Short answer: the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom for the cleaner measurement story. The Q Acoustics 3020i is the better-looking speaker, with recessed binding posts and custom connectors, but its on-axis response rises toward the top end and dips through the 2-4kHz crossover, plus a significant resonance at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. The Atom’s directivity is consistent, though it shares a 2-4kHz dip and adds a 15kHz resonance.
Buy the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Q Acoustics 3020i is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Paradigm Monitor SE Atom | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.98 per pair | $314.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #51 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #73 of 92 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” X-PAL aluminum dome tweeter (ferrofluid, PPA lens), 5.5” mineral-filled polypropylene mid/bass | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Dimensions | 12.75H x 7.125W x 11D in | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 61Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Power Handling | 15-100W recommended | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, reflex |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.13 | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 | 6.38 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.4kHz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Paradigm Monitor SE Atom: $399.98 per pair Paradigm eBay
Pros: Good, consistent directivity across the on-axis, listening-window, and off-axis curves makes the Atom easier to equalize and less room-dependent than many budget speakers. Bass tuning is well judged, letting the woofer play loud on demanding tracks without bottoming out even without a subwoofer. Paradigm’s NRC research pedigree shows in the horizontal and vertical dispersion measurements. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: On-axis response is uneven out of the box, with a 2-4kHz dip followed by a peak and a resonance around 15kHz that the reviewer said gives it a bright, “showroom” voicing without EQ correction. There’s no meaningful bass extension for full-range use, so a subwoofer is effectively required for anything beyond desktop or near-field listening.
Full Paradigm Monitor SE Atom review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.75H x 7.125W x 11D in |
| Drivers | 1” X-PAL aluminum dome tweeter (ferrofluid, PPA lens), 5.5” mineral-filled polypropylene mid/bass |
| Frequency Response | 61Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 15-100W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Q Acoustics 3020c. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Vertical directivity is good enough that the tweeter doesn’t need to be exactly at ear level. With EQ correction, especially high-frequency shelving and a sub-40Hz high-pass filter, Amir found performance “improves substantially.”. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. Horizontal directivity is narrow and uneven due to a woofer/tweeter beamwidth mismatch. Amir cautions the speaker is “merely a distortion generator” if played too low, and its low impedance demands a quality amplifier. Without EQ, Amir “can’t recommend the Q Acoustics 3020i.”. Discontinued; Q Acoustics now sells the 3030i and 3010c in its place.
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
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