Short answer: the Q Acoustics 5020. It ranks #49 of 63 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $1199; the Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 ranks #50 and costs $7000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 gets right: Distortion above 100Hz stays close to the noise floor at 96dB SPL/1m, quite low for a compact two-way. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show too little bass output for its small 3” woofer, a real limitation for a $7,000/pair speaker.
On the Q Acoustics 5020 side: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. The catch: 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.
Buy the Q Acoustics 5020. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 63 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 | Q Acoustics 5020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7000 Discontinued | $1,199.00 |
| Ranked | #50 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 3" woofer | 5" (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1" (25mm) tweeter |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs / 14.2 kg | 15.4 lbs (15.4 lbs / 7.0kg) each |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Sensitivity | 86.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) | 87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.5kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | - | 11.2"H x 7.1"W x 11.5"D |
| Impedance | - | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | - | 53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 25W - 100W (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | rear-ported |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1: $7000 Discontinued
Pros: Distortion above 100Hz stays close to the noise floor at 96dB SPL/1m, quite low for a compact two-way.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show too little bass output for its small 3” woofer, a real limitation for a $7,000/pair speaker. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall, including room modes) shows a number of resonances lingering through the bass and lower midrange. Overpriced for the performance and not recommended. Discontinued.
Full Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 3" woofer |
| Sensitivity | 86.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs / 14.2 kg |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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