Short answer: the Q Acoustics 3020i for better sound quality, the Klipsch R-41M for the lower price. The Q Acoustics 3020i ranks #39 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $314.99. The Klipsch R-41M ranks #54 at $149, $165.99 cheaper.
What the Q Acoustics 3020i gets right: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. The catch: 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.
The case for the Klipsch R-41M: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis.
Buy the Q Acoustics 3020i if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch R-41M if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch R-41M. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3020i | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.99 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 125mm (5") bass driver, 22mm (0.9") tweeter | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 6.7"W x 11.1"D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | - | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
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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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Klipsch R-41M: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Weight | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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