In this review, we will be comparing M20 HD and Ai61, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and Fluance. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics M20 HD and Fluance Ai61 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics M20 HD and Fluance Ai61 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both M20 HD and Ai61 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Q Acoustics M20 HD |
Fluance Ai61 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
0.875-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
M20 HD features a 0.875" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woofer . On the other hand, the Ai61 features a 1" Silk Neodymium Ferrofluid Cooled Soft Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven, Glass Fiber Composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
M20 HD has a frequency range of 55-22k Hz whereas Ai61 has a frequency range of 32-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the Ai61 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M20 HD's min frequency of 55Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both M20 HD and Ai61 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Q Acoustics M20 HD's and Fluance Ai61's external dimensions. Q Acoustics M20 HD has external dimensions of 278.0 x 170.0 x 310.0mm ( 10-15/16 x 6-11/16 x 12-3/16inch) whereas Fluance Ai61 has external dimensions of 33.3 x 19.8 x 23.4 cm ( 13.1 x 7.8 x 9.2 inches) .
Q Acoustics M20 HD is 28mm narrower and 55mm shorter than Fluance Ai61 but it is also 76mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Q Acoustics M20 HD is approximately 527.0cm2 / 81.7inch2 and base area of the Fluance Ai61 is approximately 463.0cm2 / 71.8inch2. The M20 HD requires 14% more surface area than the Ai61 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Q Acoustics M20 HD weighs 5.10kg / 11.2lbs and the Fluance Ai61 weighs 5.96kg / 13.1lbs. This makes the Ai61 17% heavier than the M20 HD.
Here is a comparison of how M20 HD and Ai61's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics M20 HD?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of M20 HD:
Powered speaker Passive speaker 6-feet AC power cord Remote control 2 AAA batteries 13-feet Speaker wire 59-inch Optical digital cable 2 Foam port plugs Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Fluance Ai61?
Here are the items that come with the Ai61:
Ai61 Powered Bookshelf Speakers (pair)Remote Control1x CR2032 Battery6ft Power Cable8ft 18 Gauge Speaker WireQuick Start GuideFluance CatalogLifetime Customer Support2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
278mm
vs
333mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
3.5mm Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via 3.5mm AUX input |
RCA Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connection via RCA input |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Base Surface Area |
463cm2 (198x234mm)
vs
527cm2 (170x310mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
USB Port |
USB-C
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
General |
Q Acoustics M20 HD Wireless Music System |
Fluance Ai61 |
Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Fluance |
Speaker Type |
Powered stereo speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
55-22k Hz |
32-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
128-watt RMS |
120-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
16-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
192 kHz |
48 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
Woven, Glass Fiber Composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Butyl Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
0.875" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
278.0mm (10.9") |
333.0mm (13.1") |
Width |
170.0mm (6.7") |
198.0mm (7.8") |
Depth |
310.0mm (12.2") |
234.0mm (9.2") |
Weight |
5.10kg (11.2lbs) |
5.96kg (13.1lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF wood |
Available Colors |
Black, White, Walnut |
Black Ash,Lucky Bamboo,White Walnut, Natural Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
3.5mm, Stereo RCA |
RCA |
USB Port |
USB-B |
USB-C |
Phone Input |
No |
No |
Subwoofer Output |
mono-RCA |
Wired |
Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical |
HDMI Input |
No |
No |
Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
|
Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
|