Mordaunt Short MS-40i Floorstand Speakers Made in UK
RM1,690.00
The Mordaunt-Short MS40i is the flagship floorstanding model in the 1995 Music Series (MS ‘i’ range). Designed and manufactured in the UK, it was intended to deliver full-range performance at an affordable price, combining high sensitivity with an easy 8-ohm load that suits both vintage and modern amplifiers.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex (rear port) |
| Drivers | 2 × 170 mm (6.5–7″) paper cone bass/mid drivers |
| Tweeter | 25 mm (1″) soft dome |
| Frequency response | 45 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Nominal impedance | 8 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB (1 W/1 m) |
| Recommended amplifier power | 20–120 W |
| Crossover | 2-way passive network |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 225 × 820 × 271 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 13–15 kg each |
| Finish | Black Ash or Rosewood vinyl veneer |
Cabinet and construction
The MS40i uses a rigid MDF cabinet with internal bracing and a rear reflex port to extend bass response. Two bass/mid drivers share the low-frequency workload, increasing cone area while keeping distortion low at higher listening levels. The 25 mm soft-dome tweeter is crossed over smoothly, giving a balanced transition from the midrange to the treble. Mordaunt-Short’s crossover design emphasizes good phase integration and a natural tonal balance rather than an exaggerated “hi-fi” sound.
Sound quality
The MS40i has a classic British sound: warm, balanced, and easy to listen to over long sessions. The twin bass drivers provide respectable low-frequency extension into the mid-40 Hz region, producing satisfying bass weight for rock, jazz, and orchestral music without becoming boomy. The midrange is smooth and natural, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound convincing and lifelike.
Treble is clean and refined rather than overly bright. Stereo imaging is stable, with a wide soundstage when the speakers are positioned at least 20–30 cm from the rear wall. Their 90 dB sensitivity makes them easy to drive, allowing even modest amplifiers to achieve good dynamics while maintaining low distortion.
Amplifier matching
The MS40i pairs particularly well with amplifiers that have a smooth, musical presentation, including:
- NAD 3020
- Rotel RA-840BX4
- Luxman R-1040
- Marantz PM6007
- Accuphase P-600 (with a suitable preamplifier)
Strengths
- High 90 dB sensitivity; easy to drive.
- Warm, full-bodied bass with good extension.
- Natural, detailed midrange for vocals.
- Smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
- Excellent value in the used market.
- Solid cabinet construction with good imaging.
