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M-Audio Forty Sixty specifications and in-depth review

M-Audio Forty Sixty

Manufacturer: M-Audio

The M-Audio Forty Sixty is a passive 3-way bookshelf speaker designed for home audio use. It features a bass reflex enclosure and supports multiple input options including RCA, TRS (6.5mm), and Bluetooth 5.3, alongside a dedicated smartphone app for added control flexibility.

On the technical side, the Forty Sixty uses a 6.5″ woofer paired with a 1″ tweeter and a high-frequency crossover set at 2.2 kHz, covering a frequency range from 39 Hz up to 22,000 Hz. The system is rated at 100W total audio power, includes a subwoofer output port, and each cabinet measures 216 × 335 × 218 mm at a weight of 7.2 kg, backed by a one-year warranty.

Pros
  • Three-way driver layout with a 6.5″ woofer and 1″ tweeter covers a wide frequency range from 39 Hz to 22,000 Hz
  • Bluetooth 5.3 support allows wireless audio streaming alongside wired RCA and TRS inputs
  • Includes a subwoofer output port, making it straightforward to expand the system with a dedicated sub
  • A dedicated smartphone app provides an additional layer of control beyond physical connections
  • Bass reflex enclosure design supports low-frequency extension down to 39 Hz for a bookshelf-sized cabinet
Cons
  • Passive design requires a separate amplifier or receiver to operate
  • No remote control included, limiting convenience from a distance
  • Wall mounting is not supported, restricting placement flexibility
  • Warranty period is limited to one year
  • At 7.2 kg per cabinet, the speakers are relatively heavy for bookshelf units, which may complicate repositioning
Who is this for?

These speakers are a solid fit for listeners who already own a stereo amplifier or receiver and want to build a capable home audio setup around a 3-way passive bookshelf design. The frequency range down to 39 Hz, combined with a subwoofer output port, makes them well-suited for users who want to eventually expand to a fuller system. Those who value flexible connectivity — switching between wired sources via RCA or TRS and wireless playback over Bluetooth 5.3 — will find the input options practical for mixed-use listening rooms.

Who is this NOT for?

These speakers are not a good match for users looking for a self-contained, plug-and-play audio solution, as the passive design requires a separate amplifier to function. Listeners who rely heavily on remote-based control will find the lack of a remote inconvenient, particularly in larger rooms. Additionally, those with limited shelf or furniture space may struggle with placement, as the cabinets are relatively large and heavy at 7.2 kg each and cannot be wall-mounted.

General info:

Speaker type Passive
Driver layout 3-way
Form factor Bookshelf
Audio inputs RCA, TRS (6.5mm), Bluetooth
Enclosure type Bass reflex (ported)
Weight 7.2 & 7.2 kg
are wall-mountable ✕
volume 15774.48 cm³
width 216 mm
height 335 mm
thickness 218 mm
warranty period 1 years

The M-Audio Forty Sixty is a passive bookshelf speaker built around a 3-way driver layout and housed in a bass reflex (ported) enclosure. It accepts audio via RCA, TRS (6.5mm), and Bluetooth inputs, offering a degree of connection versatility. Each cabinet weighs 7.2 kg and measures 216 mm wide, 335 mm tall, and 218 mm deep, with an internal volume of 15,774.48 cm³. The speakers are not wall-mountable and come with a one-year warranty.

Specifications:

Tweeter size 1"
Main driver/woofer size 6.5"
lowest frequency 39 Hz
highest frequency 22000 Hz
High-frequency crossover 2.2 kHz
audio system power 100W

The speaker system is built around a 6.5″ woofer and a 1″ tweeter, with a high-frequency crossover point set at 2.2 kHz. It covers a frequency range spanning from 39 Hz up to 22,000 Hz, and the total audio system power is rated at 100W.

Features:

has a sub output port ✓
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✓
has a remote control ✕
Bluetooth version 5.3

The speaker includes a subwoofer output port for connecting an external sub, and wireless connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.3. A dedicated smartphone app is available for additional control, though the unit does not come with a remote control.

Final Verdict

The M-Audio Forty Sixty is a well-specified passive bookshelf speaker that rewards users who are willing to pair it with a dedicated amplifier. Its 3-way driver configuration with a broad 39 Hz–22,000 Hz frequency range, combined with Bluetooth 5.3, a subwoofer output, and multi-input connectivity, makes it a versatile option for building a capable home audio system. The requirement for external amplification and the absence of a remote do narrow its appeal, but for the listener already invested in a proper stereo setup, the Forty Sixty delivers a feature set that goes meaningfully beyond what most speakers in this form factor offer.