Despite being a younger brand, Q Acoustics have already made a name for itself in the loudspeaker industry. So in this review, we’ll find out if their Q Acoustics 3020i is really as good as its award-winning predecessors.
When it comes to smaller-sized bookshelf speakers, I understand some of you might be skeptical of its power. Questions like “is it loud enough?” or “would it give us great sound quality?” will linger in your minds. Especially for the audiophiles reading this right now.
Some of you might even entirely scoff at the idea or the 3020i itself. I get it, though. Throughout the years, we have been dealing with underperforming smaller speakers in the market. So I totally get where the skepticism comes from.
However, it’s best to keep in mind that the 3020i is already the latest iteration of a very successful lineup from Q Acoustics. The original version, the 3010i, was released back in 2019 which received great success and high remarks from reviewers and audiophiles alike.
That being said, we’re about to find out if the latest generation of this lineup will wow just like the first time.
See Where The Q Acoustics 3020i Rank In Our List Of The Best Bookshelf Speakers For 2021.
Overview
When it comes to speakers, usually we think that the bigger the model is, the better it will perform. This is due to the amount of air it can push out, so a lot of people will generally assume it will sound better.
However, the Q Acoustics 3020i has set a different standard for smaller-sized bookshelf speakers. Casuals and audiophiles alike will absolutely love this if you don’t have the space for floor standers like the bigger 2050i and other larger bookshelf speakers in your house.
Small But Terrible (In A Good Way)
Despite being a few inches bigger than its predecessors, the 3020i is definitely still smaller in size compared to models from other brands.
Each cabinet of the 3020i is 25% larger than the previous models. However, you’ll find that inside of these cabinets is very deep. 11.1 inches deep, to be specific. And since they’re rear-ported, you might not want to place them right against a wall or any surface.
It’s better if you put a decent amount of space behind them for some breathing room. So, unfortunately, wall mounting these bookshelf speakers is not the most ideal thing to do.
Aside from having the advantage of size, the 3020i also packs a punch when it comes to delivering powerful sounds. While other brands focus more on giving off more bass, the 3020i has a more neutral tone that is both rich and warm just like its predecessors. But made a lot better.
In comparison to the 3010i, you can easily notice that you’re getting a fuller sound with more character depending on the audio that’s currently playing. The 3020i definitely has more sonic maturity and more defined basslines and rhythm structure.
About The Brand
For some people, branding is everything. It can be a symbol of social status and that’s why some of you prefer certain brands over others. Classics like KEF have been around for decades and have been a popular go-to bookshelf speaker brand for a lot of audiophiles who love that premium experience.
Meanwhile, Q Acoustics is still a fairly new brand. But that’s not to say that they are rookies. The audio engineers over at Q Acoustics has done more than enough to prove that they can easily compete with the best of the best despite being new in the game.
With consistent great releases of their products, Q Acoustics has made its way to the top in the budget-friendly range. Giving everyone a chance to experience award-winning loudspeakers that remain affordable and within reach for everyone.
Features & Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.7 x 11 inches (LxWxH)
- Item Weight: 21.1 pounds
- Amplification Type: Passive
- Manufacturer / Brand: Q Acoustics
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Enclosure Type: 2-way reflex
- Bass Driver: 125 mm or 5 inches.
- Tweeter: 22 mm or 0,9 inches.
- Frequency Response: 64Hz – 30kHz
- Impedance: 6Ohms
- Minimum Impedance: 4Ohms
- Sensitivity: (2.83 V@1 m) 88dB
- Power Input: 50-125W
- Crossover Frequency: 2.4kHz
- Stereo Amplifier Power: 25 – 75w
- AV Receiver (2 ch. driven): 50 – 75w
- Effective Volume: 6.1 L (372 cu in)
- Audio Output Mode: Surround and stereo.
- Colors: English Walnut, Graphite Grey, Carbon Black, and Arctic White.
- What’s In The Box: 2 x 3020i bookshelf speakers, 2 x Speaker Grilles, 2 x Foam Bungs, 1 x User Manual, 1 x Handling Gloves
- Extra Special Features: High-Frequency Driver Unit, P2P Bracing, and Mid/Bass Driver.
Check out Q Acoustics’ unboxing video of the 3020i below!
What We Love About The Q Acoustics 3020i
In this section, let’s break down the things we love about the 3020i.
Aesthetics
You have to admit that in a sea of boxy, black bookshelf speakers, the 3020i easily stands out. In addition, it’s also probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing loudspeakers in the market right now. Especially when you look at the English walnut and white variants of this model.
The curved edges and smooth finish just give it such an overall premium look and anyone who is not that familiar with loudspeakers would think you spent a thousand bucks on it.
Usually, when it comes to more affordable or budget-friendly loudspeakers, not a lot of effort goes into the design. Which is fine for some. Other people overlook this aspect and mainly go for performance anyway.
Still, I highly appreciate that Q Acoustics still made sure that we have a good-looking pair of loudspeakers in our hands (or literally in our living room) as well as giving us options for different colors. Plus points to them!
Performance
With our previous experience with the 3010i, one would have high expectations that the 3020i will easily outperform the former model. After all, when companies put out new iterations of their lineups, it’s obvious that the new model should be an improved or upgraded version of its predecessors.
The 3020i did not disappoint us at all.
Compared to its predecessors, the 3020i outshines them significantly. You can easily notice how much more refined the sounds are with the latest model. It gives off a richer, warmer, and fuller sound with a lot more character. The added P2P bracing in this unit’s build also helps in reducing any kind of distortion in the audio.
All in all, the sound quality of the 3020i is accurate, refined, and powerful enough without ever sounding too harsh. For loudspeakers this size, it’s definitely an impressive feat. With a sensitivity of 88dB, you can go as loud as you want. The 3020i can effortlessly fill up a small to medium-sized room.
The only downside is that the 3020i somewhat lacks in the bass department but can easily be mended by adding a subwoofer. So if you really want those lows, you’ll have to get that additional amp.
Budget-friendly Price
The 3020i has upgraded everything we know about the 3010i. Everything except for the price. Which is a really good thing for anyone who wants to have their hands on this particular model.
Despite the impressive upgrades the 3020i has, Q Acoustics managed to retain its fairly affordable price. In comparison to other companies, usually, the latest model would have significant price increases to make up for the costs. But with the 3020i, a great listening experience does not have to mean burning a hole through your wallet.
Our Least Favorite Thing
Bass Is Lacking
Personally, I do love a good bass in my speakers. I love it when I can feel every beat thumping across my body. It’s a great mood enhancer for me. So the lack of power in the 3020i’s bass was mildly disappointing.
However, what it lacks in the bass makes up for everything else in terms of dynamics, rich and neutral tones, warm sounds, and refined rhythm structure. A subwoofer can also make up for this aspect.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the pros and cons of the 3020i.
Pros
- Very affordable price range.
- Detailed and clear sounds that are warm and rich with impressive dynamics.
- Small and sleek design.
Cons
- People who like to have more oomf in their bass might find themselves wanting more from this model.
- Not as suited for wall mounting as it is marketed.
Final Verdict
Without a doubt, the Q Acoustics 3020i is an excellent pair of bookshelf speakers. I would even go as far as saying that this is probably the best sounding loudspeakers you can find in the market for under $300 right now.
With such an attractive and affordable price tag, you’re not really sacrificing anything. Instead, you get to add an impressive sound system to your home setup with all the bells and whistles. Q Acoustics made no compromises with this unit and it shows.
So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of bookshelf speakers that do the job well, I highly recommend this one. I think the 3020i will absolutely delight your ears, regardless if you’re a casual listener or an audiophile.
The only reason I can think of if you’re still on the fence about it is either you like your loudspeakers to have more bass, you want to go wireless, or you want a sound system from a more high-end brand.
Already own the Q Acoustics 3020i? Or still contemplating about it? Let me know your reasons why or your experiences if you already have one. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!
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