Short answer: the Dynaudio X14 for better sound quality, the Q Acoustics 5020 for the lower price. The Dynaudio X14 ranks #32 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $1500. The Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #42 at $1199, $301 cheaper.
The case for the Dynaudio X14: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers.
What the Q Acoustics 5020 gets right: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. The catch: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range.
Buy the Dynaudio X14 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Q Acoustics 5020 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Q Acoustics 5020. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio X14 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 Discontinued | $1,199.00 |
| Ranked | #32 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.7" magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg each | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 10"D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | rear-ported |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio X14: $1500 Discontinued
Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers. Too much energy in the lower and upper treble reads as bright, and directivity narrows at higher frequencies rather than staying controlled. The reviewer’s verdict: out of the box, the objective performance isn’t that great, though EQ can make it a satisfying speaker. Discontinued.
Full Dynaudio X14 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 10"D (285 x 170 x 255 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.7" magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Q Acoustics 5020: $1,199.00 Amazon
Pros: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Erin found distortion well controlled at normal levels: below 1% down to about 50Hz at 86dB/1m. Its 87dB measured sensitivity is unremarkable rather than hard to drive, and it maintains acceptable output for typical 80-85dB listening. The rear port can be plugged for placement flexibility.
Cons: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range. The shallow woofer crossover and steeper tweeter slope contribute to the off-axis discontinuity, while the port has a strong 1kHz resonance. Bass is limited: Erin measured F3 103Hz and F10 48Hz; at 96dB distortion reaches about 3% by 100Hz, and he bottomed the woofer when pushed hard. He preferred the less-expensive 3020i’s linearity and did not recommend the 5020 for neutral listening without EQ.
Full Q Acoustics 5020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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