Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better pick: it ranks #51 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5), against #132 (rated 2.4/5) for the Q Acoustics 3020i. If you want one new, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220 and is rated 4.0/5 at $499.
The Q Acoustics 3020i is the deeper-bass pick. UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Its bass reaches about 82Hz before falling 3dB, against 117.2Hz for the Wharfedale Diamond 220. 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.
The Wharfedale Diamond 220 is the better-sounding option. Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. The catch: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use.
Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 220 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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, which replaces the Wharfedale Diamond 220.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 3020i | Wharfedale Diamond 220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.99 per pair Discontinued | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #132 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 125mm (5”) bass driver, 22mm (0.9”) tweeter | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 6.7”W x 11.1”D (278 x 170 x 282 mm) | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) each | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum | 8 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, reflex | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 6.64 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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 3030i and 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Wharfedale Diamond 220: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, ranked higher, estimated 4/5.
Pros: Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Good horizontal dispersion from the waveguide-loaded tweeter and controlled distortion. After some EQ (a room mode filter and treble shelf), the reviewer called it “a truly hifi speaker” where “every audiophile track..sounded very good,” and said he was “happy to recommend” it for the budget class. Measured bass extension of 117.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
Cons: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use. Some port rattling was noted at high volumes, traced to vibration rather than the woofer itself. Best performance requires removing the grille and applying the reviewer’s EQ filters. Discontinued, with only limited remaining stock available direct from Wharfedale.
Full Wharfedale Diamond 220 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.4”H x 6.9”W x 8.9”D (315 x 174 x 227 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.64 |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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