In this review, we will be comparing 3020c and Ultra Evolution Nano, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and SVS.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020c and SVS Ultra Evolution Nano 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 )
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:6.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 314.0" x 7.48" x 9.57"( 314 x 190 x 243mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020c and SVS Ultra Evolution Nano 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 |
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano |
| 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Nano 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 3020c and Ultra Evolution Nano are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020c |
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.74-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 Ultra Evolution Nano features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900Hz.
Frequency Response
3020c has a frequency range of 60-30k Hz whereas Ultra Evolution Nano has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Ultra Evolution Nano 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 and Ultra Evolution Nano have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 3020c sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Ultra Evolution Nano's is at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3020c a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Evolution Nano, 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020c has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS , 60 watts less than the Ultra Evolution Nano.
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 Gold-plated 5-way type posts and Ultra Evolution Nano has a Gold-plated 5-way type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano's Gold-plated 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3020c and Ultra Evolution Nano 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Nano'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 SVS Ultra Evolution Nano has external dimensions of 314 x 190 x 243mm ( 12.36 x 7.48 x 9.57”) .
Q Acoustics 3020c is 15mm narrower and 35mm shorter than SVS Ultra Evolution Nano but it is also 38mm deeper.
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 SVS Ultra Evolution Nano is approximately 461.7cm2 / 71.6inch2. The 3020c requires 7% more surface area than the Ultra Evolution Nano which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.