Majority continues making a name for itself with quality electronics at prices that don’t break the bank. I believe they’ve done it again with the Majority Audio D40 Bookshelf Speakers. I recently had the chance to try them out in a few different settings and scenarios. Spoiler alert: They certainly aren’t perfect, but from an overall sound quality, the D40s don’t disappoint.
Initial thoughts
Packaging matters. For many it’s an afterthought, but there is nothing more annoying than receiving a damaged item. I can tell Majority put thought into the packaging and the extras they ship. The set includes a remote, power cord, AUX cable, and an RCA-to-1/8” headphone cable, so you’ve got plenty of connection options. Setup is easy and straightforward. It doesn’t matter whether I’m plugging them into my computer, TV, or using Bluetooth – it is all intuitive and Majority provides what I need. It’s nice to have that kind of versatility—these speakers can adapt to pretty much any device you throw at them.
The testing
I decided to do the majority (no pun intended) of my test on these speakers in my basement. I place them on either side of my PC monitors, which to me is the perfect setting. This allows me to test a variety of inputs including the inputs and Bluetooth option. I love a variety of music from punk rock to English alt to classical. Color me impressed. From setup to the crisp rich sound Majority surprises me with its good mids. It seems obvious, but Bass is a bit lacking. I only truly notice this on games or music I don’t tend to jam to. This makes sense though as no sub-woofer is included with the speaker set.
For those who may choose to place the speakers in opposite corners of the room, separated by a couch and some end tables, I recommend getting an extension RCA cable. Out of the box the D40s are meant to be a bit closer together. Most people will likely use these speakers closer together – on a TV stand or bookshelf – so that’s not a problem for the average user.
The room I sit in is about 800 square feet with an unfinished ceiling and brick walls. Needless to say, I was a little worried the sound might bounce a little too much and create an echo chamber of noise. Thankfully, the D40 speakers do a good job filling the room without creating chaos. They easily create clear, vibrant audio. At higher volumes the sound can get a bit lost – this isn’t due to the speakers though it’s the room they are in. The sound itself didn’t distort.
Not perfect
There are two versions of these speakers, the D40 which I review here and the D40X. While both are solid, the D40X has a few upgrades, including yellow Kevlar speaker cones and a bit more power—70 watts compared to the D40’s 60 watts. I’m not sure I’ll miss the extra sound output, but to be fair I didn’t get a chance to test the D40x.
Of note on the Majority Audio D40 speakers are a couple of minor quirks. If there’s no device connected and the speakers are still powered on, a small light on the back starts blinking. I also am not a huge fan of the voiceover that tells me which input I’ve selected, but at least Majority allows me to turn that right off. Additionally, settings don’t save. So basically, if I find a good EQ for music, but I decide I like more bass in my gaming, I’ll need to adjust that every time they are powered back on.
Summary
Overall, the Majority Audio D40 Bookshelf Speakers are a pretty solid choice if you are looking for some quality sound without breaking the bank. Naturally, they whip any standard Bluetooth speaker. With their sleek design to the powerful sound and easy connectivity, they’re a versatile and stylish option for any setup. Whether they’re flanking your TV, sitting on a bookshelf, or filling a cabin with music, these speakers deliver. However, if you need a bit more power or are looking for some significant bass, you may want to find something that includes a sub option.
Curious about another option? Check out these speakers reviewed by our staff: The one thing you should try with the PSB Alpha iQ bookshelf speakers – GEARADICAL