Short answer: the Q Acoustics 3020i for better sound quality, the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 for the lower price. The Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #39 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $314.99. The Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 ranks #48 at $249, $65.99 cheaper.
The case for the Q Acoustics 3020i: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. 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.
What the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 offers: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz.
Buy the Q Acoustics 3020i if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3020i | Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.99 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 125mm (5") bass driver, 22mm (0.9") tweeter | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 6.7"W x 11.1"D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum | 8 ohms nominal |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex | passive radiator |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 Amazon
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.”
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.”
Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $249.00 Amazon
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $500/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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