What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
20 JUL 2005
B&W MT-30
Talented, covetable and worth every penny, the MT-30 (and PV1 especially) could well be heading for iconic status
Write your own review
The MT-30 features the same M-1 satellites as the MT-20 kit, but pairs them with the pricier PV1 subwoofer – winner of both a sub and a technology Award back in 2006. It’s no surprise, then, that we’ve been itching to test this tempting combination.
It was worth the wait for the lovely design, sturdy build and beautiful finish. Consider also the big, inclusive soundstage and rapid, accurate effects steering. Then factor in what remains one of the most impressive pieces of kit we’ve ever heard – the PV1 subwoofer. It’s not going to come as a huge revelation that the MT-30 is a spectacular performer, is it?
Dig out Saving Private Ryan – the first 25 minutes still haven’t been bettered for sheer visceral impact – and the PV1 shows just what a star it is. Muscular and attacking, but with no discernable overhang, the B&W offers a truly deep voice, and tangible impact when required.
It’s agile and forceful, but never threatens to become bombastic or overbearing. Control is dictatorial and solid, grip on low-end information is total – like a true artist, the PV1 doesn’t need to draw attention to itself to get the job done.
Seamless integration
Add in weight, definition and an utter lack of resonance, and you’ve a bravura performance. As the PV1’s sonic influence begins to run out further up the frequency range, it also integrates seamlessly with the M-1 speakers.
As with the MT-20, it’s music that shows up the tiny shortcomings in the MT-30. Unsurprisingly, tempo and timing are excellent, and the overall sound is detailed, composed, fast and brawny. We’d advise the same care when choosing partnering electronics as we mentioned in relation to the MT-20, though, as vocals especially are quite shiny enough without encouragement from your amplification.
However, at the price, this is a truly musical compact set-up – and so it must receive an almost unqualified recommendation. In fact, the only really tough choice you’ll have to make is deciding which finish to pick. In other regards, the MT-30 is a no-brainer.