Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Revel M105 is the better pick: it ranks #15 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #132 (rated 2.4/5) for the Q Acoustics 3020i. If you want one new, the Revel Performa4 M145 replaces the Revel M105 and is rated 4.3/5 at $1,999.95.
The case for the Q Acoustics 3020i: 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 Revel M105 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.76 against 3.86 for the Q Acoustics 3020i. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 82Hz for the Q Acoustics 3020i. The catch: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
Buy the Revel M105 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Revel Performa4 M145, which replaces the Revel M105.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3020i | Revel M105 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.99 per pair Discontinued | $1,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #132 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 8.18 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Q Acoustics 3020c, ranked higher, estimated 2.6/5.
Same family: the Q Acoustics 3030i (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
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 Q Acoustics 3030i and Q Acoustics 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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Revel M105: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel Performa4 M145, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Revel M106 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F206 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel F208 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel Performa3 C205 (smaller center, rated 4.1/5) and the Revel Performa3 C208 (larger center, rated 4/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons