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Cambridge SX-60 vs Q Acoustics 3020i Comparison

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Cambridge SX-60

Passive Bookshelf | 41-22k Hz

Cambridge Audio SX-60
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Q Acoustics 3020i

Passive Bookshelf | 64-30k Hz

Q Acoustics 3020i
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Cambridge SX-60 Cambridge SX-60
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Q Acoustics 3020i Q Acoustics 3020i
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Cambridge SX-60
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Q Acoustics 3020i
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Cambridge SX-60 vs Q Acoustics 3020i Speaker Comparison

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.

Cambridge SX-60 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Treated paper Woofer
  • 41-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-100watts
  • Weight:5.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 342.0" x 7-15/16" x 10-7/8"( 342.0 x 202.0 x 277.0mm )

Q Acoustics 3020i Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 0.9" decoupled Tweeter
  • 5" Coated paper Woofer
  • 64-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:25-75watts
  • Weight:4.80kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 278.0" x 6.6" x 11.1"( 278.0 x 170.0 x 282.0mm )

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:

Listening Environment* Cambridge SX-60 Q Acoustics 3020i
Near-field Average Good
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room Bad No way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

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.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


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.

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 63Hz.

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

SX-60
3020i
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Cambridge SX-60
Q Acoustics 3020i
Min
Average
Max

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

SX-60
3020i
Min
Average
Max

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 Binding post type posts and 3020i has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Cambridge SX-60 Terminals
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.

Cambridge SX-60 vs Q Acoustics 3020i Size Comparison - Front View
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:

Cambridge SX-60 vs Q Acoustics 3020i Size Comparison on a Media Console
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
Cambridge SX-60
Q Acoustics 3020i
Min
Average
Max

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

  • Reasons to choose Cambridge Audio SX-60 over Q Acoustics 3020i
    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 63 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)

    Reasons to choose Q Acoustics 3020i over Cambridge Audio SX-60

    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 vs 559cm2 Takes less floor space
    Cambridge SX-60 vs Q Acoustics 3020i Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    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
    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

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