I was very happy with the M40s through Apple Music on the iPhone 15 Pro and a mix of AAC files streaming from Qobuz and Spotify using the aptX-compatible Sony Xperia 1 V. They’re balanced and surprisingly strong, with a delicious low end that I really wasn’t expecting.
Going through my home playlist, it’s clear these speakers don’t discriminate. Just like the perfect wedding DJ, if the audience is happy, they will be happy too. Prodigy’s classic dancefloor-filling/clearing (removed based on how old you were in 1994) “Your Love” bounces and rumbles with energy, while Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” soars confidently with impressive control even in The kind of volume my 10-year-old daughter needs.
From classical to classic rock, electronic to acoustic, the M40’s warm, approachable performance has never let me down. Plugging into my laptop via the USB port (max 24-bit/192 kHz via Qobuz) adds depth to playback compared to standard Bluetooth streaming, but I think most users will be happy no matter what they choose to listen to.
For further reference, I placed the M40s side-by-side with similarly priced Q Acoustics 3050i analog floorstanding speakers. They’re powered by a Sonos Amp and stream audio wirelessly. I was surprised at how well the M40 HD performed when transmitting “only” aptX Bluetooth. Yes, they lack the same full-bodied look, but that’s not surprising considering the 40-inch cabinet height (it’s 12 inches tall and quite wide) and the two 165mm drivers.
However, they did not feel overwhelmed. While $999 isn’t chump change, considering the additional costs of amplifiers, streamers, CD players, etc., as well as the considerable size savings, they offer solid value for money.
Competing time
Not to be confused with the loan-inducing KEF LS60 wireless floor-standing speakers, but if you really need additional tech like Wi-Fi, EQ settings, app-based remote control, and high-resolution streaming, WIRED recommends the KEF LSX II LT is worth a look. It costs about the same, sounds fantastic, but lacks the ability to control a large room.
The M40 sounds great, looks good, and punches well above its size, but its lack of smart features may alienate many potential buyers. Bluetooth sounds good here (especially aptX) and I don’t think many people would think to ask for more.
But anyone who’s ever used a speaker with Wi-Fi streaming capabilities will be frustrated by Bluetooth’s limitations. The audio cuts out when a call comes in, the signal drops if you leave the room with your phone, and having to connect to the speaker every time feels antiquated.
Of course, you can plug a streaming box (such as the venerable $149 WiiM Pro) into the M40 and enjoy all the benefits of high-resolution Wi-Fi streaming via Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Alexa, and Google Assistant.It’s not ideal, but it’s a relatively frictionless workaround for anyone who wants superior audio quality and Streaming intelligence.
However, I don’t think the M40 is obsolete. If high-resolution Wi-Fi streaming and app-controlled compatibility are important to you, they’re definitely low-tech. But if you’re in the market for a pair of top-notch all-in-one stereo speakers with a built-in 200-watt amplifier and the ability to connect to a laptop, turntable (preamp required), CD player and Bluetooth streamer, then you won’t Don’t be disappointed.
I’ll also be the first to admit that I’m skeptical about the M40’s size. It’s a risk to launch something either/or to a largely traditional audio audience. But in real-world conditions, the Mini Tower manages to be relatively unobtrusive without sounding anything like it. Maybe, just maybe, what really matters is what you do with it.