Best Bluetooth speaker system gets a major upgrade for 2024

Best Bluetooth speaker system gets a major upgrade for 2024

Q Acoustics, makers of some of the best stereo speaker systems I've ever tried, today (February 15) unveiled its new M40 tower speaker system. This new floorstanding product joins the popular M20 HD wireless audio system. This larger cabinet version claims extended bass (down to 38 Hz), which should result in a richer, more engaging sound.

Unlike the recently announced KEF LSX II Lite bookshelf wireless music system, which integrates both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the Q Acoustics M40, like its M20 sibling, is a Bluetooth-only Bluetooth-only setup. Similarly as a stereo speaker system, it consists of one powered speaker with an internal Class D amplifier (rated at 100W x 2) linked to passive speakers via umbilical cables.

Classified as a micro-tower rather than a full tower system, the M40 speakers are only 28 inches (71 cm) tall and should be easier to install than many floorstanding speaker systems. The cabinet construction features a fixed grille, which is said to increase the strength and rigidity of the front baffle, while reducing the structure around the speaker drivers to minimize disturbance of the sound waves projected forward. The cabinet itself features Q Acoustics' proprietary Point-to-Point internal bracing, which maintains the speaker's rigidity and inertness as much as possible, and includes stabilizers.

The M40 system features two 5-inch (125 mm) mid/bass drivers in each speaker cabinet, said to deliver outstanding bass performance and midrange fidelity. High frequencies are handled by a 0.9-inch (22mm) decoupled tweeter located above the cabinet's front baffle.

The back of the powered speaker has a number of connections that can be designated as left or right stereo channels. There is an optical digital input for wired digital connections and a USB port that can handle up to 192 kHz/24-bit audio files at full quality. In addition, there are stereo analog RCA and 3.5mm jack inputs and a subwoofer output.

Wireless connectivity is Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX HD and aptX Low Latency technology, supporting high-resolution streaming up to 24-bit/48 kHz from compatible devices Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect support Wi-Fi is not available.

While we have yet to audition the new Q Acoustics M40 wireless audio system at home, the new Microtower is a state-of-the-art setup from a traditional speaker specialist with years of audio expertise and hi-fi know-how. It looks to be a great solution for anyone looking to step up their music system.

The Q Acoustics M40 is available now, priced at $999 / £749 / A$1,999. It is available in walnut wood panel, black, and white color options and can be purchased at qacoustics.com and at retailers.

Stay tuned for a review coming soon.

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