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A central Control Hub configured either for Google Chromecast built-in or Amazon ‘Works with Alexa’ is supplied with each speaker. The Hub can be connected to your home network using Ethernet or wi-fi.

You can also connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Roon and Spotify Connect.

The speakers can additionally operate as a UPnP media player streaming audio from a computer or NAS drive.

For wired sources, the Control Hub offers HDMI ARC, optical in, analogue line-level in and a subwoofer out. You can also hook up your turntable, thanks to a built-in MM phono stage.

The Q Active range features Class D amplification and both the 200 and 400 use twin Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) drive units in an offset configuration to: “deliver a widescreen sound dispersal and a huge sweet spot.”

A switch at the back lets you designate left or right channels, while another tells the speakers where they are positioned – close to a wall, in a corner or out in free space. This information allows the Q Active to fine-tune its low-frequency response to deliver the best sound for its surrounding environment.

The £1,500 200 standmount has two 57mm BMR drive units and a rear-firing 114mm long-throw sub with a waveguide for low-frequency bass. There are six discrete amplifiers powering the 200, resulting in a total power output of 280W, and it can be equipped with the optional Q FS75 floor stands (£350).

The 400 floorstander boasts the same BMR drive unit arrangement, but features eight discrete amplifiers with 440W of total power output. The key difference between them, besides the taller cabinet size, is that it has two rear-firing 115mm subwoofers: one at the top and, one at the bottom. Price is TBC in 2021. Both will be available in matte white or black finish.

You can find out more about Q Acoustics' new active speakers here.