In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Q Acoustics. Q Acoustics M40 is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the M20 HD is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics M40 and Q Acoustics M20 HD first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics M40 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 50-watt RMS( 100-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.875" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Woofer
- 38-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:11.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 710.0" x 10" x 11.7"( 250 x 710 x 296 mm )
Q Acoustics M20 HD Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 128-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.875" Dome Tweeter
- 5" Woofer
- 55-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:5.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 278.0" x 6-11/16" x 12-3/16"( 278.0 x 170.0 x 310.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics M40 and Q Acoustics M20 HD 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 M40 and M20 HD are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics M40 |
Q Acoustics M20 HD |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.875-inch
|
0.875-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
M40 features a 0.875" Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Woofer . On the other hand, the M20 HD features a 0.875" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
M40 has a frequency range of 38-22k Hz whereas M20 HD has a frequency range of 55-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the M40 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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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 M40 and M20 HD 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 M40's and Q Acoustics M20 HD's external dimensions. Q Acoustics M40 has external dimensions of 250 x 710 x 296 mm ( 10 x 28 x 11.7 inch) whereas 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) .
Q Acoustics M20 HD is 80mm narrower and 432mm shorter than Q Acoustics M40 but it is also 14mm 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 M40 is approximately 740.0cm2 / 114.7inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics M20 HD is approximately 527.0cm2 / 81.7inch2. The M40 requires 40% more surface area than the M20 HD which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics M40?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of M40:
1x Powered M40 speaker 1x Passive M40 speaker 4x Rear Stabiliser 8x M5 screw 8x Spike Feet 8x Spike Cover 1x Remote Handset (including batteries) 1x Speaker Cable (4 metres) 1x UK Power Cord (2 metres) 1x EU Power Cord (2 metres) 2x Foam Bungs
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics M20 HD?
Here are the items that come with the 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
Number of Woofers 
USB Port 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*