M-Audio Studiophile AV 40
Manufacturer: M-Audio Part number: StudiophileAV40
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- M-Audio's Studiophile AV 40 is a PC speaker for music lovers who care more about sound quality than compact size or rock bottom pricing.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 PREMIER SOURCE of cutting edge electronics since 1973. |  | In stock FREE Fast Shipping! Top Rated Auth. M-Audio Dealer w/Wa | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
 Dell Home and Home Office | | In stock Free Shipping! | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 price range: $144.99 - $149.95
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 03/27/2008
The good: The Studiophile AV 40 is a larger-than-average PC speaker system that makes a bigger-than-average sound; large 4-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter; 20 watts per speaker; rock solid medium-density fiberboard construction; Bass Boost switch.
The bad: Large size (for PC/desktop speakers) may be an issue for some buyers.
The bottom line: M-Audio's Studiophile AV 40 is a PC speaker for music lovers who care more about sound quality than compact size or rock bottom pricing.
Not to sound condescending, but M-Audio's Studiophile AV 40 Desktop Speaker System makes most PC and multimedia speakers seem rather puny by comparison. It's not just their size (the M-Audio speakers resemble desktop studio monitors); if you listen to a lot of CDs, watch DVDs, or play games on your computer, M-Audio's larger-than-average speakers should be on your short list. They sounded bigger, delivered more bass, and played louder than the other PC speakers we had on hand. True, the big speakers might be a little too big for some buyers, but if sound quality is high up on your list, you'll find a way to squeeze these bad boys onto your desktop. They're also a great choice if you're looking for a good pair of powered speakers to use with any sort of nonamplified audio device, such as an iPod dock, CD player, or digital audio device.
Design
The M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 system consists of a pair of 8.75-inch-tall desktop speakers. While that doesn't sound very big, the speaker's 6-inch width and 7.25-inch depth make for a fairly bulky design. They weigh 14 pounds each.
The tweeter and woofer are each covered with black mesh grilles. The matte-finished vinyl-wrap and medium-density fiberboard cabinets look and feel more like hi-fi speakers than the usual plastic PC/multimedia speakers. The left speaker is easily distinguished from the right because it's the one with a volume-control knob, which is encircled in blue light.
M-Audio's more affordable Studiophile AV 20 and AV 30 share the AV 40's basic feature set, but are somewhat smaller in size.
Features
The rear of the left speaker has stereo RCA inputs. Combined with the included 3.5mm to RCA stereo cable, that means you can pretty much connect anything with a headphone or line-out jack to the speakers, be it your computer, an iPod, DVD player, and so forth. The speaker includes quarter of an inch "TRS" inputs for professional applications, as well. The left speaker also houses the power on/off and Bass Boost switches, as well as the push-clip connectors that you use to run the included hookup wire over to the right speaker. Up front there's a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 3.5mm auxiliary input to connect any sort of portable device, such as an iPod.
The AV 40 features a two-way design; each speaker has a 4-inch polypropylene-coated woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. The built-in amplifier delivers 20 watts per channel.
Performance
The Studiophile AV 40 immediately impressed us when we played some of our favorite Rolling Stones tunes. We cranked the volume up nice and loud and the sound remained clear while the bass was punchy. When we experimented with the Bass Boost control, it added a nice kick and didn't become overblown or boomy.
The Buena Vista Social Club CD demonstrated a different side of the Studiophile AV 40's talents--the soundstage between the two speakers had an open, unboxy sound that smaller PC speakers can't match. Vocals in particular benefited from this open quality. The acoustic bass instruments sounded very natural, defined, and powerful demonstrating the Studiophile AV 40 as a good hi-fi speaker.
The horse racing scenes on the Seabiscuit DVD were exciting and intense. The film's orchestral score didn't sound shrill and anemic the way it does on many smaller PC speakers. Sure, big-time home-theater dynamics are beyond the capabilities of the Studiophile AV 40, but its size advantages over smaller PC speakers on special-effects-laden DVD movies such as Serenity will be obvious to even the most casual of listeners. That said, as good as the Studiophile AV 40 is, it's still not on par with a decent home theater in a box system.
Rounding things out, we fired up Unreal Tournament 3 for some online fragging and came away satisfied. Gamers will appreciate the big speakers' muscle and power on the virtual battlefield and for online play.
User reviews
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Most musical PC speakers I've used.
by seamus49 on April 1, 2008
Pros: Incredible imaging; close your eyes and the individual speaker sound sources disappear. Nothing but a broad, natural soundstage.
Cons: Footprint a little large for cramped desktops.
Summary: None of the low-volume graininess of my previous speakers; fade-outs disappear cleanly.
These little guys are ACCURATE! I'm using them to track with PC studio software and then mixing ...Summary: None of the low-volume graininess of my previous speakers; fade-outs disappear cleanly.
These little guys are ACCURATE! I'm using them to track with PC studio software and then mixing down on my main studio monitors. The AV40's are extremely close in sonic character to my bigger speakers so very little EQ'ing is necessary. My CD and MP3 collections have new life. All in all, I'm extremely pleased and would recommend them without reservations>7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wow, now that's clarity
by bob68111 on October 17, 2008
Pros: The sound quality is absolutely amazing: clear, clear, clear, at any volume. I had bought an Altec-Lansing 2.1 system (VS4121BLK) for $100, which was great loud but terribly muffled otherwise. So I returned it and bought the AV40 for $150.
Cons: They eat up a lot of desk space. It's annoying that the on/off switch is only on the back, though at least the speakers don't seem to have any noticeable hum when left on.
Summary: These sound just as good as (if not better than) the much-more-expensive Bose speakers in my living room and car. Very impressive.
Summary: These sound just as good as (if not better than) the much-more-expensive Bose speakers in my living room and car. Very impressive.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome Sound!
by fgonz2008 on December 2, 2008
Pros: Clear true sound, powerful, great craftsmanship, heavy & solid. Look cool with DELL XPS PC
Cons: Short cables
Summary: 1st bought Altec Lansing FX4021..bad choice for apartment dweller due to bass from sub overpowered mid range. Then bought these at Best Buy and true beautiful sound. Can add ...
Summary: 1st bought Altec Lansing FX4021..bad choice for apartment dweller due to bass from sub overpowered mid range. Then bought these at Best Buy and true beautiful sound. Can add bass with Itunes eq and may add the Altec sub some day but for now rock, salsa, R&B, reggae sound great. Can handle Rap too but may not have enough bass for some but I dont have to worry about neighbors banging the wall. Looking now for some longer cables and nice stands, Matches my DELL XPS PC even down to the blue light around the volumne. Sound so great I'm losing too much sleep mixing songs on the PC.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best pc speakers out there
by debaaszelluf on September 17, 2008
Pros: Sound quality!!
Nice bass even though it's not a subwoofer system.
Sound quality!!
Sound quality!!Cons: There relatively big for pc-speakers (doesn't trouble me though)
High Price (But it is definitly worth the money)Summary: If you want the best sound quality out of pc speakers en you don't care to spend about $100,- this is the perfect choice.
Summary: If you want the best sound quality out of pc speakers en you don't care to spend about $100,- this is the perfect choice.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Hands down for the price these are great speakers.
by bforet on September 18, 2009
Pros: I love listening to music at my pc and the quality and sound of these is superior to most others I've heard. Solid built quality speakers with excellent sound. No hum and no distortion.
Cons: I thought I was going to have a problem with the on-off switch on the back of the speaker but that is an easy trade off now that I have heard them.
Summary: The bass booster switch on the back is a nice feature when listening to differing selections from rock to classical. The Aux-in and phone jacks on the front are also ...
Summary: The bass booster switch on the back is a nice feature when listening to differing selections from rock to classical. The Aux-in and phone jacks on the front are also convenient features too. But by far buy these for the sound......I should never have waited so long to purchase them.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Incredible speakers for a good price
by sunburntbum on November 19, 2008
Pros: Very nice sound, incredible clarity, and good bass. Sound clear and undistorted at high volumes.
Cons: Perhaps not enough bass for some (although tbh, ive found the songs actually sound better with the lower bass...and im a bass enthusiast)
Summary: I recently ordered these, and i was blown away by how good they sound. I was originally worried that there may not be enough bass (as some reviews had complained ...
Summary: I recently ordered these, and i was blown away by how good they sound. I was originally worried that there may not be enough bass (as some reviews had complained about the lack of it), but i decided to go ahead and get them anyway, and i couldnt be happier with them. They have a very good depth of sound, give a nice warm feel to the music, and are very very clear, even at high volumes. They also look very nice, although they are bigger than normal desktop speakers. About the bass: this was my primary concern, and as i said before, i didnt even notice a lack. If you truly find you need more, then just get a subwoofer. For the money, these are the best computer speakers out there.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Blow 5.1 systems out of the water. Awesome clarity!
by lbgolfer66 on November 4, 2008
Pros: Great Sound from only 2 speakers. Can plug in your MP3 player as well or use alone as just stereo speakers. Really cool. I'm glad I read up on it on CNET. The 2.1 system I was looking at no comarision in sound! Trust Me! If you love music get these.
Cons: A little Heavy for those looking to hide their speakers but stylish enough!
Summary: For the Money...get these...you won't have any regrets! Thanks CNET!
I bought mine at provantage for $120 plus shipping....$134. Very reasonable for such good quality speakers.Summary: For the Money...get these...you won't have any regrets! Thanks CNET!
I bought mine at provantage for $120 plus shipping....$134. Very reasonable for such good quality speakers.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love These Speakers - Highly Recommended
by djtechie on June 27, 2009
Pros: Pros: loud and crisp; no distortion when volume tuned up. Attractive, durable design...in a word, built! And at a great price, too!
Cons: Cons: Power switch on rear of left speaker should be in the front, instead.
Summary: Shortly after I bought a 20" aluminum iMac, I looked around for some decent computer speakers. I then saw CNET's review of these, and I was in love! I ...
Summary: Shortly after I bought a 20" aluminum iMac, I looked around for some decent computer speakers. I then saw CNET's review of these, and I was in love! I know that M-Audio makes quality DJ and musician gear, and wanted to try them for myself. It's not just the bass...the harmonies, the melodies, the highs and lows were just astounding for such a relatively small pair of what might as well be mini studio monitors, which is what this set of speakers is.Plus, they look pretty damn sexy next to my iMac! Give these a try!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound for a year, then they died
by jscott418 on June 18, 2009
Pros: Very good sound for a small speaker. Lot's of hook up options
Cons: Right speaker just stopped working one day. Now it works for a few minutes then dies. Just a couple of months out of warranty.
Summary: I really loved these speakers for a year. Then one day the right speaker was not working. I replaced all the cables and yet still no sound. I then checked ...
Summary: I really loved these speakers for a year. Then one day the right speaker was not working. I replaced all the cables and yet still no sound. I then checked it with another source and still no right sound. Let em sit for a day and tried again. The right worked for a few minutes then died again. So much for quality. Hope if you buy these that they last you longer then they did me.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simple...BUY THESE SPEAKERS
by jjkrn on February 25, 2009
Pros: Superb sound...really simple..they sound great
Cons: none...OK..THEY ARE KINDA BIG..SO WHAT
Summary: BUY THEM
Summary: BUY THEM
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: M-Audio
- Part number: StudiophileAV40
- Description: The compact Studiophile AV 40 powered reference monitors deliver the same proven M-Audio technology favored by top producers, recording engineers and musicians around the world. The combination of 4" polypropylene-coated drivers and 3/4" ferrofluid-cooled silk dome tweeters provides punchy lows, crisp highs and a balanced, uncolored response. Custom cabinets with dense wood construction deliver more accurate bass response than you could ever get from plastic multimedia speakers. The Studiophile AV 40 reference monitors are the perfect solution for traveling musicians or anyone who wants top-notch sound from their desktop multimedia system.
General
- Product Type Left / right channel speakers
- Width 6 in
- Depth 7.2 in
- Height 8.7 in
- Weight 13.9 lbs
- Enclosure Material MDF
Speaker System
- System Components 2 speakers
- Speaker Type 2-way - Active
- Nominal Output Power (Total) 40 Watt
- Response Bandwidth 85 - 20000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 90 dB
- Output Level (SPL) 101.5 dB
- Crossover Frequency 2700Hz
- Output Features Bass Reflex
- Magnetic Shield Yes
- Audio Amplifier Integrated
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Controls Bass, Volume, Power on/off
Speaker System Details
- Speakers Included 2 x Right/left channel speaker - 2-way - 20 Watt - 85 - 20000 Hz - 4 Ohm - Wired
- Driver Details Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Tweeter driver - 3/4 in - Silk, Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Woofer driver - 4 in - Kevlar
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Balanced audio input ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm x 2 ), 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ), 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
Manufacturer info
- M-Audio
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse M-Audio products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.midiman.net/
- Address:
45 East Saint Joseph St., Arcadia, CA - Phone: 626-633-9050
- Email: info@m-audio.com
- Fax: 626-633-9060
