In this review, we will be comparing SX-60 and 3020i, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Q Acoustics. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge SX-60 and Q Acoustics 3020i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Cambridge SX-60 and Q Acoustics 3020i speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Cambridge SX-60 and Q Acoustics 3020i compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both SX-60 and 3020i are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Cambridge SX-60 |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.9-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
SX-60 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Treated paper Woofer . On the other hand, the 3020i features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz and 2400Hz.
Frequency Response
SX-60 has a frequency range of 41-22k Hz whereas 3020i has a frequency range of 64-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the SX-60 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3020i's min frequency of 46Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SX-60 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the 3020i which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SX-60 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the 3020i's is rated at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Cambridge SX-60 a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3020i, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
SX-60 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the SX-60.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SX-60 features Post type posts and 3020i has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cambridge SX-60's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
SX-60 has a front firing port whereas 3020i has a rear firing ports. Cambridge SX-60's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Q Acoustics 3020i with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become 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 SX-60's and Q Acoustics 3020i's external dimensions. Cambridge SX-60 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-15/16 x 10-7/8inch) whereas Q Acoustics 3020i has external dimensions of 278.0 x 170.0 x 282.0mm ( 10.9 x 6.6 x 11.1inch) .
Q Acoustics 3020i is 32mm narrower and 64mm shorter than Cambridge SX-60 but it is also 5mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge SX-60 and Q Acoustics 3020i in scale.
Comparison image of Cambridge SX-60 and Q Acoustics 3020i 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 SX-60 is approximately 559.5cm2 / 86.7inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics 3020i is approximately 479.4cm2 / 74.3inch2. The SX-60 requires 17% more surface area than the 3020i which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Cambridge SX-60 and Q Acoustics 3020i on a Media Console
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Cambridge SX-60 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Q Acoustics 3020i weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs. This makes the SX-60 4% heavier than the 3020i.
Here is a comparison of how SX-60 and 3020i's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-60?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-60:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3020i?
Here are the items that come with the 3020i:
2 x 3020i bookshelf speakers 2 x Foam Bungs 2 x Speaker Grilles 1 x User Manual 1 x Handling Gloves 8 x Rubber Speaker Grips
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
278mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
479cm2 (170x282mm)
vs
559cm2 (202x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Cambridge Audio SX-60 |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
| Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-100 watts |
25-75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-22k Hz |
64-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Coated paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.9" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
decoupled |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2400Hz and 2400Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
342.0mm (13.5") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Width |
202.0mm (8") |
170.0mm (6.7") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
282.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black, White, Grey |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
4 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
4 Years |