Short answer: the Philharmonic Ceramic Mini. It ranks #2 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $900; the Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #157, rated 2.2/5, and costs $1,199, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Philharmonic Ceramic Mini is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A beautifully finished bookshelf speaker with near reference accuracy, low distortion, a touch of warmth and a wide soundstage. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.77 against 3.63 for the Q Acoustics 5020. Its bass reaches about 51Hz before falling 3dB, against 103Hz for the Q Acoustics 5020. The catch: Somewhat limited output capability for its size: audible woofer compression (“flopping”) around 95dB at 3 meters for a stereo pair, so keep to moderate levels or pair with a subwoofer for home theater use.
The case for the Q Acoustics 5020: An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility. 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 Philharmonic Ceramic Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Q Acoustics 5020 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A beautifully finished bookshelf speaker with near reference accuracy, low distortion, a touch of warmth and a wide soundstage.
An attractively finished standmount with low distortion at normal levels and a rear port that can be plugged for placement flexibility.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Philharmonic Ceramic Mini | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair | $1,199.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #157 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12” x 8.5” x 11.3” (305 x 216 x 286 mm) | 11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms min, 15 ohms max) (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 5.25” ceramic woofer, 1” ceramic dome tweeter | 5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) | 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (+1.5/-3dB, Manufacturer specified, ported) | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2kHz (Linkwitz-Riley 4th order) | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | rear-ported |
| Country | USA (Vienna, Virginia) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.77 | 3.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.78 | 6.55 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Recommended Power | - | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
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