Short answer: the Q Acoustics 3020c, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #130 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 2.6/5) at $519 and is still sold new; the Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #146 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 179 bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 instead, ranked #7 at $368.
What the Q Acoustics 3020c does well: A compact bookshelf speaker that is easy to drive from a small amplifier, offered in four finishes. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
What the Q Acoustics 3020i does well: An attractive discontinued bookshelf speaker with recessed binding posts that improves substantially with EQ. The tradeoff: 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.
Buy the Q Acoustics 3020c. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Q Acoustics 3020i is discontinued.
Worth knowing: the Q Acoustics 3020c has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.4 to 2.8, so treat this verdict as provisional.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3020c | Q Acoustics 3020i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $519.00 per pair | $314.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #130 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #146 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 120mm (4.75”) C3 cone woofer, 22mm soft dome tweeter | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-30kHz, -6dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Recommended Power | 25-90W | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.6kHz | 2.4kHz |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, reflex |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.9”W x 11.1”D (279 x 175 x 281 mm) | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each |
| Cabinet Color | white, walnut, oak, black | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.38 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Q Acoustics 3020c: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- Q Acoustics 3020i: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review and HomeTheaterHiFi.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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