Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5020 for better sound quality, the Fluance Signature HFS for the lower price. The Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #42 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $1199. The Fluance Signature HFS ranks #45 at $199.99, $999.01 cheaper.
The case for the Q Acoustics 5020: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. The tradeoff: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range.
What the Fluance Signature HFS gets right: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests.
Buy the Q Acoustics 5020 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Fluance Signature HFS if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 56 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Q Acoustics 5020 | Fluance Signature HFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #42 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each | 9.7 lbs each |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported | ported, front |
| Power Handling | - | 30-120W recommended |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Q Acoustics 5020: $1,199.00 Amazon
Pros: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Erin found distortion well controlled at normal levels: below 1% down to about 50Hz at 86dB/1m. Its 87dB measured sensitivity is unremarkable rather than hard to drive, and it maintains acceptable output for typical 80-85dB listening. The rear port can be plugged for placement flexibility.
Cons: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range. The shallow woofer crossover and steeper tweeter slope contribute to the off-axis discontinuity, while the port has a strong 1kHz resonance. Bass is limited: Erin measured F3 103Hz and F10 48Hz; at 96dB distortion reaches about 3% by 100Hz, and he bottomed the woofer when pushed hard. He preferred the less-expensive 3020i’s linearity and did not recommend the 5020 for neutral listening without EQ.
Full Q Acoustics 5020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported |
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Fluance Signature HFS: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Distortion in the low end is well controlled per the measurements, and the glossy front baffle adds a touch of style well beyond the budget price.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests. Multiple attempted EQ fixes “could not rescue” the sound, and the reviewer said the result was “close” to the lowest possible rating. Online reviews seeded by the company were positive; the reviewer’s measured and subjective experience was not.
Full Fluance Signature HFS review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Drivers | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 30-120W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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