In this review, we will be comparing 3020c and Q350, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020c and KEF Q350 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics 3020c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.9" decoupled Tweeter
- 4.74" Coated paper Woofer
- 60-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-90watts
- Weight:5.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 279.0" x 6.9" x 11.1"( 279 x 175 x 281 mm )
KEF Q350 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 63-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-120watts
- Weight:7.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 358.0" x 8.2" x 12.0"( 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020c and KEF Q350 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* |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
KEF Q350 |
| Near-field |
Good |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Poor |
(* 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 Q Acoustics 3020c and KEF Q350 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 3020c and Q350 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
KEF Q350 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.74-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
3020c features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 4.74" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz. On the other hand, the Q350 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
3020c has a frequency range of 60-30k Hz whereas Q350 has a frequency range of 63-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the 3020c can go slightly deeper then the Q350'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
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
3020c is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Q350 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 87 dBdB.
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.
3020c can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020c has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the Q350.
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
3020c features Post type posts and Q350 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q350's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3020c and Q350 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Q Acoustics 3020c's and KEF Q350's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3020c has external dimensions of 279 x 175 x 281 mm ( 11.0 x 6.9 x 11.1 in) whereas KEF Q350 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm ( 14.0 x 8.2 x 12.0inch) .
KEF Q350 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 35mm wider, 79mm taller and 25mm deeper than Q Acoustics 3020c.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3020c and KEF Q350 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020c and KEF Q350 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 Q Acoustics 3020c is approximately 491.8cm2 / 76.2inch2 and base area of the KEF Q350 is approximately 642.6cm2 / 99.6inch2. The 3020c requires 23% less surface area than the Q350 which gives it a small advantage 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 Q Acoustics 3020c and KEF Q350 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 Q Acoustics 3020c weighs 5.50kg / 12.1lbs and the KEF Q350 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs. This makes the Q350 38% heavier than the 3020c.
Here is a comparison of how 3020c and Q350's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3020c?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3020c:
2 x 3020c bookshelf speakers 2 x Foam Bungs 2 x Speaker Grilles 1 x User Manual 1 x Handling Gloves 8 x Rubber Speaker Grips
What's in the Box of KEF Q350?
Here are the items that come with the Q350:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
63 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
279mm
vs
358mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
491cm2
vs
642cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
90 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4.74 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
KEF Q350 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-90 watts |
10-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-30k Hz |
63-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.74" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
279.0mm (11") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
175.0mm (6.9") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
306.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
5.50kg (12.1lbs) |
7.60kg (16.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl-wrapped |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Oak |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
18-24" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
4 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
4 Years |
5 Years |