Q Acoustic 3020i Speaker Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 окт 2024
- Upgraded from the earlier 3020 speakers, Paul Rigby reviews the current Q Acoustic 3020i, stand-mounted models
If you would like to buy the Q Acoustic 3020i speakers, you can obtain them via these links:
UK - amzn.to/387kI8f
USA - amzn.to/3ch6MMc
The Audiophile Man is now on Patreon! And the page arrives with *exclusive content*! I wanted to thank you for any support you might be able to offer. More details in the video above. My new Patreon page is here: / audiophileman
You can find more detail on the 'whys' of Patreon on my site here: theaudiophilem...
You can also find me via this lot:
Facebook Group: / theaudiophileman
Facebook Pages: / audiophileman
Twitter: / paulrigby50
LinkedIn: / audiophileman
Instagram: / audiophile_man
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/theaudiophileman
THE VINYL WALL
Wondered what the vinyl is sitting on the shelves behind me? Here's a list in full. I've included links in case you'd like to purchase too. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I try to find the pressings I show here but, if I cannot find those, I'll try to source something close. Thank you.
Double Six - Out of My Head
UK - amzn.to/38YroH9
USA - n/a
The Beach Boys - 20/20
UK - amzn.to/2SYzav6
USA - amzn.to/2HTBdKj
Blossom Dearie - May I Come In?
UK - amzn.to/32piyj2
USA - amzn.to/391HX50
Julie London - All Through the Night
UK - amzn.to/2PkJ87C
USA - amzn.to/3a4DY7H
Steve Winwood - Arc of a Diver
UK - amzn.to/2Vo7Mbg
USA - amzn.to/3a1Lgcm
![KSI - Thick Of It (feat. Trippie Redd) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/At8v_Yc044Y/mqdefault.jpg)
Cracking review, Paul. As ever, balanced transparent, thoughtful and no ego.
More please.
Thanks Ricochet!
I have a Rega Planar 1 into a Rega Fono to a Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 and the 3020i speakers. Have to say, I'm thrilled with the sound. I also have the speakers mounted on Q-Acoustics own stands - word of warning here. Make sure you order the 3020i stand and not the 3020!! The stands made a big difference, especially with tightening up the bass. The 3020i's are everything Paul says, especially the depth of the soundstage. Do not be fooled by their size either. These things pack a real punch.
I've Been using these as my mains for a year now. Running these with Denon 4500h av receiver. They sound really good. Crisp highs, balanced mids and a lot more bass extension than on paper(flat down to 45hz). They dont have much tactile feel though and Need clean Power and bass management (70-80hz) with a sub to get loud.
Expertly reviewed Sir...very interesting! Lookin forwards to your thoughts on the 3030i.
Superb speakers they are indeed, and even better if you can grab a pair for £120, still boxed and never used, from eBay. Better still if the seller lives two miles away and his dad can ferry them round 20 minutes after the transaction is complete...I'd imagine.
Thanks for another great review!
I slapped a pair of these on my desk, plugged them in my Z5500 woofer for a 2.1 hybrid stereo and i love it
Luv stand-mounted speakers. They disappear completely as if they aren't there at all. Just music on the soundstage, not just 2 cabinets where the music comes from. And: forget the grill ! Great review.
I’m in my late 60’s. I started buying hi fidelity equipment well before the phrase “stand mount” was even conceived. They were plain and simple “bookshelf speakers”. It is logical to assume that putting any bookshelf speaker on a stand could very well increase its pleasure and sonic performance but not everyone has a room spacious enough or a budget big enough to include stands. Q Acoustics own literature calls these bookshelf speakers and speaks directly to the great ease of placement. Several other reliable reviews echo this. If folks had the room and budget for stands, they’d likely opt for different speakers.
I have mine on shelves in my small room and I think they sound awesome.
Superb job on this review.
Great Video Mr Audiophile! I Learnt Heaps! I Especially Liked Your Advice About The Stands! Q Acoustics Has Dedicated Stands For These Speakers. Cheers From New Zealand
I bought 6 of them @£168 a pair , it’s my 1st “proper” system but on a budget, I got the 3090c to match but non of there subwoofers appealed to me so went with svs pb1000 all connected to a denon avr x2500 and use 1 pair for Atmos as I’ve bought wall mounts for them all... I think they sound incredible with movies and music alike... highly recommend...great review sir... I’ve just subbed... look forward to future content! 🙂
Thank for the support - appreciate it.
I have same plan. Working on
Where did you place them for Atmos? Front heights?
You've got one of my all-time favorite albums behind you! Nothing warmer than the voice of Julie London singing Cole Porter!
Nice one Shane and absolutely!
Very nice review wow Greenslade ,god I'm old I remember them,yeah I got the 3050,s and 2050i,s for rears and I use the 3050,s in stereo nice big meaty sound a little warm perhaps but well detailed.For movies and concerts I let the lot RIP with a BK 12inch monolith sub ,it can get scary but I love it even though I'm now just approaching 66,rock on,well done.
Thanks Glenn!
Great review, Paul. I have a renewed interest in this speaker; watched many reviews about it and the larger 3030i, but for some reason held off. Your review got me interested again.........I liked the fact you auditioned Nat King Cole for the review. Was listening to "Live At The Sands" just a couple of days ago.................
Thanks Jose! I think I have the Capitol, 1966 issue of that one with the image of the audience and Cole together. Must go have a look, actually...I'm not sure now :)
I bought these just to plave on my desk. Ive looked at other reviewers and written reviews talking about them and so far, you're the only one I've come across who has recommended against doing that. I'm sure it will be fine as they arent too big.
Going against the grain? Story of my life :)
Hello Paul, thank you for reviewing this speakers. It encouraged me a bit to buy them.
Also I would appreciate your opinion about this setup. So this is my first time ever I'm can afford to purchase so I hope it will last.. But what you think about this setup :
Turntable: Technics SL-1500C
Amplifier: ONKYO A-9110 Black (no particular reason)
Speakers: Q ACOUSTICS Q 3020i
Yes, sounds good. Onkyo do decent amp modules and the 1500 is a decent design. Be sure to use good quality cables though.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you for respond, feeling reliefed had doubts I am doing right decision. About cables will investigate. Completely new at this :)
Thank you for an educated review. And even though I mostly listen to classical music, it looks like my ears are jealous of the details you allude to in this presentation. Actually, I feel the urge to get a pair of these speakers now, if only to feel for myself what you describe so well. (I promised my wife I wouldn't watch your video on the 3030i..)
Great review, thanks
Just got a pair of the 3020i b grade but they are new to be fair for £179. Also paired them to the 3060s which makes such a difference. As the speakers are free to manage more of the subtle sounds rather than the bass.
I enjoy the warm, natural sound of my Wharfedale 9.1s, would the 3020i be a good upgrade, or should I look at 230 or 11.1 Wharfedales? I'm worried the 3020i won't have the bass of the Wharfedales, so I'm also looking forward to your 3030i review!
I enjoy your reviews, I bought a Planer 1 off the back of one, which I love!
Hi Rufo1980, the 3020i model would provide better quality sound. Bass is nicely integrated but if you want a lot of the latter then floor standers are more your thing. The 3020i speakers do provide a nicely banned output though.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you! Unfortunately space is very limited at the moment, I think I'll pick up a pair of 3020i's and see how I get on with them.
They'll work on shelves but excel on stands. Lots of stands available cheaply on second hand market.
3020i is a very good spkrs..sound is more fuller then original 3020..but 3020 is much more insightfull sound
I recently stumbled across your channel, nice reviews, subbed.
I'd like to know your thoughts of these Q acoustics verses wharfedale diamond 11.2, if you've experienced them of course.
The Diamonds are a nice design but possibly lack a bit of focus when compared to the 3020i speakers. And thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for the review.
Which stand would you recommend at low cost? The speakers have a superb price/performance ratio, but spending almost as much as the speakers on the stand deserves the purpose in my opinion.
Any suggestions?
Cheers!
Hi Alexandre - try this company. They offers good value for money: www.atacama-audio.co.uk/c/speaker-stands
Late to comment on this review, Paul, but it's another excellent piece of audio journalism.
If you can recall, can you remember how these spkrs handled the natural sibilance that resides in recordings - did it exacerbate it; handle sibilance neutrally, or slightly reduce it?
Does it sound reasonably warm with some bass weight, asking as I can't tolerate thin sounding spkrs?
Finally, can you remember if it snapped into focus at low playback levels. Asking as I'm a low volume listener and not all spkrs have this trait?
Keep up the good work, as its much appreciated 👍
From memory...it was pretty neutral, enlarging the soundstage so negative effects were often smoothed out. I liked them at low volumes but your ears might say otherwise, of course. And thanks for the kind words.
Hi. Many thanks for the review. I do have a pair of 3020s paired with Yamaha rn 602. Is it worth buying 3020i? Will I feel a real difference between them?
I have never had high quality speakers, so I think this might be the way to go.
I just don't know what av receiver to go with, never had av receiver either. I say av-receiver as I want to be able to eventually build 5.1 for surround experience, but now i'll just start with 2.0.
When you have a budget, give me a shout and hopefully I can help in terms of buying advice.
Hi, I’ve been looking @ the 320i for sometime now il go with them plus get a listen with Richer sounds but could you advise on what kind of Amplifier to pair up with them. I listen to Rock, pop, punk, classical every Genre really . Kind regards Rick..
Budget is £800 Max
@@kashmir705 Hi Rick, firstly that is extremely thoughtful of you follow up on this post. Thank you ! You're right about 3020i, I have this decided, I am just looking for a deal for a second hand avr on shpock which will allow me to save alot. But also ideally I'd wanna give it a listen at Richer Sounds when the stores open.
tbh Buying speakers and audio equipment can easily fall down the list of priorities in life :)
Great review. Im not sure if you've had a chance to hear the ELAC Debut 2.0 or the KEF Q150 's, but if u have, how would you compare? Which would you take if given a choice? I ask because Im unable to demo any of the mentioned. Any feedback greatly appreciated.
All are excellent and I don't think you'd be disappointed if you plumped for any of them but I'd still lean towards the 3020i in terms of sonic quality and tonal balance.
Great review, you have convinced me to buy a pair, im thinking of purchasing a music streamer and I've whittled it down to 2, the marantz pm7000n, or the camdidge cxn v2, however the marantz comes with integrated amplifier, the cambridge does not, which would add to the cost considerably if I purchased the cambridge, your thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciate
Thank you
Rick
Thanks for your kind words, Rick. Separating products will reduce the noise floor so, if you can, buy a separate streamer. If cash is tight then sure, grab the integrated amp. Separates will sound superior, though. I would have chosen the Cambridge.
@@TheAudiophileMan Hello, thank you for your speedy and solid advice, although I kinda thought you would go for the cambridge, however, I have recently purchased a marantz cd6006 se, which, at this point seems an excellent entry level player, bearing this in mind, would this slightly sway your advice or not, sorry for mithering you
Many thank
Rick
great review, i'm just waiting on these 3020i arriving, been using the wharfedale diamond 9.1 for a few years and like them alot, however iv'e heard good things about the 3020ls and your review was great. can i connect the cables the old fashion way or do i need banana plugs ?.
Old fashioned?
@@TheAudiophileMan just the wire's in the binding posts, speakers arrived last week and they sound great .
Thanks for the review. Do you think these speakers are good for rock and metal?
Inherently, yes. What I mean is, they will provided detail, clarity and transparency. You'll hear everything that's going on. What they can't do, of course, is big bass because of the small stature. So there will be compromises but will you enjoy your music through these? Absolutely.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks a lot for your response. I've been thinking about these and the q acoustics concept 20's. Did you happen to hear the difference between those two when it comes to the music genre I mentioned?
They both appeared at different times - the Concepts I reviewed were tested much earlier than the 3020i speakers so I never had a chance to do an A-B. Here's my review, though, if it will help: theaudiophileman.com/concept-20/
Great review thanks.
I used to own the 2020i's, also great speakers for the price. Upgraded to Dali Zensor 3s. I like the Dalis but am not sure they match up too well with my setup and am considering a few alternatives for a fairly small room. Kef q350, Elac debut 6.2, Q acoustics 3030i or, top of budget B&W 606.
Which would you recommend to match Marantz PM6006 UK, matching Marantz CD and Audio Technica LP5.
I would appreciate your opinion, thanks.
What's your budget, Andrew?
@@TheAudiophileMan around £500.
Sorry for the late reply - yes, your choices look good but also add this one: theaudiophileman.com/surf-stand-speakers-review-cabasse/
As Andrew mentioned, great review. I have the 2020i at the moment and I have the Pro-ject debut III Esprit .... What would you recommend as an pre amp and amp? Love to hear your feedback both or anyone else
Thanks the the great review. I love your channel. I'm torn between the 3020is and the Dali Spektor 2s...what is your preference between the 2?
The Dali speakers are excellent and you won't be disappointed if you go for those but I lean towards the 3020i, given the choice.
Great video, I'm really unsure on these or the 3010i's. Obviously both look identical, slight difference in size. Are you aware if any noticeable difference in sound quality? I'd be using with a yamaha N602 and being placed in kitchen/dining area, not a huge room. Thanks
Yes, I see them as superior designs, well worth the attention.
@@TheAudiophileMan cheers, looking forward to getting a pair then, will need some decent stands too
Hi sir yet another informative video most enjoyable. I my self have the Qacoustics concept 20 speakers which are very good indeed.l assume the ones in your review to be even better . I’m using my concept 20is with a Rega P3 with the Elys2 cart . I need to upgrade my amp from a rather old Technics su-vx500 it does the job but is the weakest link in my set up. So any thoughts from you would be much appreciated. I’m not into streaming just vinyl and occasional CD playback . Don’t mind if it has a built in phono stage or a separate unit . Once again thank you. Kind regards Mike
Hi AMARCY53 - what's your budget for the amp, please?
Sorry yes about the 500 pound mark for say for an amp with a phono stage . And up to around 600 for separate units . Obviously this is not totally cast in stone . Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my rather vague question . It’s very kind of you regards Mike
The Audiolab 6000A is an excellent integrated. The built-in phono amp is fine but a Rega Fono external would improve matters.
Hi sir .Yes I think the rega phono stage will be good way to improve things in the short term . And may be later address the amp at a later stage thanks again . Kind regards Mike
Love mine.
Hi sir which one is better.....q acoustic 3020 or monitor audio bronze for home theater..for only movies ..thanks
I really enjoyed your presentation, click on the red dragon a couple of times to hear/see them with a different sound, plus i would really love to hear your expert opinion?
Thank you for the video, very informative ..
Here’s a question, I have an option to change my Tannoy Mercury M3 floor standers for a pair of 3020 (not the i version) What would you advise?
Note : My room is small / medium, not ideally shaped but I can accommodate stands for the 3020’s .. Many thanks if you get a chance to reply ..
Hi Paul, love your review if I get this one would I need an amp or another soundbar for TV?
The speakers would need to be amplified in some manner yes. A two channel amplifier can then be hooked up to a DAC when can then be connected to your TV via an optical cable. As for a soundbar? It depends on the model and what facilities it offers before I could advise either way.
Great review, 30201 or 3030i 🤔👍
If you have the cash? 3030i.
Nice video! Do you have experience with the Jamo C 91 II? I'm wondering how this compare to that
Many thanks and yes, I'm aware of Jamo. I remember hearing them at a UK hi-fi show in Bristol, I think it was. A little while ago, couple of years perhaps? I've only heard them at the show which is no sort of demo, to be honest :) So I'm afraid I cannot provide a comparison. Oddly, I was never offered these for review and don't know anyone else who has either. Not sure why.
Do you recommend these speakers for listening,indie, electronic music and rock in a small room equipped with a Rotel A11 tribute and a Rega Planar 1? I have a Mission 701 that is not satisfying me
I really wish i could put stands in my room
3020i or concept 20?
Will Tannoy Eclipse Ones be a significant downgrade over those? Or should I aim for Q Acoustics?
The Tannoys are good but I’d lean towards the 3020i speakers.
Do these speaker deserve calling " audiophile level" ?
Yes
Hi,I’ve just put together a second hand hifi using your tips. I just bought a new pair of Q acoustics 3020i , Cambridge audio topaz amp and a Rega p3 with a Rega fono a2d pre amp for about £500. could you recommend some reasonable speaker cable and stands please, thanks for your content I find it really useful ..cheers Reg
Grab the best QED cabling you can afford from Amazon. Stands? Google 'Atacama'. Good quality but good value (I'm travelling, can't supply a link right now).
love to know your opinion on the 3020's vs the 3010i's.. they're both exactly the same price and both 5 star rated by whathifi
so whats the difference?!
Here's a review of the original 3020 speakers: theaudiophileman.com/q-acoustics-3020-bookshelf-speakers-first-q/ The 3010i speakers are of the latest generation (the new models have that 'i' at the end) yet I'd still go for the 3020s in this case. Both are great but I'd lean towards the 20s in terms of overall sonic balance.
Have you had a chance to compare the dali spektor 2's against these speakers?
I would say that the 2s compete well with the original 3020 speakers, offering a good alternative but don't match the newer 'i' models.
Please help me! I'm looking at buying pretty much everything in your budget video, (Planar 2, CA AM10) but I've noticed the Concept 20's are only £30 more expensive at the moment- what's best in this set up? The 3020i's or Concept 20's?
I wasn't able to do an A-B between the two I'm afraid, Luke. Which is frustrating, I know. I did review the 20s a few years back but then I had to give them back and the 3020i speakers arrived much later. I would encourage a demo, if possible. If you can't? Check out my review here, which may help: theaudiophileman.com/concept-20/
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for getting back to me! I don't think there's much in the way of Hi-Fi shops open at the moment. As far as others are saying, it looks like the Concept 20s are the winners.
I'm considering purchasing the Q Acoustic Concept 20 stands for my new 3020i. Is this something you'd recommend?
Yes, sounds like a plan.
Thanks a lot for this informative video! Do you or anyone in here have any experience with floor standing Q Acoustics 2050i? I am planning to buy those for my home audio/video as 2.0 system. I havent found much proper reviews about it so perhaps some of you guys might have some experience with it. Also what do you think about Wharfedale Diamond 11.3 floorstanders too?
Would you recommed Denon AVR-X550BT amp paired with those Q Acoustics 2050i's or Wharfedale Diamond 11.3?
I am no expert by any means for this thing so thanks a lot for any insight!
Hi Ratko - yes, good speakers. You shouldn't have any issues with those. The closest actual review I have to that design is the 3050i here: theaudiophileman.com/3050i-floorstander-review-q-acoustics/
@@TheAudiophileMan Wow thanks a lot for super fast reply! I am about to read the review you wrote. Thanks a lot for it. Also are there any fundamental differences between 2050i and 3050i? From what I see they are looking almost identical but the price is almost if not the double.
And what about that Denon driving those floorstanders?
Once again thanks a lot for your reply! I appreciate it a lot.
I haven't tested the 2050i speakers but, from what I hear the 3050i speakers offer greater rigidity and there's more effort to lower vibration and other noise.
@@TheAudiophileMan once again thank you a lot for taking the time to reply! Regards!
Sir i wonder how it will sound with Marantz PM 5005
Hi Danny - I haven't played the 3020i speakers with the 5005, Im afraid so cannot say for certain. That said, having heard other Marantz kit in the past, I would like to bet that they would work well.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks, sir . Really appreciate your feed back> More Power and God Bless
hi paul, I just moved into uni dorms so I'm in a fairly small room (19.7m2). based on that and my budget (£200-300) could you recommend a set of speakers and a stand?
thanks a lot
Have a browse through this website for stands: www.atacama-audio.co.uk
The 3020i speakers are excellent. If cash is very tight, the cheaper and original 3020 (without the 'i') remains excellent too.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks so much
I’m looking for a good pair of stands under 90 bucks
Check out the Atacama website, that offers good value designs: www.atacama-audio.co.uk/c/speaker-stands
Thanks for the very helpful video. How do the 320i compare vs. the concept 20? Im struggling to decide between these two which to buy. Costmetically I love the design ot the 320i, but is the sound better on the concept 20?
Did you ever figure this comparison out?, I'm thinking of the same choices.
When an "i" is added either in front or back, I immediately become sceptical, it might be crApple in disguise!
Are you SURE this wasn`t made by underage workers in a chinese sweatshop, hmmmmm..?
100% made by underage workers, they sound ok nothing special tho. They are priced accordingly to sound quality so they are good value. Also none of this so called reviews or reviewers put them speakers to the test, neither they know how to test or have the equipment to do it. So the review becomes bla,bla,bla I agree they look very good as Q audio spend all the money in the look and very little in the actual drivers probably $5 bucks for both drivers.
@@alexc5564Sometimes it’s best to say nothing. This was one of those occasions for you
Did the back say Made In China??
Yes - although that's not uncommon.