In this review, we will be comparing 3020c and XT20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020c and Polk XT20 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 )
Polk XT20 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 38-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:5.45kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 332.0" x 7-9/16" x 11-1/16"( 332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020c and Polk XT20 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 |
Polk XT20 |
| 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 Polk XT20 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 XT20 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
Polk XT20 |
|
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 XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
3020c has a frequency range of 60-30k Hz whereas XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3020c's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 XT20 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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020c has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS , 110 watts less than the XT20.
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 5-Way post type posts and XT20 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Polk XT20'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 Polk XT20 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) .
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3020c and Polk XT20 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020c and Polk XT20 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 Polk XT20 is approximately 542.3cm2 / 84.1inch2. The 3020c requires 9% less surface area than the XT20 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 Polk XT20 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 Polk XT20 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs. This makes the 3020c 1% heavier than the XT20.
Here is a comparison of how 3020c and XT20'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 Polk XT20?
Here are the items that come with the XT20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Base Surface Area |
491cm2
vs
542cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 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 |
|
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-90 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
60-30k Hz |
38-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.74" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Bi-laminate paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Width |
175.0mm (6.9") |
193.0mm (7.6") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
5.50kg (12.1lbs) |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Oak |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| 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 |