Power up: Q Acoustics debuts first active loudspeakers

British brand Q Acoustics has announced its first foray into the active loudspeaker arena. Its new Q Active range will kick off in November with the standmount Q Active 200, followed by the floorstanding Q Active 400 in January.

Billed as an 'uncompromised, versatile, high-resolution system,' the Q Active 200 is a stereo speaker pair supplied with a compact Control Hub. This connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and acts as a hub for wireless sources including Bluetooth (v4.2), Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Roon.

It also has physical inputs – HDMI ARC, optical digital audio and stereo phono – plus a subwoofer output. The analogue input can be switched between use for a line-level source, or the Hub's onboard MM phono stage for a turntable connection. UPnP support allows for music streaming from a PC or NAS device.

The Control Hub, which ships with a remote control, connects wirelessly to the speakers. Incoming audio (to a maximum resolution of 32-bit/192kHz) is converted to 24-bit/96kHz. The speakers can also operate as a UPnP media player capable of streaming your digital audio library from a computer or NAS drive.

'The wireless design means the Control Hub can be placed out of sight if desired: behind a TV, in a cupboard or on a rack,' says Q Acoustics.

The Control Hub will also offer Chromecast built-in at launch (supporting multiroom systems and simplified app casting), with an Amazon Alexa version due in January. Voice control options are Google Assitant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri.

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The speakers feature dual offset 2.25in BMR (Balance Mode Radiator) drivers and a 4.5in rear-mounted woofer. Total claimed onboard power is 280W, via six discrete Class D amplifiers.

Q Acoustics says the speakers deliver a 'widescreen sound' with a 'huge sweet spot... No matter where you’re sitting in the room, you’ll hear the same rich, detailed and expressive sound.' A three-way switch optimises low-frequency performance for close-to-wall, in-corner or free-space positioning.

The Q Active 200s are available in matte-black or matte-white finishes, and can be partnered with optional stands that borrow the 'War of the Worlds'-esque design ethos of Q Acoustic's previous Concept 300 premium models.

Pricing for the Q Active 200 speakers with Google Cast is £1,500. Pricing for the Q Active 400 tower models (pictured below), which add a second bass driver, is TBC.

Says Q Acoustics of its new toys: 'The Q Active range represents the ultimate combination of convenience, style and audiophile-quality sound for exceptional value for money.

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Q Acoustics

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