would like to add a subwoofer, considering Wharf D-10. Or should I stretch to QB12. What’s your opinion? Thanks in advance.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I haven’t tried those subs but the Q Acoustics 3070S is well regarded 😊

[@jgm9188]

Thank you for the reply. Since it’s for music purposes, someone suggested sealed is better. Hence I didn’t consider QA 3070S. Q acoustics QB12 is 12” sealed but huge in size. Wharfedale D-10 is 10” sealed.

[@NinjaGizmo]

Hey British Audiophile! I bought these speakers and I’m loving them. I am just wondering if you noticed any hissing/white noise when playing an audio source? Mine have a noticeable noise floor/white noise when playing any audio source. Just wondering if it’s normal. Thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great! They shouldn’t be hissing 😊

[@BoredSilly666]

Another great video thanks. Its interesting to see more and more powered Hi-Fi speakers these days. They've been used in production for quite some time now, although some are pretty flat and Ive also used them for DJ Monitors before. I would love to hear a nice set of high end ATC's or PMC's, I bet they sound amazing : ) Ive only just got more into Hifi the past 4 or 5 years, before that all my equipment has been DJ stuff, turntables, mixers, CDJ's etc. 15-18" bass bins and PA speakers. I also liked my Home theatre so had a nice surround set up. Ive now combined my Hifi with my HT and just about fully treated my room. Just got to save for some more diffusion to finish it off. Im more into watching Reviews than Raves these days hahaha. : ) Must be getting older hahaha

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@quicktoevil]

In the mid 90's, I spent more for a stereo system than I had on my 1985 VW Golf. Still have the Klipsch KG series spkrs, and the Onkyo Integra amp, but the Golf didn't survive the decade. The 90's was a great time to be young and reckless but the music? Well, I'll never grow tired of Rage against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Cranberries, U2, Jane's Addiction, REM, Tool and so much more!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@themarklar8759]

Just picked these M20s up on Amazon's Prime sale day for 375 dollars. A legitimate steal!!!! Looking forward to putting them on my desktop and enjoying the music! Planning to update here after I take delivery.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 please keep me posted 👍

[@Xavier.B.33]

Hey ! Thanks a lot for that review. I'm looking for a stereo set to go with my Denon turntable (witch already has a pre amp). These M20 look really good ! So you ever listen to the Elipson Prestige Facet 6B Bluetooth ? They kinda loom similar ... but do they sound as good ? Thanks !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I haven’t heard the Elipson powered speaker 😊

[@d.v.o.8870]

Hello I found another active powered speaker set from the company Magnat. The Magnat Monitor Reference Reference 3A. I wonder how they would compare quality wise!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks for the heads up 😊

[@nunyabidness2148]

Please review the Dynaudio Focus 10!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the suggestion 😊

[@scalereality4840]

What an excellent review, I've purchased a new Sony 55" TV and really didn't want a soundbar or a full surround system as I prefer wathcing movies in stereo, these will be perfect! Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you SR. Much appreciated. I can see a lot of people using them exactly as you intend 😊👍

[@mangowalk]

Thank you for your in-depth review; it greatly helped me in making the decision to buy these. Just out of curiosity, which sub would you recommend for the M20's?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. The Q Acoustics 3070s may be a good place to start 😊

[@rnewton1221]

Excellent review although I was hoping the m20 would be the go to Bluetooth desktop Bluetooth solution. But you say Bluetooth is not that good. I had the original quad vena for Bluetooth with the matched quad bookshelf speakers. Should I just go back to separates? Or is there a active speaker Bluetooth option?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I haven’t found a Bluetooth solution I am happy with as yet 👍

[@BogLungu]

Hello! You promise that You will test Focal Speakers 🔊 ! I still wait … ! Please don’t forget 🙃 ! Thanks 😊 !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I have to get through to the correct person to speak to but hope to review some Focal and Naim gear 😊👍

[@adamcfada5071]

I agree with the last comment. The best time is NOW! With computers, software, DSP and quality equipment, companies can build better speakers, amps and DACs. There's more choice than ever. I just wish I had the money to buy it. If I didn't already have a system I would definitely buy the Q Acoustics for my small room. I'm not a fan of class D sound (at least my class D amp), though it looks like these speakers' amps don't suffer from some of the class D traits.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ada. You are right, the M20s don’t have the lean midrange associated with many class D amps 😊👍

[@PuglioInside]

It looks these speakers are very well engeneered but I think they tend to privilege digital sources. Are there good active or powered hi fi speakers (and not studio monitors…) that remain truly analog in nature (without DSPs and the likes)?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Good observation. They are geared to digital sources 😊

[@laika25]

So i went ahead and bought them. Very happy with them. Only thing I miss is some way of telling what my volume is at each time. I like knowing what my volume is at each time and all the time. Cheers. And good listenings!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@d1.004]

late '70's, where now everything is trying to find shortcuts using digital tech, in days prior there was a true craftsmanship pursuit of the finest outcomes using technology that took man safely to the moon and back.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing👍😊👍

[@jimmyfalcon7410]

what a great review. Whenever I am browsing stuff this dude keeps coming up trumps…. This is such a great time to be using ur ears. The tech is just amazing. When I came back from USA (1985) having worked in cinema and theatre production the idea of active speakers was almost unheard of. I used mono quad mic amps to power tweeters and a Hafler I made from a kit to power woofers having discarded Tannoy crossovers. Then came CD and digital. Hotel ‘Hifi’ exhibitions and awful recordings of Jean m Jarre in every room. After all that I went back to passive after hearing ATC. My 60 yr old ears have taken a battering but my enthusiasm for the quest of the holy grail goes on. Hi res and gizmos like dragonfly and dacs keeps the fires burning. I am blessed to have mosfets and valves , active and passive and a studio/Workshop to play in and hang traps and wall coverings without kids poking dust caps etc. it’s a lifelong joy and journey and so happy that this audiophile chap is coherent and able to spread the word in such a way. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jimmy. That is very kind. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@paulgillard5094]

Thank you for an excellent review as always.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Paul. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@MrBokkyboy]

Your review on these speakers was the icing on the cake. I ordered the speakers and damnn they sound great! BT is a no go so I ordered the wiim mini for airplay. Yes I mis that punch when it comes to listening to 50 or 2pac etc sooooo my questions. Any recommendations on 1 sub 2. Speaker cables (you said the one you own are older ones)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

So,please you are enjoying them. The Q Acoustics 3070s is a well priced sub. I would use OFC cable with a 12AWG thickness 😊👍

[@MrBokkyboy]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you ☺️. Shopping time! 😬

[@lonniefarmer7067]

Now is my favorite time as I have the time, money and knowledge to devout to the music passion. I now have 4 DSD sacd's so I am one of the 5 out there that cares. lol

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing Lonnie 😊👍

[@zindahoon]

Lol 😂 Tarun , now I have to go and watch again your AE1 even though you suggested and I also wanted but bought Thieaudio Monarch MKii IEM and have to wait for a while .. it’s always pleasure to watch all your videos again and again and every time I learn something new. Thanks again

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Atri. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@andrewburgess4450]

The best time for me was the early 90s had cash had some banging systems then I had children sucking up my cash just starting to invest again

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing Andrew 😊

[@gino3286]

hi 1st of all thank you very much indeed for your excellent channel full of very valuable advice i have a rule in stereo to treat L and R signals in the same way therefore on principle it is hard to me to accept one powered speaker and the other passive if possible i would buy or two passives or two actives to keep things identical for both channel i am sure the results would be better

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Gino. I appreciate you watching and sharing 😊👍

[@filofilo8127]

Another thorough review Tarun. I still have a pair of Q Acoustics 2020i's although not my main speakers I do like to put them through their paces with my Exposure amp from time to time. IMO Q Acoustics offer excellent value for the money. 1970's and 1980's for me. Brands I owned ..Sonab/Nakamichi/DCM Time Window/ Marantz/Mission/Thorens/Denon/Wharfdale Teac (RtoR).This was an era that had an abundance of bricks and mortar stores with decent sized demo rooms.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing buddy. I remember there were so many hifi dealers around and it was so easy to listen to gear back then 😊👍