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  1. Home
  2. Cambridge Audio L R X vs Q Acoustics 3030c

Cambridge Audio L R X vs Q Acoustics 3030c Comparison

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Cambridge Audio L R X

Powered Bookshelf | 35-24k Hz

Cambridge Audio L R X
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Q Acoustics 3030c

Passive Bookshelf | 48-30k Hz

Q Acoustics 3030c
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Cambridge Audio L R X Cambridge Audio L R...
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Q Acoustics 3030c Q Acoustics 3030c
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Cambridge Audio L R...
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Q Acoustics 3030c
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Cambridge Audio L R X vs Q Acoustics 3030c Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing L R X and 3030c, two Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Q Acoustics. The main difference between these two speakers is that the Cambridge Audio L R X is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the Q Acoustics 3030c is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Cambridge Audio L R X and Q Acoustics 3030c first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key SpecsCambridge Audio L R XQ Acoustics 3030c
BrandCambridge Audio
United Kingdom · founded 1968
Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006
Design2-way2-way
Built-in amplifier800-watt RMS—
Tweeter1.1" Hard-Dome1" decoupled
Woofer5"5.5" Coated paper
Frequency response35-24k Hz48-30k Hz
Sensitivity—86.5 dB
Impedance—6 ohms
Power range—25-90 watts
Weight10.39kg / 22.9lbs7.50kg / 16.5lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)13.125" x 7.9375" x 11.5"
333.4 x 201.6 x 292.1mm
12.8" x 8.1" x 13"
325 x 205 x 329mm

The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.


Drivers

Both L R X and 3030c are 2-way speakers.

Tweeter - 1.1 inchWoofer - 5 inch
Cambridge Audio L R X
Tweeter - 1 inchWoofer - 5.5 inch
Q Acoustics 3030c

TweeterWoofer

Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.

Driver Cambridge Audio L R X Q Acoustics 3030c
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1.1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5-inch 1 x 5.5-inch

L R X features a 1.1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woofer. On the other hand, the 3030c features a 1" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

L R X has a frequency range of 35-24k Hz whereas 3030c has a frequency range of 48-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the L R X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3030c's min frequency of 48Hz.

The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

L R X
3030c
Min
Average
Median

Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Physical Specs

The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Cambridge Audio L R X's and Q Acoustics 3030c's external dimensions. Cambridge Audio L R X has external dimensions of 333.4 x 201.6 x 292.1mm () whereas Q Acoustics 3030c has external dimensions of 325 x 205 x 329mm (12.8 x 8.1 x 13inch).

Cambridge Audio L R X is 3.4mm narrower and 36.9mm less deeper than Q Acoustics 3030c but it is also 8.4mm taller.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge Audio L R X and Q Acoustics 3030c in scale.

Cambridge Audio L R X vs Q Acoustics 3030c Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Cambridge Audio L R X and Q Acoustics 3030c Size and External Dimensions

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the Cambridge Audio L R X is approximately 588.9cm2 / 91.3inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics 3030c is approximately 674.5cm2 / 104.5inch2. The L R X requires 13% less surface area than the 3030c which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Cambridge Audio L R X vs Q Acoustics 3030c Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Cambridge Audio L R X and Q Acoustics 3030c on a Media Console

What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3030c?

Here are the items that come with the 3030c:
  • 2 x 3030c bookshelf speakers
  • 2 x Speaker Grilles
  • 2 x Foam Bungs
  • 1 x User Manual


Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio L R X over Q Acoustics 3030c

Speaker Type Powered vs Passive Built-in amplifier
Low Frequency Response 35 Hz vs 48 Hz Generates deeper bass
Base Surface Area 588cm2 vs 674cm2 Takes less floor space

Reasons to choose Q Acoustics 3030c over Cambridge Audio L R X

Woofer Size 5.5 inches vs 5 inches Larger woofer
High Frequency Response 30k Hz vs 24k Hz Generates higher frequency
Height 325mm vs 333mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Price per pair* 699USD vs 2299USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Cambridge Audio L R X vs Q Acoustics 3030c Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Cambridge Audio L R X Q Acoustics 3030c
Brand Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics
Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Bookshelf speakers
Sensitivity n/a 86.5 dB
Impedance n/a 6 ohms
Impedance n/a 3.9 ohms
Frequency Response 35-24k Hz 48-30k Hz
Amplifier
Watts RMS (Continuous) 800-watt RMS n/a
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 1 1
Woofer Size 5" 5.5"
Woofer Composition Coated paper
Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
Tweeter Size 1.1" 1"
Tweeter Type Hard-Dome decoupled
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Crossover Frequency n/a 2500Hz
Firing Direction n/a rear
Physical Specs
Height 333.4mm (13.1") 325.0mm (12.8")
Width 201.6mm (7.9") 205.0mm (8.1")
Depth 292.1mm (11.5") 329.0mm (13")
Weight 10.39kg (22.9lbs) 7.50kg (16.5lbs)
Enclosure Bass Reflex
Available Colors n/a Walnut, Black, White, Oak
Mounting Bracket No
Grille n/a Yes
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Biamp Inputs n/a No
HDMI Input eARC n/a
Other
Parts Warranty 2 Years 4 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years 4 Years

Verdict

Different kinds of product: one is active with its amplifier built in, the other passive and needs one. Judge them on how you want to own the system, not just the specs.

AreaBetterWhy
BassACambridge Audio L R X digs deeper - 35Hz against 48Hz.
What you buydependsCambridge Audio L R X is a complete system - just add a source. Q Acoustics 3030c also needs an amplifier: more money and another box, but you choose it.
ConnectionsdependsCambridge Audio L R X has HDMI built in. With Q Acoustics 3030c that all comes from the amplifier you pair it with.
Upgrade pathdependsQ Acoustics 3030c can be re-amped later and outlive several amplifiers; Cambridge Audio L R X ages as one unit.
SizedependsSimilar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit.
CabinetdependsPassive Radiator vs Ported.
PriceBQ Acoustics 3030c is cheaper - $699 against $2,299, about 70% less; arguably a different class. Speakers only - an amplifier narrows that gap.

A Cambridge Audio L R X  B Q Acoustics 3030c
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.

Which should you choose?

Cambridge Audio L R X suits you if you want one box, ready to play, with nothing else to buy. Q Acoustics 3030c suits you if you already have an amplifier, want to choose the electronics, or expect to upgrade in stages. Neither is the better speaker in the abstract. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 48Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Q Acoustics 3030c much easier to justify. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $1,600 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.

And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.


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