Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5020 for better sound quality, the Polk T15 for the lower price. The Q Acoustics 5020 ranks #42 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $1199. The Polk T15 ranks #47 at $149, $1050 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 Polk T15 gets right: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. The catch: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis.
Buy the Q Acoustics 5020 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk T15 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 | Polk T15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #42 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #47 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported | - |
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- Dynaudio X14 vs Micca RB42
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs Klipsch R-41M
- Micca RB42 vs Q Acoustics 5020
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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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs Micca RB42
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs JBL Stage A130
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs KEF Q100
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Q Acoustics 5020 vs ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52
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- See all 18 comparisons
Polk T15: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip.
Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”
Full Polk T15 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons