Vestlyd's retro sound packed into active speakers – M6C Active and M8C Active arrive in Finland

Both models use a two-way coaxial design, with the tweeter positioned in the middle of the bass-midrange. The M6C Active uses a 6,5-inch paper cone driver, while the M8C Active uses an eight-inch version. High frequencies are handled by a one-inch titanium dome tweeter.

The coaxial structure aims to ensure that sound in different frequency ranges radiates as uniformly as possible from the same point. The cone of the woofer also serves as a directivity for the tweeter, which is related to Vestlyd's Power Monitor structure and the brand's goal of a wide listening range.

The speaker pair uses four 75-watt PWM-controlled Class D amplifier channels. Each bass-midrange and tweeter has its own amplifier channel. The whole also utilizes DSP signal processing, which controls the operation of the elements and the frequency balance of the speakers.

The electronics and connections are located on the second speaker. The second speaker in the pair is connected to the main speaker using the supplied speaker cable, so it is not a completely wireless stereo pair.

The connectivity options are the same for both models. HDMI eARC has been added for television, which also allows you to control the volume with the TV remote. Digital audio can also be input via optical input and USB-C.

The USB-C connection supports audio signals up to 24-bit and 192 kHz. Wireless playback is handled by Bluetooth 5.1, which supports AAC, aptX HD and aptX Low Latency codecs. The latter aims to reduce the delay between image and sound, for example when watching videos or playing games.

On the analog side, there is an RCA input and a balanced input combining XLR and 6,35 mm jack. The RCA input can also be used with a turntable equipped with an MM cartridge, as the system has a built-in RIAA equalizer. A subwoofer output is available for adding a separate subwoofer.

The remote control allows you to select sound settings for music, movies and more neutral listening. Bass and treble levels can also be fine-tuned from the speaker's rear panel. The main speaker, equipped with electronics, can be assigned to either the left or right channel, making it easier to place connections in the room.

The M6C Active is the more compact of the two. The speaker measures 36,3 × 24,6 × 21,6 centimeters, and the stated frequency range is 43 hertz to 24 kilohertz with a -6 decibel limit. The model can be used, for example, on a desktop, in a smaller living room, or for near-field listening.

The M8C Active measures 44,3 × 29,0 × 27,0 centimeters. The larger eight-inch driver extends bass reproduction to 36 Hz with a -6 decibel limit. The model is aimed at larger spaces and applications where sound pressure and low-frequency power are given more importance.

Both models can be purchased with separate M-Stands speaker stands. The bottom of the cabinets also has a 35 mm mount for standard speaker and PA stands.

Vestlyd's design philosophy has also been introduced previously in the AVPlussa listening room. In the test of the V12C and V15C models The speakers' strengths were high sensitivity, strong dynamics, and a distinctly live-like presentation.

In particular, the larger V15C's bass response was found to be very powerful, while the V12C's balance was considered a bit more subdued and linear. Both produced plenty of sound effortlessly, and the speaker orientation was found to have a clear impact on the level of high frequencies.

The new M6C Active and M8C Active are not direct miniature versions of the V12C and V15C models, but the same coaxial basic idea and concert-style sound ideal have been continued. However, thanks to internal amplification and DSP, the whole can be more precisely adapted to the elements used. The true sound quality of the new products and their relationship to the larger Vestlyds will only be fully understood when listening.