Comments on: Q Acoustics M40 Wireless Speakers: Review

By: Mike Cornell

Mike Cornell — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:38:33 +0000

In reply to Larry. Good point, Larry, and if you’re going to add streaming capability anyway, something like a Bluesound Node etc would also do the trick.

By: Larry

Larry — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:10:29 +0000

In reply to Ian White.

Ian and Mike,

It’s relatively painless to add HDMI ARC to the M40s by adding an SMSL PS100 DAC. Amazon sells them for $30.

Larry

By: Ian White

Ian White — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:28:03 +0000

In reply to Larry.

Larry,

You would be surprised how many people will see this review, but your point is well taken.

I also own the KEF LSX II which are used in my home dining room. There are items about the KEF that I like more (control app, Wi-Fi, overall tonal balance), but the M40 delivers music with greater intensity and you do not require a subwoofer with these.

The KEF’s stands are also way too expensive taking them to almost $1,800.

I could add a turntable and WiiM streamer to the M40 for the total cost of the KEF LSX II and the stands.

I didn’t expect to love the M40 this much. And I’m just getting started with them.

Best,

Ian White

By: Ian White

Ian White — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:24:06 +0000

In reply to Mike Cornell.

Mike,

I’ve only had a chance to listen to them briefly in a 2.1 system with my LG OLED, and whilst I would agree that having an HDMI ARC/eARC port would have been preferable, the optical input works just fine.

I do think apartment owners should consider these rather seriously. They do not take up a lot fo space, look great, and the focus on the bass range and lower midrange makes them a lot of fun to listen to.

When I asked Q Acoustics during the podcast about the decision to not include a phono pre-amp and HDMI…the answer seemed to be “we needed to keep these below $1,000” and decisions needed to be made.

I am 100% buying a pair for myself.

Best,

Ian White

By: Mike Cornell

Mike Cornell — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:51:35 +0000

These sound very intriguing, Ian, and I love the compact size. I kind of wish they had an hdmi-e-arc port, which may be a deal-breaker for me and seems like an oversight on Q-Acoustics part.

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:47:03 +0000

Hi Ian,

I enjoyed your review and agree with your concept of fun in Hi-Fi. I’m a big fan of the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule) for many things in life. How much would someone need to spend to get a noticeable improvement in the sound quality of the M40s, likely an additional $4,000 for the KEF LS60s, if you wanted an all-in-one solution? Unfortunately, the folks who would benefit most from your review will never see it or recognize how valuable your insights are.

Amazingly, adding a Wiim streamer makes this a game-changer for bang for the buck and simplicity.