In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Q Acoustics. Q Acoustics 3020i is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the 3090Ci is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020i and Q Acoustics 3090Ci first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Q Acoustics 3020i | Q Acoustics 3090Ci |
|---|
| Brand | Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006 | Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.9" decoupled | 1" Soft-dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5" Coated paper | 2 x 4" Coated paper |
|---|
| Frequency response | 64-30k Hz | 75-30k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-75 watts | 25-100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.80kg / 10.6lbs | 6.00kg / 13.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 10.9" x 6.6" x 11.1"
278.0 x 170.0 x 282.0mm | 6" x 16.9" x 8.5"
153 x 430 x 216 mm |
|---|
3020i and 3090Ci are members of Q Acoustics's 3000i series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Q Acoustics 3000i Series
History
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020i and Q Acoustics 3090Ci 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 3020i |
Q Acoustics 3090Ci |
| Near-field |
Good |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Bad |
(* 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both 3020i and 3090Ci are 2-way speakers.
Q Acoustics 3020iQ Acoustics 3090Ci
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
Q Acoustics 3090Ci |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
2 x 4-inch
|
3020i features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz. On the other hand, the 3090Ci features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700 Hz.
Frequency Response
3020i has a frequency range of 64-30k Hz whereas 3090Ci has a frequency range of 75-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the 3020i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3090Ci's min frequency of 75Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
3020i and 3090Ci have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 3020i sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the 3090Ci's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3090Ci a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3020i, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
3090Ci can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS, whereas 3020i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the 3090Ci.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
3020i features Binding post type posts and 3090Ci has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Q Acoustics 3090Ci's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3020i and 3090Ci 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Q Acoustics 3090Ci'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 Q Acoustics 3090Ci has external dimensions of 153 x 430 x 216 mm (6 x 16.9 x 8.5 in).
Q Acoustics 3090Ci is 125mm shorter and 66mm less deeper than Q Acoustics 3020i but it is also 260mm wider.
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 Q Acoustics 3090Ci is approximately 928.8cm2 / 144.0inch2. The 3020i requires 48% less surface area than the 3090Ci which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Q Acoustics 3090Ci?
Here are the items that come with the 3090Ci:
- 1x 3090ci loudspeaker
- 1x Owners manual
- 2x Foam bung