I bought the Acoustic Energy AE100 MK2 three weeks ago. Really impressed. Punchy, upfront, good bass for the size. Driven by an SMSL SA300 with a Raspberry PI and Hifiberry with Volumio, this is a good lower priced audio set
Your review of the M20s helped me choose these speakers. I’m very satisfied with the connection to my Planar 1 plus. Very enjoyable to an amateur audiophile.
Hi Tarun, congratulations for your deep, polite and precise reviews and análisis of hi fi Gear. Actually your reviews and opinions are the reference for my personal audiophile journey. Thank you very much.
Outstanding as always, Tarun! Thank you for another great year of deeply informative, comprehensive, educational and thoughtful reviews. Happy Holidays to you and yours 🙏🎄🎊
Hi Tarun, greeting from downunder, I admire you so much for your knowledge on hi fi equipment and through your UA-cam videos I can see you as an intelligent man, a decent humble man , you stand up consistently for what is good and right, and never yield your integrity to what's convenient or common. May I wish you and your family have a merry Christmas and a happy New year's. May all good come to you from my bottom of my heart.
Thank you James, that means a lot. Also, thank you for all the support this year. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year too 👍🎅👍
I own the Q Acoustic M20 and have to agree with you. They sound great and offer fantastic value. I use them for playing CD’s and have them connected to my TV via optical for a better than sound bar experience. Oh and then Bluetooth Spotify or Apple Music from my phone. All that for £399 or less.
Great video, Tarun. I'm glad you chose a speaker that has more "bang for the buck" than most. I also respect your courage in doing so, since many audiophiles don't seem to consider a powered speaker to be an audiophile product...........👍
Hi Tarun, I can't wait to see you get a pair of those Mofi Source Point 10 speakers in for review. You are one of the true reviewers, out of maybe 10 that I trust with an honest review. Everyone is glowing about these MoFi Speakers. With you it either is or it isn't and if it isn't you go into detail as to why.
Thanks again Tarun, for all your hard work in 2022, most appreciated. I have heard the Q3020i (with the Rotel A11 Tribute), very impressive brand :0) Have a great 2023🙂
I would like to see more coverage of floor standing speakers on this channel. I appreciate your systematic approach to evaluating hi fi, and would love to hear your thoughts on floorstanders. Any reason why you seem to cover smaller speakers exclusively? Is it just a reflection of the UK market?
Damn Tarun! Now I want to buy these even though I don’t need them and don’t know where I’ll put them. The only silver lining is that they’re a lot cheaper than the Exposure that I felt compelled to buy after your last year’s Best Amplifier award. 😂
Taran, you are my favorite of all the YT audio guys. Excellent, thorough presentation of well-considered opinions. My favorite speakers are my Bryston Mini T’s. They’re a “stand mount”, though 41# each. I love that they are true 3-ways with a great presentation across the spectrum that is both controlled and rich. I happily use them w/out a sub. I have them on low, tubular metal stands which are wheeled - this enables me to position them to my liking. Was able to procure them for $2200 on the used market.
I recently added a REL T Zero MK III to my Dali Menuets, and I'm very happy with the result. All this is connected to the Atoll ST200 Signature preamp/streamer + AM200 Signature power amp.
Just upgraded my AVR to be more audiophile oriented from buget level. Have the Dali opticons mk1 and as usual after watching one your great reviews I'm minded to buy an upgrade ie the Menuets! Will watch out for your future recommendations though. Great reviews sir.
Great video, Firstly I'm not and audiophile. I watched your review on the Q 20'a a few days ago and as a result picked them up for £319 locally. They were easy to install and setup and for the first time I am able to hear the difference in UA-camrs microphones without the use of headphones. Many thanks and you have a new sub.
Great review Taran, I went to the shop to buy the Menuet SE and left with a Rubicon 2. I'd be really interested in your opinion of them compared to the smaller Menuet. I recognise a lot of the qualities that you mentioned but it would be great to know if you see the similarity too.. if nothing else so I have a benchmark for my ear vs yours! 😆 Thanks for all your hard work this year, I hope you have a great holiday season.
Great summary! Really enjoyed your reviews this year Thankyou :) any upcoming reviews for cayin products? Would be good to get your impressions compared with the wilsonten range
Well Ive been watching your productions little by little the past couple months, another quality vid. *thumbsup* Suppose its time I subscribed. Subscribed.
Another speaker that should also be included in the selection is the Dynaudio Evoke 10. It has its strengths in a natural fluiding treble and a well-tuned sound, where no tone range dominates the other.
I must confess -- I was a little surprised by your choice. I felt sure it had to be either the Neats or the Menuet SEs. As regards your reasoning -- yes, I suppose it's easier to achieve better with a higher spend, but then again if it were that easy, there'd be piles of speakers sounding as good as the Neats or SEs at their respective price points. I suppose there's the law of diminishing returns to consider, and the next worthwhile step up from the Neats or SEs might be two or three times their price, who knows. OTOH, if one has a limited budget, one can appreciate where you're coming from. Thinking about it, your speaker awards cover the bases in the budget to mid-price range, offering something for everyone. The fact it helps newcomers decide on something rewarding without too much expenditure on ancillary equipment (amp and DAC) has to be a good thing. If I were starting off, I think I'd be very glad to buy QA M20s. The next step, were I to go down the active route, would be the AE 1 actives, one of your earlier favourites. Whatever, I'm very grateful for your channel and can say that IMHO I was made a very happy camper when I bought new your highly recommended Menuet SEs for a very good price, £999 -- which I couple with a REL sub (the T0), in line with your suggestion -- the latter also picked up new at a bargain price (£249). I could so easily have spent as much on something that I wouldn't have found as satisfying, but thanks to you, didn't. I've enjoyed your channel all year and would recommend it to anyone, confident that if they choose to follow your advice, they won't go far wrong. You cut through all the hype and offer unbiased, expert advice. So I wish you a very happy Christmas, and am very much looking forward to what the New Year will bring from you for us, your avid listeners.
Thank you John. It is heartwarming to have feedback like that and greatly appreciated. It was tricky to pick an outright winner. I could easily make a case for each of the speakers featured to be my speaker of the year. In the end I had to apply some kind of rational to be consistent. I think next year I may have separate price categories. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you too 🎅👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have to share the concern of @John Callahan as to following your rationale. I played the bit back three times, and then referred to the transcript because I couldn’t quite grasp the distinction you were making from the words you choose (may have been an across-the-pond translation feature). But if you are eliminating half the field because they were too expensive, then, perhaps they shouldn’t have been in the field to begin with. So your plan for next year is a good one. For THIS year, though, I would still be interested in your choice between the Acoustic Energy offering and the Dali. I was really liking the Dali, especially the looks of the thing. I know I only seem to post when I have something critical to say, but I do really enjoy the channel, and look forward to your reviews as they always seem well-considered. I must also add that not everyone places the Biden of choosing ‘the best’ of anything anymore, so, in a sense you bring it on yourself when you take on the task. It’s all a means of furthering the discussion I suppose.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 I realised by going through the process of picking winners this year that I will always favour an “Outstanding” cheaper product over a more expensive one. This is because I know the designer has more constraints and a harder job on his/her hands. That’s why next year it may be useful to have price categories. That way I can give the more expensive products a fair chance 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Not to beat a dead horse, but I’m still puzzled by the ‘constraints’ criteria. Are they constrained because they are designing to a price point, and you’re granting ‘Outstanding’ status because it’s value for money? Or are they constrained because the product is a one-off or independently designed and the manufacturer isn’t able to take advantage of research & development that went into higher end speakers built by the same company? [The cost of said R & D being absorbed by the cost of the higher end models.] As a consumer, I am most interested to learn how a product performs, what you hear, what equipment you used in your review, what’s inside the box (where applicable), and the price. Again, as a consumer, I will weigh all these characteristics on making my choice of which to buy, or which I feel would be best for me. You, as a reviewer, may decide to offer your choice of what you consider ‘the best’ or ‘Outstanding’ product in a particular category. The rub seems to come from how the category is arrived at, by what criteria, the products are chosen. In this case, the products were chosen from the set of speakers you have reviewed this year, fair enough, and very clear. Your bias toward the less expensive offerings wasn’t made clear until the end when making your final choice. This was not fair, I feel. Your proposed solution poses a problem too, though. If you make price the preliminary criteria, there is no room for a product that ‘punches above its weight.’ Likewise, if a product is such poor performance or quality, will find yourself saying next year, “Two of the four products in this review are not worthy of your consideration because they perform so poorly they shouldn’t be included in this group even though they are priced similarly.” Do you see the dilemma? Perhaps you need to look at it the other way round. Pick your winner, then select what you consider comparable products, make your presentation, announce the winner and your rationale, and let the chips fall where they may. Just a thought. And Merry Christmas! or Happy Christmas!
If you like Danish speakers, check out Audiovector's R1 Arrete. While it has no onboard amplification, you do plug it into the mains outlet, here, as a means of "grounding" the speakers via the outlet. It's similar to some of the older Tannoys which came with five connectors at the speaker terminals to facilitate such grounding.
@@steven2809 thanks for your insight, Sir. This concern has been raised with Audiovector CEO before where it was pointed out certain amplifier manufacturers do not recommend using their amplifiers with grounded speakers because they use bridged circuits and damage may occur. One of such companies I am aware of is Austria's Crayon Audio. Mr Kliffort does not believe these are a problem with the way the grounding is implemented in his company's loudspeakers. I do not have the technical knowledge to assess whether one view or the other is correct. Caveat emptor, I suppose. Nonetheless, their loudspeakers sound really good.
@@timleelim9930 I agree Audiovectors are excellent speakers. I remember Arcam using them at a HiFi show in the UK a few years ago to demo their amplifiers! Just wanted to point out some issues with class D amps...🙂
Hi Tarun, I was hoping the under dog of this video would get the award. The way you described the Acoustic energy speakers, I would have believed you if you would have told that the price is double of what it is.
@@swiss889 Thank you for the tip. I always wanted to try a Naim amp and this is my first one so i guess Naim it is for now. In the future if the upgrade bug bites me i will try Exposure for sure.
Thank you Tarun for another lovely video. Such a nice way to start the weekend. I was really taken by surprise by the new Klipsch RP600m mk2. Not neutral, but really clean, engaging sound. Very dynamic but refined at the same time.
I'd love to see a review of the latest Proac Response D1 or D2 /D2R (preferably all good three) with the Exposure 2015 amp and maybe the R8. I think many viewers respect your opinion, I certainly do, and your love of the Proac /Exposure combination has probably boosted sales for both companies. Proac should be sending all their products. Honestly I don't think any of the UA-cam reviewers I follow have ever had a Proac speaker for review. Maybe they don't send them out and they're too expensive to buy just for a video.
Thank you Ada. I know the press agent at ProAc, they aren’t to concerned about getting their products reviewed. They are happy to send new products out to select group of reviewers that have traditionally used 😊
Certainly the best value. No worries over how to drive them, but also mystifying. No DAC but it is able to play digital sources so it must convert digital to analogue somewhere. In the outputstage I read somewhere.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm trying to get my head around it. So it not just a class D amplifier, but a Digital Class D amplifier, some people call a power DAC. Amp and DAC in one.
@@D1N02 that is right, this article explains how a digital amplifier works 😊 www.eetimes.com/the-sound-of-change-from-analog-to-digital-audio-amplifiers/
my biggest conclusion after 2022 is, i def dont spend more money to upgrade the speakers or electronic, doesnt makes sense because the differences are too small at a certain quality / pricetag. Next Year the only investment for Hifi goes into an Acoustic Engineer to plan my Room Acoustic & buying Elements. I arrived speaker & electronic wise, of course a 7-8k Setup isnt cheap but every euro was spend well thought and thats payed of. Ìm so happy with my CraneSong DAC, Active Unity audio monitors and the Neumann Sub (+ Room Correction) that i dont want anything else. Someday my only dream is to own a pair of ATC SCM45 or 100A
Tarun, nice review. Music is one of the easiest and most accessible art forms available and anything that exposes more people to music, thus art is a good thing. A product like the M20s is an excellent lifestyle solution for many people and would be my choice over a typical sound bar. I think Q Acoustics was smart to skip the DTS Play-Fi route and use apt-X HD as their basic streaming option. I routinely listen to classical music (WCRB in Boston) via their higher bit-rate URL using apt-X on a Rotel A11 Tribute that rivals the best FM tuners I've owned. If someone chooses to go down the Hi-Res path providing a USB port makes that old PC in the closet valuable as a music streamer. Also, the optical port provides access to a world of options from Apple TV to a Wiim Mini Hi-Res streamer. BTW, the Mini works well and does deliver Hi-Res for about $90 and is much easier to use than Play-Fi. Your channel is always one of my first stopping points when looking for reviews. Cheers and have a nice holiday.
I'll be purchasing these m20 for connecting to my TV and a record player. What power Sub woofer should I get? Q acoustics one?. Thanks again class review as always and merry Christmas Tarun
Everyone has an opinion on speakers and this can be heated as you implied. I’m opinionated, but I know what I like as well. They don’t make them anymore, but my ProAc EBTs are still my favorite mini monitor speaker. They’re not for bass heads and don’t do a lot below 70hz, but what they do above that based on your equipment limitations is reveal detail and soundstage like mad. I have yet to hear any speaker yet that beats their ability to show your equipment off better or let you know that an upgrade is needed. They don’t lie! They can expose equipment failings like no other at their price point. There are others that can challenge, but none so far, that can bring joy to my ears like they do. They’re fast, articulate and revealing. Not a speaker for lacking systems or poorly recorded mediums regardless whether digital or analog. On my stands, they are brutally honest. Lets you know what you have and how good or bad it is. Can be frustrating at times, but rewards with good recordings and great gear with very happy ears! Cheers Tarun! Very fun video!
Last week, went to a friend house to auditioned an unknown speaker where he urgently asked to comeover. He off the light and don't even allow me to ON my mobile phone light as well. Tried few different kind of songs and took about 20 to 30mins in his "darkroom" and it was very impressive! After ON the light and I asked what brand is this??? Obviously, is a China brand, but totally never came across before... Most important (after convert to Pound Sterling) it only cost around or less than £250! What really attracted my attention is, it can easily comparable with anything around £1,000 and that is what made my jaw dropped!!! My friend even drove it with an amplifier that around £2,000 (HiFi is all about experience in synergy matching), it even further drop off my pants and underwear 😂 Is call PAIYON and model is P4 (P4F is the floorstand version that only cost extra < £100). I faster snap some photos, later went home and did some research on them. I only managed to find them in TaoBao (their own Online flagship store) and some limited models (these specific bookshelf and floorstand) in ChinaHiFi.
I know I didn't miss the Q Acoustic review because I haven't missed *any* of the reviews on this channel -- and yet, they directly challenge my oft-repeated insinuation that the $300-USD-deal I got on my Edifiers will best nearly any challenger in the current review space, if not for its sound then for its value proposition. A fifty-something early retiree living in Phnom Penh isn't going to drop $2k on a new system no matter how good it sounds, but to have an apples-to-apples speaker that merits these kinds of cartwheels from such an august and trustworthy reviewer is eye-opening, to say the least. I'm going to go back and watch the M20 review again, but for now I'll say that I'm as excited by the prospect of some real competition for the edifiers as I've been in quite some time.
@@CinemaDemocratica Kindly avoid the m20 hd as it has spdif out issue if you plan on using that connection, the sound will drop out after several minutes if not in use and you will need to restart the whole system each time, also if you already own the edifier, chances are the m20 hd are not an upgrade. Instead you may opt for Swans speakers like the m200mkiii+ (if nearfield/desktop) or swans d1090 (living room) for a much cheaper price, and way better sound than the m20 hd or other expensive bookshelf speakers (as compared to my passive setups - dali spektor 2, mission qx2, wharfedale diamond 12.2, polk r200). But it has no subwoofer out (just to keep in mind if you would require them). Also reddit/read reviews on amazon etc for the m20hd and you will see the issues I am talking about. The sound itself is not bad, it is very decent actually but nowhere near the swans. Hope that helps.
For 400 you can get some good entry level studio monitors such as my Adam Audio T5v (5 inch) or possibly even the T7v (7 inch) These on paper would appear to have the Q acoustics beat if your source is a laptop/desktop hooked up to a DAC or audio interface which has balanced audio out. It would be interesting to compare. The balance connection means really low interference and strong dynamics. Twin class D amps one per speaker, ribbon tweeters dig out lots of clarity. Certainly no rounding off at the top with these. Unlike some studio monitors these are not tiring to listen to or harsh and are not unforgiving but good recordings sound best. Sound is a touch bright. They are best in near field. The bass is impressive for a 5 inch woofer as is the dynamics. Main downsides are no volume controls. Only one input so you ideally need a preamp if you want more than one source. I can turn volume up/down using the computer keyboard easily enough. So Q acoustics trounces it for features and ease of use. So it's a less convenient route but an interesting one for around 330 a pair. Sounds amazing with tidal Hifi/master's. You will need to make sure the cables are good and no point using Spotify or mp3s. Need lossless audio for them to truly shine . Deezer Hifi sounds good with them if a step down. The DAC I'm using is a what hi-fi award winning budget I-fi Zen 2 connected by a balanced cable straight into the Adams. My next upgrade is probably going to be the acoustic energy ae1 active or possibly acting the matching sub woofer to the Adams. I do agree that in a living room or for multiple sources the Q acoustics will make life a lot easier. Or you can buy a low noise PSU for the DAC rather than powering it by usb. So even with the active route there's still upgrades available.
Hey, thank you for your review of the M20. After you brought these to my attention, I secured a good offer for these at 449€ (I'm based in Germany). I really enjoy these speakers and I think they're great value! Plus, for me, as a student in my mid-20s, it's a great model to get started in the hi-fi realm while it also didn't cost me a fortune. I really appreciate your review, thanks! 🤝 Why I'm also writing this comment: I'm considering putting them on a wall mount as I'm currently using them for a really small room and I yet can't find a sweet spot to position them. Does anyone here in the comment section happen to know which wall mount to use for them? Any help would be appreciated, cheers!🍻
Thank you Leon. Great to learn about your experiences. It may be worth emailing Q Acoustics to see which wall mount they recommended. If you are placing the speakers close to the wall remember to adjust the DSP setting on the powered speaker 😊👍
Monopulse. Extraordinarily good, one of the best speakers that I have ever heard, really they are shockingly good. Priced as much as 10x less than equivalent rivals. Less accurate, but delicious in their sound are Icon Audio's MFV3, they come in two versions, the less expensive is great value.
Tarun, I know you're a bit of a Triangle fan. Any thoughts on their Titus EZ, their smallest monitor? I'm kicking around replacing my current desktop setup, so I welcome any thoughts/experiences you have had in that setting. Thanks!
Thank you. I haven’t heard the Titus EZ. Their horn loaded speakers tend to be fairly consistent in sonic traits. I just think Triangle speakers make music fun to listen to 😊
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Great way of laying out the reasons underlying your decision instead of just announcing a winner.. Would you consider the Q Concept M 20s an upgrade from Wharfedale Diamond 12.1?
Thank you. It depends on partnering equipment. If you are considering upgrading, the AE1s are an active speaker that will be a significant jump up in performance 😊
Hey Tarun! When you say "power handling" (at 1:33 w.r.t. the AE100 Mk2), what do you mean exactly? Do you mean it deals better with dynamics? Plays better at louder levels? Is easier to drive for an amp? Thanks! Nevermind haha, you say it's volume later on at 4:12, that's what I get for commenting mid way through!
Hello, thank you for this channel and its lovely content! I would like your advise on this: my amplifier is the Sonneteer Campion. The speakers are Royd the Squire. They are great in mid-range and details. But not so much so in the lower region. I'd like some better performance in that region as well. Which speakers would be better suited in this case, in your opinion? Your advise would be really appreciated! Thank you.
Thank you RH. I am not familiar with your amplifier. The Wharfedale Denton or Linton’s may be a good place to start your search. The have a smooth midrange and good bass performance 😊
Hey, thank you for the informative awards video. I have a question. Not sure whether it is a stupid one. M20, will it be a good choice as a workstation (computer) speaker or will it be overkill?
Great review. What's with the RCA and Aux inputs? Can you connect different devices at once and toggle between RCA and AUX on the remote, or do you have to connect one or the other?
@@abritishaudiophile7314 So, I got the M20s, and it doesn't work that way. The 3.5mm jack overrides the RCA, so you can only have one of the two inputs plugged at a time. I was also very unimpressed with the sound. Those are big powered speakers, and I found my cheaper Edifier S350DB more detailed and refined. My wife and kids also found the S350DB more engaging. I really wanted to like the M20s, though!
I so much like my AE100 Mk.II, such a fun little speaker…a specially combined with a BC Acoustique EX-214 amp. Mostly i listen to funk, soul, reggae, hiphop and electronic music…this combination fits this music like no other. Jazz and blues like music is ok to, not the best i guess. Not a match with classical music…there are better combinations. Tested the AE with Yamaha and Cambridge amps to, but it sounds to analytical…a bit sleepy.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 this was the first one to come out from Samsung's stable after they took over Harman Kardon, AKG in California- there was lot of intermingling and firing but the residual engineering team patched up this masterpiece and then disintegrated as the engineers moved on to start on their own Samsung has gone into this Dolby atmos craziness and lost their focus on music I think, sigh 6501 has 3 channels 9 speakers to handle lows mids n highs Bass is not a problem coz I listen to Indian classical music, ghazala, jazz- upper bass is just perfect for my taste Sweet good lord melody is in mids and highs, especially female vocals Do try if you can find one
I believe one of the best values in book shelf speakers these days is the Focal Chora 806. They have a 6” mid woofer and their trade mark inverted metal dome tweeter, while being base ported in the front. Which simplifies positioning. The mid woofer is a “slate” or carbon fiber driver which is light but extremely rigid. If paired carefully with the right kind of amplification say Music Fidelity or other high quality manufacturer such as Atoll etc. They can have a very lively dynamic sound with very tight detailed and controlled base. While having a very natural, warm or I might even say lush sounding mid range. The highs are open, airy and detailed while never being sibilant. Drums, cymbals etc sound natural and have excellent attack and decay. Their imaging is remarkable and the soundstage is wide and deep! All this can be had for the modest sum of around $600.00 US per pair! Tarun have you had a chance to hear them and if so what were your impressions? Thank you for so many of the best reviews on UTUBE! Please have a wonderful and happy holiday season.
So you don’t like floorstanders ? I own bookshelf speakers and they’re on stands. I also own very good floorstanders and find the overall experience far better than anything else. Look forward to your reviews on floorstanders next year :-)
To be honest, I have a harder time with less expensive floorstanders. I just think they give up too much in clarity, soundstage and imaging to their stand mount counterparts in small and medium sized rooms. Building works in 2022 further restricted floorstander reviews. I already have a few floorstander lined up to review in 2023 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 had a conversation with brother in law in Montreal last night. We had a discussion about headphones and then his choice of a Totem Sky bookshelf speakers. He had compared with floor-standers and preferred the sound. He doesn’t use a sub. He also has the sennheiser headphone amp and headphones. Quite a setup for this university lecturer and part time jazz and blues drummer. I’m probably going to sell my Klipsch RP-600M ( or not ) and try a new pair of compact speakers. Budget is tight. You’ve convinced me :-)
Tarun, simply brilliant!!!
Third year in a row, the best reviewer of the year award goes to A British Audiophile .🥇🎉🎉
Thank you Sandeep. That means a lot 😊👍
You have a lovely, measured style to go with your expertise. I always enjoy your reviews. Thank you.
Thank you Nick. That is very kind 😊👍
💯💯💯Neat speaker, classic😝😝🙏🙏
Agree indeed!! Not so common in these cheap days
I bought the Acoustic Energy AE100 MK2 three weeks ago. Really impressed. Punchy, upfront, good bass for the size. Driven by an SMSL SA300 with a Raspberry PI and Hifiberry with Volumio, this is a good lower priced audio set
That is a nice system 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks, it's for my bedroom. The livingroom has a more upscale system 🙂 Love you channel by the way
Your review of the M20s helped me choose these speakers. I’m very satisfied with the connection to my Planar 1 plus. Very enjoyable to an amateur audiophile.
Thank you. Glad you are enjoying it 😊👍
Thank you, Tarun! Yet another well explained and insightful review! You're the best!
Thank you Ross. That is very kind 😊👍
Hi Tarun, congratulations for your deep, polite and precise reviews and análisis of hi fi Gear. Actually your reviews and opinions are the reference for my personal audiophile journey. Thank you very much.
Thank you Vernon. It is great to get feedback like that 😊👍
Nice to have a selection of affordable choices at the EOY. Nice review with balanced pro/con. (as always.) Happy holidays to you.
Thank you. Happy holidays to you too 🥳👍
Thanks again!!!!!!!! Great video again and some good speakers to watch for!! Have a Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too 🥳👍
Outstanding as always, Tarun! Thank you for another great year of deeply informative, comprehensive, educational and thoughtful reviews. Happy Holidays to you and yours 🙏🎄🎊
Thank you for all your support John. Happy holidays to you and your family too 🎄👍
Great!! Hope you get more speakers to review in 2023.
Thank you 😊
Merry Christmas. I've enjoyed all your reviews.
Thank you Paul. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Hi Tarun, I really enjoy your measured delivery, expertise and reflections on hifi. Thank you. All the best for Christmas and the new year.
Thank you Martin. Much appreciated. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you too 🎅👍
Fantastic review. Happy Holidays.
Thank you Paul. Happy holidays to you too 😊
Hi Tarun, greeting from downunder, I admire you so much for your knowledge on hi fi equipment and through your UA-cam videos I can see you as an intelligent man, a decent humble man , you stand up consistently for what is good and right, and never yield your integrity to what's convenient or common. May I wish you and your family have a merry Christmas and a happy New year's. May all good come to you from my bottom of my heart.
Thank you James, that means a lot. Also, thank you for all the support this year. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year too 👍🎅👍
Merry Christmas (or whatever you may celebrate) to you and your family, Tarun. Thanks for your fantastic reviews this year!
Mitch from Texas
Thank you my friend. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Right those q acoustics M20 are on offer for 329 so I'm going for them blind for my office.....cheers T, happy Christmas 🔥
That is bargain. Please let me know how you get on. Merry Christmas to you too 🥳👍
Thank you so much. I really enjoy your understated, well informed delivery style... and will continue to follow your channel.
Thank you. That is much appreciated 😊👍
Another worthwhile video segment from ABA. Happy Holidays to you Tarun !
Thank you my friend. Happy holidays to you too 😊👍
Just purchased some Dali Minut SE today along with a Bluesound Power node edge, very happy
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 👍
I own the Q Acoustic M20 and have to agree with you. They sound great and offer fantastic value. I use them for playing CD’s and have them connected to my TV via optical for a better than sound bar experience. Oh and then Bluetooth Spotify or Apple Music from my phone. All that for £399 or less.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Steve👍
Another excellent review. Thanks for all your efforts this year. I await your reviews with great anticipation...like the Carly Simon song. :)
Thank you for all your support this year Jim 😊👍
Great video, Tarun. I'm glad you chose a speaker that has more "bang for the buck" than most. I also respect your courage in doing so, since many audiophiles don't seem to consider a powered speaker to be an audiophile product...........👍
Thank you Jose. Much appreciated 😊👍
As always, exhaustive review
balanced with tech and personal impressions that are easy to relate to. Thanks for all of 2022 sharings
Thank you my friend. Much appreciated 😊👍
AE100 MK2 is perfect. Energetic, rich and more wide-ranged sound. Driven by Micromega MyAmp, good set👍🏼
Love DALI Menuet SE too.
Thank you Frank 👍
Hi Tarun, I can't wait to see you get a pair of those Mofi Source Point 10 speakers in for review. You are one of the true reviewers, out of maybe 10 that I trust with an honest review. Everyone is glowing about these MoFi Speakers. With you it either is or it isn't and if it isn't you go into detail as to why.
Thank Sid. That is much appreciated 😊👍
Thanks again Tarun, for all your hard work in 2022, most appreciated. I have heard the Q3020i (with the Rotel A11 Tribute), very impressive brand :0) Have a great 2023🙂
Thank you. Happy 2023 to you too 😊
Thank you for this interesting review and have a happy Christmas.
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
I would like to see more coverage of floor standing speakers on this channel. I appreciate your systematic approach to evaluating hi fi, and would love to hear your thoughts on floorstanders. Any reason why you seem to cover smaller speakers exclusively? Is it just a reflection of the UK market?
Building work at home meant that space was at premium this year. There will be a significant amount of floorstanders reviewed in 2023 😊
Damn Tarun! Now I want to buy these even though I don’t need them and don’t know where I’ll put them. The only silver lining is that they’re a lot cheaper than the Exposure that I felt compelled to buy after your last year’s Best Amplifier award. 😂
Hi Jeremy, this hobby can get addictive. Imagine how I feel when I have to return stuff I really like 😂👍
Great conclusion!
All the best ...and many more such unbiased reviews .. Tarun
Thank you buddy 😊👍
Taran, you are my favorite of all the YT audio guys. Excellent, thorough presentation of well-considered opinions.
My favorite speakers are my Bryston Mini T’s. They’re a “stand mount”, though 41# each. I love that they are true 3-ways with a great presentation across the spectrum that is both controlled and rich. I happily use them w/out a sub. I have them on low, tubular metal stands which are wheeled - this enables me to position them to my liking. Was able to procure them for $2200 on the used market.
Th am you my friend. Much appreciated. I don’t think I have heard Bryston speakers. Sounds like a winner 😊👍
I recently added a REL T Zero MK III to my Dali Menuets, and I'm very happy with the result. All this is connected to the Atoll ST200 Signature preamp/streamer + AM200 Signature power amp.
That is great. Glad you are enjoying them 😊
Thank you, Tarun, for another entertaining and informative review.
Thank you my friend 👍
Merry Christmas Tarun 🎄 Thanks for all the hardwork behind your reviews , Been watching you channel since you started 😃
Thank you Tee-Jay. Merry Christmas to you too 🎄👍
Another top review. More like story telling. If possible can you please do Dynaudio review. Eg Evoke 10
Thank you. Dynaudio have proved elusive so far 😊
Just upgraded my AVR to be more audiophile oriented from buget level. Have the Dali opticons mk1 and as usual after watching one your great reviews I'm minded to buy an upgrade ie the Menuets! Will watch out for your future recommendations though. Great reviews sir.
Thank you 😊
TARUN,HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHANNEL 🤗👍💚💚💚
Thank you buddy 😊👍
Great video, Firstly I'm not and audiophile. I watched your review on the Q 20'a a few days ago and as a result picked them up for £319 locally. They were easy to install and setup and for the first time I am able to hear the difference in UA-camrs microphones without the use of headphones. Many thanks and you have a new sub.
Thank you Terry. Glad you are enjoying them. I appreciate your support 😊👍
As usual more than a review also an education.Thank you and regards.
Thank Leo. Much appreciated 😊👍
Thank you Tarun,happy hollidays.
Thank you for watching. Happy holidays to you too 👍
I agree with your choice and your reasons for getting there! 👍🏼
Thank you Bob 😊
I bought them. Very nice sound signature, detailed, good separation. A smooth timbre. Congratulations Q Acoustics. Bought them with 380 euros.
That is great 😊👍
Hi Alex, can you tell me where did you buy them?
@@dcampagne1 From Bucharest, România. A big store have good prices on Q Acoustics
@@alexmanu9009 I think I found it (AVStore). Great prices indeed :) I wish they send to Spain. Thank you for the quick response!
Great review Taran, I went to the shop to buy the Menuet SE and left with a Rubicon 2. I'd be really interested in your opinion of them compared to the smaller Menuet. I recognise a lot of the qualities that you mentioned but it would be great to know if you see the similarity too.. if nothing else so I have a benchmark for my ear vs yours! 😆
Thanks for all your hard work this year, I hope you have a great holiday season.
Thank you Josh. I am planning to review more Dali speakers this year. Happy holidays to you too 😊👍
Underrated reviewer!
Thank you buddy 😊
Great summary! Really enjoyed your reviews this year Thankyou :) any upcoming reviews for cayin products? Would be good to get your impressions compared with the wilsonten range
Thank you Andrew. Much appreciated. I need to find out who distributes Cayin in the U.K. they are on my radar 😊👍
Well Ive been watching your productions little by little the past couple months, another quality vid. *thumbsup*
Suppose its time I subscribed. Subscribed.
Thank you my friend. I appreciate the support 😊👍
Tarun, great episode. Can you publish a link or list of tracks you use to test gear? Thanks!
Thank you. I will find time to do that 😊
Another speaker that should also be included in the selection is the Dynaudio Evoke 10. It has its strengths in a natural fluiding treble and a well-tuned sound, where no tone range dominates the other.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you
I was surprised by choice. Agree with your reasoning and conclusion.
Thank you Nishal 😊
Great review 👍🏼 pity you weren't able to review the SWAN mk300ii speakers. Would of been curious to hear your opinion. Happy Holidays 🎄
Thank you for Ben. Happy holidays to you too 🎄👍
Great review! I also NEAT speakers very good quality indeed especially the IOTA series, such small speakers with such big sound!
Thank you 👍
Another great video. Thought you might have gone for Dali. And, nice watch BTW.
Thank you Jeff 👍
Excellent video Tarun
Thank you Atri 👍
I must confess -- I was a little surprised by your choice. I felt sure it had to be either the Neats or the Menuet SEs. As regards your reasoning -- yes, I suppose it's easier to achieve better with a higher spend, but then again if it were that easy, there'd be piles of speakers sounding as good as the Neats or SEs at their respective price points. I suppose there's the law of diminishing returns to consider, and the next worthwhile step up from the Neats or SEs might be two or three times their price, who knows.
OTOH, if one has a limited budget, one can appreciate where you're coming from. Thinking about it, your speaker awards cover the bases in the budget to mid-price range, offering something for everyone. The fact it helps newcomers decide on something rewarding without too much expenditure on ancillary equipment (amp and DAC) has to be a good thing.
If I were starting off, I think I'd be very glad to buy QA M20s. The next step, were I to go down the active route, would be the AE 1 actives, one of your earlier favourites. Whatever, I'm very grateful for your channel and can say that IMHO I was made a very happy camper when I bought new your highly recommended Menuet SEs for a very good price, £999 -- which I couple with a REL sub (the T0), in line with your suggestion -- the latter also picked up new at a bargain price (£249). I could so easily have spent as much on something that I wouldn't have found as satisfying, but thanks to you, didn't.
I've enjoyed your channel all year and would recommend it to anyone, confident that if they choose to follow your advice, they won't go far wrong. You cut through all the hype and offer unbiased, expert advice. So I wish you a very happy Christmas, and am very much looking forward to what the New Year will bring from you for us, your avid listeners.
Thank you John. It is heartwarming to have feedback like that and greatly appreciated. It was tricky to pick an outright winner. I could easily make a case for each of the speakers featured to be my speaker of the year. In the end I had to apply some kind of rational to be consistent. I think next year I may have separate price categories. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you too 🎅👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have to share the concern of @John Callahan as to following your rationale. I played the bit back three times, and then referred to the transcript because I couldn’t quite grasp the distinction you were making from the words you choose (may have been an across-the-pond translation feature). But if you are eliminating half the field because they were too expensive, then, perhaps they shouldn’t have been in the field to begin with. So your plan for next year is a good one. For THIS year, though, I would still be interested in your choice between the Acoustic Energy offering and the Dali. I was really liking the Dali, especially the looks of the thing. I know I only seem to post when I have something critical to say, but I do really enjoy the channel, and look forward to your reviews as they always seem well-considered. I must also add that not everyone places the Biden of choosing ‘the best’ of anything anymore, so, in a sense you bring it on yourself when you take on the task. It’s all a means of furthering the discussion I suppose.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 I realised by going through the process of picking winners this year that I will always favour an “Outstanding” cheaper product over a more expensive one. This is because I know the designer has more constraints and a harder job on his/her hands. That’s why next year it may be useful to have price categories. That way I can give the more expensive products a fair chance 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Not to beat a dead horse, but I’m still puzzled by the ‘constraints’ criteria. Are they constrained because they are designing to a price point, and you’re granting ‘Outstanding’ status because it’s value for money? Or are they constrained because the product is a one-off or independently designed and the manufacturer isn’t able to take advantage of research & development that went into higher end speakers built by the same company? [The cost of said R & D being absorbed by the cost of the higher end models.] As a consumer, I am most interested to learn how a product performs, what you hear, what equipment you used in your review, what’s inside the box (where applicable), and the price. Again, as a consumer, I will weigh all these characteristics on making my choice of which to buy, or which I feel would be best for me.
You, as a reviewer, may decide to offer your choice of what you consider ‘the best’ or ‘Outstanding’ product in a particular category. The rub seems to come from how the category is arrived at, by what criteria, the products are chosen. In this case, the products were chosen from the set of speakers you have reviewed this year, fair enough, and very clear. Your bias toward the less expensive offerings wasn’t made clear until the end when making your final choice. This was not fair, I feel.
Your proposed solution poses a problem too, though. If you make price the preliminary criteria, there is no room for a product that ‘punches above its weight.’ Likewise, if a product is such poor performance or quality, will find yourself saying next year, “Two of the four products in this review are not worthy of your consideration because they perform so poorly they shouldn’t be included in this group even though they are priced similarly.” Do you see the dilemma?
Perhaps you need to look at it the other way round. Pick your winner, then select what you consider comparable products, make your presentation, announce the winner and your rationale, and let the chips fall where they may.
Just a thought.
And Merry Christmas!
or
Happy Christmas!
No way, that's so cool! I almost wish I had a reason to get the M20 🙂
Perhaps in another room? 😉
Great insight as always. I wonder how the Rubicon 2 compare the the Menuet SE as they’re currently on sale in a few stores?
Thank you. I hope to find out 👍
If you like Danish speakers, check out Audiovector's R1 Arrete. While it has no onboard amplification, you do plug it into the mains outlet, here, as a means of "grounding" the speakers via the outlet. It's similar to some of the older Tannoys which came with five connectors at the speaker terminals to facilitate such grounding.
Thank you for the suggestion 😊
Not to be used with Class D amps as these amps do not have a grounded output. I.E no side of the output is at chassis ground!
@@steven2809 thanks for your insight, Sir. This concern has been raised with Audiovector CEO before where it was pointed out certain amplifier manufacturers do not recommend using their amplifiers with grounded speakers because they use bridged circuits and damage may occur. One of such companies I am aware of is Austria's Crayon Audio. Mr Kliffort does not believe these are a problem with the way the grounding is implemented in his company's loudspeakers. I do not have the technical knowledge to assess whether one view or the other is correct. Caveat emptor, I suppose. Nonetheless, their loudspeakers sound really good.
@@timleelim9930 I agree Audiovectors are excellent speakers. I remember Arcam using them at a HiFi show in the UK a few years ago to demo their amplifiers! Just wanted to point out some issues with class D amps...🙂
So nice...to learn and finde so many knowledge and nicely reviewed....neutral, kinde and honest.
Thank you once more....
👍🙂
Thank you Zoran 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 You...simply, deserve👍😊🍀👋
Hi Tarun, I was hoping the under dog of this video would get the award. The way you described the Acoustic energy speakers, I would have believed you if you would have told that the price is double of what it is.
Thank you Hugo. 4 great speakers, it was a tough choice 😊
Thank you for your hard work. I personally prefer floorstanders. I have ordered a pair of Neat Ekstra and will combine it with Naim Nait XS.
Thank you. That should be a good combo 👍
Try an exposure amp, I preferred a 3510 to the supernait 3 with the ekstra’s when I demoed them👌
@@swiss889 Thank you for the tip. I always wanted to try a Naim amp and this is my first one so i guess Naim it is for now. In the future if the upgrade bug bites me i will try Exposure for sure.
Thank you Tarun for another lovely video. Such a nice way to start the weekend. I was really taken by surprise by the new Klipsch RP600m mk2. Not neutral, but really clean, engaging sound. Very dynamic but refined at the same time.
Thank you Ran. It is a fun speaker. That is what this hobby should be all about 😊😎
I'd love to see a review of the latest Proac Response D1 or D2 /D2R (preferably all good three) with the Exposure 2015 amp and maybe the R8. I think many viewers respect your opinion, I certainly do, and your love of the Proac /Exposure combination has probably boosted sales for both companies. Proac should be sending all their products. Honestly I don't think any of the UA-cam reviewers I follow have ever had a Proac speaker for review. Maybe they don't send them out and they're too expensive to buy just for a video.
Thank you Ada. I know the press agent at ProAc, they aren’t to concerned about getting their products reviewed. They are happy to send new products out to select group of reviewers that have traditionally used 😊
Wow loving the channel!
Thank you kindly 😊👍
I bought the M20 in walnut with the 3060s based on your full review. ❤
That is great! I hope it has lived up to expectations 😊👍
Oh yes. It’s awesome.
Certainly the best value. No worries over how to drive them, but also mystifying. No DAC but it is able to play digital sources so it must convert digital to analogue somewhere. In the outputstage I read somewhere.
It is a direct conversion from PCM to PWM. No DAC necessary 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm trying to get my head around it. So it not just a class D amplifier, but a Digital Class D amplifier, some people call a power DAC. Amp and DAC in one.
@@D1N02 that is right, this article explains how a digital amplifier works 😊
www.eetimes.com/the-sound-of-change-from-analog-to-digital-audio-amplifiers/
my biggest conclusion after 2022 is, i def dont spend more money to upgrade the speakers or electronic, doesnt makes sense because the differences are too small at a certain quality / pricetag. Next Year the only investment for Hifi goes into an Acoustic Engineer to plan my Room Acoustic & buying Elements. I arrived speaker & electronic wise, of course a 7-8k Setup isnt cheap but every euro was spend well thought and thats payed of. Ìm so happy with my CraneSong DAC, Active Unity audio monitors and the Neumann Sub (+ Room Correction) that i dont want anything else. Someday my only dream is to own a pair of ATC SCM45 or 100A
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Hi Tarun, I am from India and I enjoy your clinical and musical reviews in a sing song voice. Please review Spendor D7.2 expeditiously. Thanks
Thank you Henry 😊
Tarun, nice review. Music is one of the easiest and most accessible art forms available and anything that exposes more people to music, thus art is a good thing. A product like the M20s is an excellent lifestyle solution for many people and would be my choice over a typical sound bar. I think Q Acoustics was smart to skip the DTS Play-Fi route and use apt-X HD as their basic streaming option. I routinely listen to classical music (WCRB in Boston) via their higher bit-rate URL using apt-X on a Rotel A11 Tribute that rivals the best FM tuners I've owned. If someone chooses to go down the Hi-Res path providing a USB port makes that old PC in the closet valuable as a music streamer. Also, the optical port provides access to a world of options from Apple TV to a Wiim Mini Hi-Res streamer. BTW, the Mini works well and does deliver Hi-Res for about $90 and is much easier to use than Play-Fi. Your channel is always one of my first stopping points when looking for reviews. Cheers and have a nice holiday.
Thank you Larry. Great to learn about your experiences 👍
I'll be purchasing these m20 for connecting to my TV and a record player. What power Sub woofer should I get? Q acoustics one?. Thanks again class review as always and merry Christmas Tarun
Thank you Colin. The Q Acoustics 3070S is a good option. Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Wish you’ll review speakers from Sonus Faber in the future.
Watch this space 😉👍
Tarun, gotta ask… do the Wharfdale 80th or 85ths hang with this lineup? Thanks! Love your work.
Thank you. I haven’t reviewed them but have heard them. They are good speakers 😊
Was looking forward to this [review]. 👍
I hope you enjoyed it 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Very much. Thanks. (Seriously considering getting me them Q-Acoustics M20s)
Everyone has an opinion on speakers and this can be heated as you implied. I’m opinionated, but I know what I like as well. They don’t make them anymore, but my ProAc EBTs are still my favorite mini monitor speaker. They’re not for bass heads and don’t do a lot below 70hz, but what they do above that based on your equipment limitations is reveal detail and soundstage like mad. I have yet to hear any speaker yet that beats their ability to show your equipment off better or let you know that an upgrade is needed. They don’t lie! They can expose equipment failings like no other at their price point. There are others that can challenge, but none so far, that can bring joy to my ears like they do. They’re fast, articulate and revealing. Not a speaker for lacking systems or poorly recorded mediums regardless whether digital or analog. On my stands, they are brutally honest. Lets you know what you have and how good or bad it is. Can be frustrating at times, but rewards with good recordings and great gear with very happy ears! Cheers Tarun! Very fun video!
Thank you Mark. Always a pleasure to learn about your experiences. I have very similar feelings about my ProAc Response 1SCs 🥳👍
Last week, went to a friend house to auditioned an unknown speaker where he urgently asked to comeover. He off the light and don't even allow me to ON my mobile phone light as well. Tried few different kind of songs and took about 20 to 30mins in his "darkroom" and it was very impressive! After ON the light and I asked what brand is this??? Obviously, is a China brand, but totally never came across before... Most important (after convert to Pound Sterling) it only cost around or less than £250! What really attracted my attention is, it can easily comparable with anything around £1,000 and that is what made my jaw dropped!!! My friend even drove it with an amplifier that around £2,000 (HiFi is all about experience in synergy matching), it even further drop off my pants and underwear 😂
Is call PAIYON and model is P4 (P4F is the floorstand version that only cost extra < £100). I faster snap some photos, later went home and did some research on them. I only managed to find them in TaoBao (their own Online flagship store) and some limited models (these specific bookshelf and floorstand) in ChinaHiFi.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Great year end review. Have you had any experience with Linn Tukan speakers?
Thank you Matty. I haven’t heard the Tukans 😊
I know I didn't miss the Q Acoustic review because I haven't missed *any* of the reviews on this channel -- and yet, they directly challenge my oft-repeated insinuation that the $300-USD-deal I got on my Edifiers will best nearly any challenger in the current review space, if not for its sound then for its value proposition. A fifty-something early retiree living in Phnom Penh isn't going to drop $2k on a new system no matter how good it sounds, but to have an apples-to-apples speaker that merits these kinds of cartwheels from such an august and trustworthy reviewer is eye-opening, to say the least.
I'm going to go back and watch the M20 review again, but for now I'll say that I'm as excited by the prospect of some real competition for the edifiers as I've been in quite some time.
Thank you buddy. Great to know that your Edifiers are still rocking and giving you so much enjoyment 👍
I'm watching the M20 review effectively on a loop, and have been for much of the day.
@@CinemaDemocratica thank you. I hope you found it useful 😊👍
@@CinemaDemocratica Kindly avoid the m20 hd as it has spdif out issue if you plan on using that connection, the sound will drop out after several minutes if not in use and you will need to restart the whole system each time, also if you already own the edifier, chances are the m20 hd are not an upgrade. Instead you may opt for Swans speakers like the m200mkiii+ (if nearfield/desktop) or swans d1090 (living room) for a much cheaper price, and way better sound than the m20 hd or other expensive bookshelf speakers (as compared to my passive setups - dali spektor 2, mission qx2, wharfedale diamond 12.2, polk r200). But it has no subwoofer out (just to keep in mind if you would require them). Also reddit/read reviews on amazon etc for the m20hd and you will see the issues I am talking about. The sound itself is not bad, it is very decent actually but nowhere near the swans. Hope that helps.
For 400 you can get some good entry level studio monitors such as my Adam Audio T5v (5 inch) or possibly even the T7v (7 inch) These on paper would appear to have the Q acoustics beat if your source is a laptop/desktop hooked up to a DAC or audio interface which has balanced audio out. It would be interesting to compare. The balance connection means really low interference and strong dynamics. Twin class D amps one per speaker, ribbon tweeters dig out lots of clarity. Certainly no rounding off at the top with these. Unlike some studio monitors these are not tiring to listen to or harsh and are not unforgiving but good recordings sound best. Sound is a touch bright. They are best in near field. The bass is impressive for a 5 inch woofer as is the dynamics. Main downsides are no volume controls. Only one input so you ideally need a preamp if you want more than one source. I can turn volume up/down using the computer keyboard easily enough. So Q acoustics trounces it for features and ease of use. So it's a less convenient route but an interesting one for around 330 a pair. Sounds amazing with tidal Hifi/master's. You will need to make sure the cables are good and no point using Spotify or mp3s. Need lossless audio for them to truly shine . Deezer Hifi sounds good with them if a step down. The DAC I'm using is a what hi-fi award winning budget I-fi Zen 2 connected by a balanced cable straight into the Adams. My next upgrade is probably going to be the acoustic energy ae1 active or possibly acting the matching sub woofer to the Adams. I do agree that in a living room or for multiple sources the Q acoustics will make life a lot easier. Or you can buy a low noise PSU for the DAC rather than powering it by usb. So even with the active route there's still upgrades available.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Paul 😊
Nice list 😎👌🏻
Thank you 👍
Hey, thank you for your review of the M20. After you brought these to my attention, I secured a good offer for these at 449€ (I'm based in Germany). I really enjoy these speakers and I think they're great value! Plus, for me, as a student in my mid-20s, it's a great model to get started in the hi-fi realm while it also didn't cost me a fortune. I really appreciate your review, thanks! 🤝
Why I'm also writing this comment: I'm considering putting them on a wall mount as I'm currently using them for a really small room and I yet can't find a sweet spot to position them. Does anyone here in the comment section happen to know which wall mount to use for them? Any help would be appreciated, cheers!🍻
Thank you Leon. Great to learn about your experiences. It may be worth emailing Q Acoustics to see which wall mount they recommended. If you are placing the speakers close to the wall remember to adjust the DSP setting on the powered speaker 😊👍
Monopulse. Extraordinarily good, one of the best speakers that I have ever heard, really they are shockingly good. Priced as much as 10x less than equivalent rivals. Less accurate, but delicious in their sound are Icon Audio's MFV3, they come in two versions, the less expensive is great value.
Thank you for sharing Leo 😊
Welcome, both are British made.
@@LeoSavantt I am familiar with Icon but need to check out Monopulse 😊
Tarun, I know you're a bit of a Triangle fan. Any thoughts on their Titus EZ, their smallest monitor? I'm kicking around replacing my current desktop setup, so I welcome any thoughts/experiences you have had in that setting. Thanks!
I have some Triangle comète 40th anniversary speakers. Awesome speakers !
Thank you. I haven’t heard the Titus EZ. Their horn loaded speakers tend to be fairly consistent in sonic traits. I just think Triangle speakers make music fun to listen to 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Its very enjoyable sound signature and refined. The Titus are cool for a small room.
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Thank you for sharing 😊
Great way of laying out the reasons underlying your decision instead of just announcing a winner.. Would you consider the Q Concept M 20s an upgrade from Wharfedale Diamond 12.1?
Thank you. It depends on partnering equipment. If you are considering upgrading, the AE1s are an active speaker that will be a significant jump up in performance 😊
I hope to hear a review from you about "coppice audio speakers" (AKA GR Research XLRs) in the ongoing year.
Thank you for the suggestion 😊
Hey Tarun! When you say "power handling" (at 1:33 w.r.t. the AE100 Mk2), what do you mean exactly? Do you mean it deals better with dynamics? Plays better at louder levels? Is easier to drive for an amp? Thanks!
Nevermind haha, you say it's volume later on at 4:12, that's what I get for commenting mid way through!
No worries. That is right, the AE 100’s sound hardens up at higher volumes 😊
Merry Christmas Tarun☃️
Merry Christmas to you too 🎅👍
Hello, thank you for this channel and its lovely content! I would like your advise on this: my amplifier is the Sonneteer Campion. The speakers are Royd the Squire. They are great in mid-range and details. But not so much so in the lower region. I'd like some better performance in that region as well. Which speakers would be better suited in this case, in your opinion? Your advise would be really appreciated! Thank you.
Thank you RH. I am not familiar with your amplifier. The Wharfedale Denton or Linton’s may be a good place to start your search. The have a smooth midrange and good bass performance 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hello, thank you so much. I'll have a look at the ones you mentioned.
Thank you for your reviews. Have you reviewed the Elac DCB41? If so, how do they compare with the M20?
Thank you. I haven’t compared them 😊
Tarun, how about a tower speaker category?
I plan to review more tower speakers next year. This year the building works meant space was at a premium 😊
Hey, thank you for the informative awards video. I have a question. Not sure whether it is a stupid one. M20, will it be a good choice as a workstation (computer) speaker or will it be overkill?
Thank you. It is a little large to have as a desktop solution 😊
Love your channel .what is your opinion about the Fluance ai41compare to the M20?
Thank you Benoit. I haven’t heard the Fluance 😊
Great review. What's with the RCA and Aux inputs? Can you connect different devices at once and toggle between RCA and AUX on the remote, or do you have to connect one or the other?
Thank you. You can select between the analogue inputs on the remote 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 So, I got the M20s, and it doesn't work that way. The 3.5mm jack overrides the RCA, so you can only have one of the two inputs plugged at a time. I was also very unimpressed with the sound. Those are big powered speakers, and I found my cheaper Edifier S350DB more detailed and refined. My wife and kids also found the S350DB more engaging. I really wanted to like the M20s, though!
I so much like my AE100 Mk.II, such a fun little speaker…a specially combined with a BC Acoustique EX-214 amp. Mostly i listen to funk, soul, reggae, hiphop and electronic music…this combination fits this music like no other. Jazz and blues like music is ok to, not the best i guess. Not a match with classical music…there are better combinations.
Tested the AE with Yamaha and Cambridge amps to, but it sounds to analytical…a bit sleepy.
Thank you 😊
I have the new Triangle BR02 BT’s. Similar to your winner’s here at £420.
Cool 😎 thank you for sharing 😊
After listening to most of the speakers I still like my Samsung Sound+curved soundbar HW6501 for music
Perfect sound
Thank you for sharing 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 this was the first one to come out from Samsung's stable after they took over Harman Kardon, AKG in California- there was lot of intermingling and firing but the residual engineering team patched up this masterpiece and then disintegrated as the engineers moved on to start on their own
Samsung has gone into this Dolby atmos craziness and lost their focus on music I think, sigh
6501 has 3 channels 9 speakers to handle lows mids n highs
Bass is not a problem coz I listen to Indian classical music, ghazala, jazz- upper bass is just perfect for my taste
Sweet good lord melody is in mids and highs, especially female vocals
Do try if you can find one
Please review the Musician Audio Knight 1.... a very high quality components built speaker costing just $2,000.
Thank you for the suggestion 😊
I believe one of the best values in book shelf speakers these days is the Focal Chora 806. They have a 6” mid woofer and their trade mark inverted metal dome tweeter, while being base ported in the front. Which simplifies positioning. The mid woofer is a “slate” or carbon fiber driver which is light but extremely rigid. If paired carefully with the right kind of amplification say Music Fidelity or other high quality manufacturer such as Atoll etc. They can have a very lively dynamic sound with very tight detailed and controlled base. While having a very natural, warm or I might even say lush sounding mid range. The highs are open, airy and detailed while never being sibilant. Drums, cymbals etc sound natural and have excellent attack and decay. Their imaging is remarkable and the soundstage is wide and deep! All this can be had for the modest sum of around $600.00 US per pair! Tarun have you had a chance to hear them and if so what were your impressions? Thank you for so many of the best reviews on UTUBE! Please have a wonderful and happy holiday season.
Thank you Esten. Much appreciated. Great to have your perspective on the Chora 806. I don’t recall hearing them, something I have to rectify 😊👍
Regarding the Neat’s, it’s a lot easier to integrate an AMT than the majority of ribbons.
That is true 😊
So you don’t like floorstanders ? I own bookshelf speakers and they’re on stands. I also own very good floorstanders and find the overall experience far better than anything else. Look forward to your reviews on floorstanders next year :-)
To be honest, I have a harder time with less expensive floorstanders. I just think they give up too much in clarity, soundstage and imaging to their stand mount counterparts in small and medium sized rooms. Building works in 2022 further restricted floorstander reviews. I already have a few floorstander lined up to review in 2023 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 had a conversation with brother in law in Montreal last night. We had a discussion about headphones and then his choice of a Totem Sky bookshelf speakers. He had compared with floor-standers and preferred the sound. He doesn’t use a sub. He also has the sennheiser headphone amp and headphones. Quite a setup for this university lecturer and part time jazz and blues drummer. I’m probably going to sell my Klipsch RP-600M ( or not ) and try a new pair of compact speakers. Budget is tight. You’ve convinced me :-)
@@gdwlaw5549 please let me know how you get on 👍
That Dali Menuet SE is a good backdrop. Sexy and amazing sound from a 4 1/2" woofer.
Cool 😎