Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Rock-solid build quality with die-cast aluminum construction leading to a durable and rigid design without resonances
  • Precise and balanced sound, suitable for all musical styles without emphasis, with warm vocals and good intimacy
  • Powerful dynamics and serious SPL capability from a small cabinet, delivering decent sound even in larger rooms
  • Features Genelec's GLM room correction system, which is flexible, fast, and provides a comprehensive report about the listening space with recommendations
  • Elegant and unique design that looks good from any angle, and doesn't take up much footprint in the room

Product Considerations

  • All connections use professional standards, and balanced outputs are preferred
  • The GLM kit is an additional cost
  • The professional XLR cable connections can seem cumbersome
  • There is no wireless connectivity or network option
  • The manual is quite involved and detailed for GLM, and could be improved with a quick start manual

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Reference Techniques SBR1: The SBR1 has better bass insight and space and more 'hifi glossy silkiness,' while the 6040R is a better 'music communicator'
  • Vs ATC SCM40 actives: The ATC is better in timbre and bass-treble coherence, but the 6040R is more precise, dynamic, and easier to integrate
  • Vs KEF LS50 Metas and a Buchardt i150 amplifier: The 6040R has greater drive and greater soundstage precision

Takeaway: The 6040R is a well-built speaker system with great sound, room correction, and built-in power amps, making it a long-lasting music system with all-round sound. It is a compact, elegant design that delivers an exceptional and uncolored listening experience, and it has enough power and nuance to play any type of music in any situation.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

6040R

reviews

[{"title":"Genelec 6040R Review: Studio Sound For The Living Room","link":"https://www.lbtechreviews.com/test/speakers/genelec-6040r","source":"LB Tech Reviews","datePublished":""},{"title":"THE END FOR ALL SMALLER PASSIVE SPEAKERS! Genelec 6040R Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtczCXZwZxI","source":"Stjernholm Reviews","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Genelec 6040R Review","link":"https://7review.com/genelec-6040r-review","source":"7review.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Genelec 6040R's - ACTIVE Speakers the improvers over PASSIVES?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRHJKnVrYW4","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • SPL: 109 dB
  • Amplifier Power: 150W Treble (Class D) + 150W Bass (Class D)
  • Frequency Response: 43 Hz - 20 kHz (-6 dB)
  • Driver Dimensions: ⌀ 165 mm Bass + ⌀ 19 mm Treble
  • Dimensions: H 999 x W 237 x D 220 mm
  • Weight: 14.9 kg (32.8 lb)
  • Connections: 1 x XLR Analog Input, 1 x XLR AES/EBU Input, 1 x XLR AES/EBU Output, 2 x RJ45 Control
The 6040R fuses the very best of Finnish technology and design, bringing exceptional performance and beautiful aesthetics to all lovers of high quality audio.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Genelec stands out for its cast-aluminum enclosures with rounded edges and integrated Directivity Control Waveguide, which embody a distinctive approach to design, aesthetics, and controlled dispersion.
  • The brand's SAM (Smart Active Monitoring) system, coupled with GLM software, enables automated calibration for level, timing, and equalization of room-response anomalies, optimizing performance in diverse acoustic environments.
  • Genelec offers a point-source design across "The Ones" series, where the tweeter is mounted in the center of the woofer, creating a single full-range device regardless of listening distance and expanding the listening sweet spot.
  • The company is known for their comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to the design of each speaker, carefully considering everything from enclosure materials to the integration of amplifiers and DSP.

Genelec 8361A Stereo Pair

  • Positioning: Positioned as a high-end studio monitor within "The Ones" series, offering advanced audio precision for professional environments.
  • Description: Features Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) driver technology, ensuring a smooth frequency response and outstanding sound imaging. Compared to other models like the 8351B, offers a wider frequency range and higher sound pressure level, making it ideal for larger studio spaces where detailed sound reproduction is critical. Its Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) system allows for automatic calibration to the room, providing flexibility and precision in various acoustic environments.

Genelec 8351B W371A Stereo System

  • Positioning: Combined with the W371A woofer system, represents a sophisticated stereo setup designed for full-range audio performance, suitable for both professional studios and high-end home listening.
  • Description: Known for its compact size yet powerful performance, using Acoustically Concealed Woofers (ACW) technology to deliver controlled low-frequency directivity. When paired with the W371A, it extends the system's low-frequency response, outperforming standalone monitors like the 8361A in terms of bass depth and room adaptability.

Genelec 1236A Stereo Pair

  • Positioning: Genelec's flagship main monitor, designed for large-scale professional studios requiring the highest level of audio fidelity and power.
  • Description: Stands out with its massive sound pressure level and extended low-frequency response, thanks to its large enclosure and advanced Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) technology. Unlike the 8361A and 8351B, built for expansive spaces where maximum output and precision are paramount, making it the go-to choice for top-tier recording studios. Its Smart Active Monitoring capabilities ensure it adapts seamlessly to any room, providing unmatched consistency and accuracy in sound reproduction.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
18
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
100
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
40
Founding Year
1978

Our take on the brand

Genelec is a hifi speaker brand known for their unique coaxial driver design where the tweeter is embedded in the mid-woofer, ensuring all frequencies come from the same point in space. The brand pioneered the use of recycled aluminum for speaker cabinets in 1996, and their Smart Active Monitoring systems automatically adapt to room acoustics, making them particularly valuable for professional studio environments.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
PIEGA
Premium Wireless Gen2 701
8218
8218
/
7
Reviews
PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The aluminum cabinet is cast in one piece, which offers acoustic advantages and looks chic
  • The extruded aluminum yields a seamless, curved cabinet, which minimizes standing waves, reduces diffraction, and distributes and controls reflections
  • Highs are provided by a ribbon tweeter designed by PIEGA, and made by hand at the company's factory
  • It creates an incredibly wide soundstage, always balanced and rich
  • They are big enough to make big sound, but small enough to be suitable for a small apartment

Product Considerations

  • The fit and finish of the small, square, lightweight Connect is basic—in sharp contrast with the stylish, substantial 701 loudspeakers
  • DSP automatically adjusts each speaker's frequency balance according to volume, at a low setting, bass and treble are subtly boosted while, with something closer to party levels, the bass is gently reined in to prevent driver overload
  • The Android version won't 'read the room' and only lets one turn the room correction on and off

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF R3 Meta: it gives a cleaner sounding mid-range and better top-end extension
  • Vs Buchardt A700: pairing the speakers to its black box comes with fewer connection hassles
  • Vs KEF LS60 wireless: it draws a wider soundstage, better image in the mids, and offers a more extended top end

Takeaway: The PIEGA Premium recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a stylish speaker that offers a wide soundstage and a rich listening experience. Its modern design and high-quality build make it a great addition to any contemporary living space.

Video review

Our take on the brand

PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
LS60 Wireless
5499
5499
/
19
Reviews

Bring the track spirit into your home with LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition, created in partnership with and inspired by the British Racing Green of the iconic brand.

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Striking, sleek, and modern design that complements modern interiors
  • Incorporates KEF's Uni-Q driver array and Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for neutral, open, detailed sound, reducing unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter
  • Includes Uni-Core force-canceling woofers that reduce cabinet vibrations, contributing to balanced and detailed bass
  • The KEF Connect app allows for adjustments to fit the listening environment
  • Offers high connectivity and is a true stand-alone system

Product Considerations

  • Bass can be a bit too much out of the box, requiring adjustments via the app or placement considerations
  • Not well-suited for those who have many signal sources to connect to
  • Some reviewers found the bass lacked definition in the upper bass, with unclear instrument placement, even after adjusting EQ settings
  • The included remote control is considered basic or cheap
  • Mandatory online registration and administrator-level internet connection requirements for the app may be a drawback for privacy-conscious users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28, the LS60 Wireless can achieve similar sound quality with adjustments, at a lower price point, although the Beolab 28 sounds 'more right' straight out of the factory
  • Compared to the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the LS60 Wireless is preferred stylistically, achieves near full-range playback, and has a more slim design, although it costs more and also provides much deeper bass
  • Compared to the Q Acoustics Active 400 Towers, the LS60 Wireless has no issues with products not working

Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless are stylish, all-in-one speakers that deliver a balanced, detailed sound with advanced technology. They are a convenient, high-performing solution for those seeking a streamlined audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
KEF
LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition
6599
6599
/
9
Reviews
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality, with reviews noting neutral and balanced sound, meticulous detail retrieval, and delicate micro-dynamics
  • Good imaging and soundstage, with the ability to create a wide and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
  • Sleek design, with their elegance and ability to complement modern interiors
  • Powerful and well-controlled bass, thanks to the Uni-Core driver technology
  • Wide array of connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Qobuz

Product Considerations

  • Relatively expensive compared to other active speaker systems
  • Some reviewers noted occasional signal dropouts between the primary and secondary speakers when connected wirelessly
  • The KEF Connect app is essential for full functionality and optimal setup, which may not appeal to users who prefer physical controls
  • Bass output can be sensitive to room placement and may require adjustments to avoid boominess
  • Connecting multiple external devices can result in significant cable clutter, despite being marketed as wireless

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28: The LS60 offers comparable performance at roughly half the price, though the Beolab 28 is noted as sounding better out-of-the-box without EQ
  • Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: The LS60 offers improved performance and near full-range playback, but at a higher price, the LS50 Wireless II offers similar clarity with a slightly warmer sound
  • Vs Klipsch Forte 4: The LS60 is more suited for home theater use and surface more detail
  • Vs Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Towers, Dali Oberon 7C Wireless, and Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duos: The LS60 is considered a better, more refined and adjustable package
  • Vs Hegel H190 & KEF LS50 Meta with KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 communicates the forward force of music better and has features such as Tidal Connect and room EQ
  • Vs Lindemann TD-AI1120, KEF LS50 Meta & KEF KC-62 Subwoofer: The LS60 cannot be matched in scale and effortless dynamics

Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a fantastic, all-in-one speaker system that sounds great and looks stylish. They are easy to set up and use, and will fill a room with music for years to come.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dynaudio
Focus 30
8250
8250
/
8
Reviews
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Transparent presentation, effortless dynamics, pinpoint imaging, and bass extension
  • Sounds more neutral, more open and slightly better focused, especially in the lower octaves
  • Detail is defined, and the dynamic performance is highly nuanced and sensitive
  • Dirac Live compatibility allows for highly customizable and smooth sound
  • Plays with an authority normally associated with speakers twice their size

Product Considerations

  • The status LED on the front does not replace a display
  • Setup is not exactly intuitive
  • Without Dirac Live, the bass can sometimes be too strong for music listening
  • A dedicated midrange unit would give both strings and woodwinds more depth and body
  • Dirac adjustment slightly reduces volume levels, as some frequencies are attenuated

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The bass response is tighter and better defined
  • Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The soundstage is more open and transparent
  • Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: The stereo perspective is more sharply defined, and the soundstage is larger
  • Vs ELAC Navis ARF-51 & NAD C 658: A deeper soundstage is created, with better front-to-back layering and image specificity
  • Vs ELAC Navis ARF-51 & NAD C 658: During intense passages, the presentation was more transparent
  • Vs KEF LS60 Wireless: Piano sounds better because nuances are more clearly defined and the treble reproduction is airier

Takeaway: The Dynaudio Focus 30 is a great system because it sounds very detailed with pinpoint imaging. The Focus 30 is perfectly suited as a wireless speaker for those seeking excellent sound in their home.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

PIEGA
Ace 50 Wireless
4090
/
Released
2022
The Ace 50 Wireless from PIEGA is more than just a speaker; it's a stylish, all-in-one hi-fi system delivering the renowned PIEGA sound quality. It's perfect for various uses, from easy streaming to multiroom audio and TV connectivity, with pre-integrated streaming clients like Spotify Connect, Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay. This slender floorstanding speaker doesn't just blend into your home decor; it enhances it, while providing exceptional, flexible sound performance that caters to all your audio needs.
Check Amazon
PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Slim, aesthetically pleasing design from Stephan Hurlemann, made with aluminum
  • Rigid aluminum enclosure helps resist resonance and ensures frequency linearity
  • Smooth, sweet, extended top end from the AMT-1 Air Motion Transformer tweeter
  • Sound is lithe, elegant, clean, refined, and precise
  • Confident low-frequency performance that is smoothly extended, agile, and tuneful with good articulation

Product Considerations

  • Bass is not the weightiest for its class
  • Not a speaker for very loud volume levels or trouser-flapping bass
  • Sound plays it a little too safe

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition: The Bowers & Wilkins sounds bigger and bolder with excellent detail resolution
  • Vs Scansonic M20: The Scansonic rivals the Piega's finesse, openness, and superb timing

Takeaway: The Piega Ace 50 offers a harmonious blend of style and sound with its gorgeous looks and refined sonics. It is a good choice for anyone who appreciates a clear, open, and tonally natural speaker that does well with most types of music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

PIEGA is a hifi speaker brand that uses aluminum cabinets and Air Motion Transformer tweeters to achieve better sound quality than traditional speaker designs. The brand is known for making compact speakers that perform like much larger ones, with their TMicro 40 model reaching deep bass notes down to 50Hz despite its small size.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
GoldenEar
T66
3450
/
Released
2024
The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar's new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else.
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GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
  • Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
  • High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
  • A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
  • The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal

Product Considerations

  • Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
  • The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
  • Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
  • Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations

Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.

Video review

Our take on the brand

GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
KEF
LS60
4999
/
Released
2022
It will feel like you’re inside the game, the film, the music. Refining what immersive experience really means, the LS60 Wireless delivers truly realistic, high-fidelity sound for home entertainment. Its slim, plug and play design, packed with KEF’s key technology, offers the whole package: not only does it look as good as it performs, it boasts extensive connectivity options. A transportive experience, powered by unequalled engineering.​
Check Amazon
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Phenomenal performance combines with great aesthetics and ease of use
  • The Uni-Q driver provides a great, all-encompassing sense of sound and captures every element of the track
  • Offers a wealth of customization via the KEF Connect app, including EQ settings, wall mode, and bass extension
  • Every driver is paired with a custom amplifier, eliminating the need to choose separate components
  • Integrates multiple streaming options including Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Chromecast

Product Considerations

  • Bluetooth 4.2 may be seen as outdated
  • The included remote control is basic
  • Bass can be too much straight out of the box and may require adjustment
  • Some may not like the decision being taken away of choosing a specific amplifier or DAC
  • Output may be limited for very large rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • LS60 uses a lot of similar technology found in the KEF Blades
  • LS60 can play much louder and deeper, and are more dynamic and even more open than KEF LS50 Wireless II
  • LS60 goes deeper in the bass than Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo
  • LS60 has more outstanding range and bass dynamics than DALI Rubicon 6 C and PIEGA Premium Wireless 701

Takeaway: The KEF LS60 Wireless is a convenient and great-sounding speaker system with a slim design and comprehensive features that's easy to set up and customize for various listening preferences. It's a good choice if you want a simple, high-quality audio solution without needing separate components.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
Q Active 400
2999
/
Released
2021
An entire high-resolution wireless audio system, delivering uncompromised hi-fi sound that fits conveniently and seamlessly into your lifestyle. Q Acoustics has designed the Q Active range from the ground up, with the express intent of delivering an uncompromised, versatile high-resolution system that can play music from any source – TV, network music streamer, smartphone, laptop, and even a turntable.
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Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Expansive sound delivery thanks to BMR drivers, creating a room-filling sound
  • Energetic performance and fun sound
  • Solid bass response
  • Extremely well made and employing a new form of 'Dart' bracing to add stiffness to the cabinet and mechanical stability to the drivers

Product Considerations

  • Soundstage loses some focus, not ideal for a specific listening position
  • Design is an acquired taste

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Q Active 400 delivers a bigger soundstage and deeper bass than the Q Acoustics Q Active 200

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Q Active 400 is an impressive wireless system that sounds great and is easy to use, providing a cohesive performance with a wide delivery and powerful bass. It's a flexible system that can integrate into many different home setups to provide an all-in-one solution.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
PMC
active twenty5.24i
2700
/
Released
2024
The largest two-way speaker in the range, the Active twenty5.24i combines the resolution and power of our active technology with our in-house drivers and ATL, for performances with realism, precision, and breathtaking dynamics.
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PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a crisp, open sound with a pacy and tuneful low end
  • Bass is balanced and clearly included in the soundscape, even at low volumes
  • The tweeter is better balanced with the midrange, and now you can fully hear the overtones ringing freely from Keith Jarrett's piano
  • Bass goes below 30 Hz in a normal room
  • Easy to listen to with the transmission line bass extension, creating a flowing and endless musical experience

Product Considerations

  • Diamond black finish is prone to fingerprints
  • Needs an amplifier with sufficient headroom for loud transients
  • Requires some space in the room to perform well
  • Could use a little more energy in the upper midrange for piano timbre

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The PMC twenty5 24i delivers deeper bass with more authority than the KEF R11
  • The PMC twenty5 24i has a better bass foundation than the Piega Premium 701
  • The PMC twenty5 24i reaches deeper in frequency than the Sonus faber Sonetto V

Takeaway: The PMC twenty5.24i delivers a crisp, open sound with a tuneful low end that complements a wide range of music. Its ability to reveal nuances in recordings and its balanced sound make it worth a listen.

Video review

Our take on the brand

PMC is a hifi speaker brand known for its Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) technology, which enhances bass response and reduces distortion, and its LaminairX technology in the Prophecy series, which reduces turbulence and harmonic distortion by up to 3dB. Their active speakers are preferred by music and audio professionals for their tonal accuracy and dynamic range, with user reviews particularly praising their accurate midrange and detailed sound compared to brands like Dynaudio and B&W.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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