In this review, we will be comparing 3020c and 3020i, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Q Acoustics
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020c and Q Acoustics 3020i 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 )
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 Q Acoustics 3020c 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* |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
| Near-field |
Good |
Good |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
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 Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3020c and 3020i are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
0.9-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.74-inch
|
1 x 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 3020i features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz.
Frequency Response
3020c has a frequency range of 60-30k Hz whereas 3020i has a frequency range of 64-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the 3020c can go slightly deeper then 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
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 and 3020i have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 3020c sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the 3020i's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3020i a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3020c, 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.
3020c can handle a max power of 90 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the 3020c.
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 Binding post type posts and 3020i has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3020c and 3020i 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 Q Acoustics 3020i'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 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 5mm narrower and 1mm shorter than Q Acoustics 3020c but it is also 1mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3020c and Q Acoustics 3020i in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020c 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 Q Acoustics 3020c is approximately 491.8cm2 / 76.2inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics 3020i is approximately 479.4cm2 / 74.3inch2. The 3020c requires 3% 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 Q Acoustics 3020c 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 Q Acoustics 3020c weighs 5.50kg / 12.1lbs and the Q Acoustics 3020i weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs. This makes the 3020c 15% heavier than the 3020i.
Here is a comparison of how 3020c 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 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 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 |
90 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
63 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.7 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
|
Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4.74 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
278mm
vs
279mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
479cm2
vs
491cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
549USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-90 watts |
25-75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-30k Hz |
64-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.74" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Coated paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
0.9" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
decoupled |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
2400Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
279.0mm (11") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Width |
175.0mm (6.9") |
170.0mm (6.7") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
282.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
5.50kg (12.1lbs) |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Oak |
Walnut, Black, White, Grey |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
4 Years |
4 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
4 Years |
4 Years |