Review Details

Ai40 Powered 5” Bookshelf Speakers

Product Rating:

Product Review (submitted on October 21, 2018):

I purchased the AI40's to replace a 2.1 computer setup (Swan M10's) and I have never been happier. Although I am no speakerphile, I've spent a long time listening critically with portable "hi-fi" headphones for years and know a good sound when I hear it. When I listened to the AI40's, I was thoroughly impressed.

Pros: For $200, the low-frequency reproduction is nothing short of both marvelous and befuddling - the AI40's are not ported(!!). I was considering a subwoofer but ultimately decided against it. The highs are clear without detectable sibilance and the mid-range isn't overly emphasized or recessed. While I do prefer a more mid-forward sound, I am definitely not disappointed with the signature of AI40's; they strike me as slightly v-shaped from a subjective standpoint. The bluetooth features worked for me without issue on the AptX codec and my Huawei Mate 10 Pro. No skips or connection difficulties.

Cons: If you intend to use these as near-field monitors/speakers (as I am using them on my desk), there may be an audible hiss varying with some combination of power adapter cable, power source (wall or surge), source (computer/pre-amp etc.) and nearby interference. I reached out to Sean from Fluance support on this issue and they sent me a new power adapter cable without question. As a tip for other users out there, the better you can isolate noise in your chain, the less noticeable it will be (hint: start with wall power). One last grievance I would have is with the DSP correction/processing - occasionally, adjusting the volume via remote or the knob causes slight/temporary (less than a second) distortion in the low-end frequencies as the DSP makes its adjustments. I've been assured by Sean that this is normal and I'm inclined to agree. Not too big of a problem, unless you adjust volume constantly.

Overall, the AI40's are an excellent pair of speakers and the folks at Fluance offer fantastic customer support. For $200, I can't think of a better powered bookshelf offering with aptX Bluetooth and RCA aux inputs.