In this review, we will be comparing 3020i and A120, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020i and JBL A120 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020i and JBL A120 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics 3020i and JBL A120 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 3020i and A120 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
JBL A120 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
3020i features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz and 2400Hz. On the other hand, the A120 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
3020i has a frequency range of 64-30k Hz whereas A120 has a frequency range of 60-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the 3020i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A120'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
3020i and A120 have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 3020i sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the A120's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3020i a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL A120, 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.
3020i can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the A120.
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
3020i features 5-way post type posts and A120 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL A120's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3020i and A120 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 3020i's and JBL A120's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3020i has external dimensions of 278.0 x 170.0 x 282.0mm ( 10.9 x 6.6 x 11.1inch) whereas JBL A120 has external dimensions of 286.0 x 172.0 x 189.0mm ( 11-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 7-7/16inch) .
Q Acoustics 3020i is 2mm narrower and 8mm shorter than JBL A120 but it is also 93mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3020i and JBL A120 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020i and JBL A120 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 3020i is approximately 479.4cm2 / 74.3inch2 and base area of the JBL A120 is approximately 325.1cm2 / 50.4inch2. The 3020i requires 47% more surface area than the A120 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 3020i and JBL A120 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 3020i weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs and the JBL A120 weighs 3.82kg / 8.4lbs. This makes the 3020i 26% heavier than the A120.
Here is a comparison of how 3020i and A120'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 3020i?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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
What's in the Box of JBL A120?
Here are the items that come with the A120:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Foam plugs4 Brackets8 Rubber feet8 Screws (M6 x 8mm)Owner-feets ManualWarranty Card
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
278mm
vs
286mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Base Surface Area |
325cm2 (172x189mm)
vs
479cm2 (170x282mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
250USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
JBL Stage A120 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-75 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
64-30k Hz |
60-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Polycellulose |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400Hz and 2400Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
278.0mm (10.9") |
286.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
170.0mm (6.7") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
282.0mm (11.1") |
189.0mm (7.4") |
| Weight |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
3.82kg (8.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Grey |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyholes w/ bracket |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
26-28" |
| 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 |