In this review, we will be comparing 3020i and D320, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale D320 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale D320 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 Wharfedale D320 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both 3020i and D320 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
Wharfedale D320 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 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 D320 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
3020i has a frequency range of 64-30k Hz whereas D320 has a frequency range of 56-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the 3020i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the D320's min frequency of 56Hz.
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 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the D320 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 3020i sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the D320's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3020i a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale D320, 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3020i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the D320.
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 Post type posts and D320 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale D320's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
3020i has a rear firing port whereas D320 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale D320's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Q Acoustics 3020i with its rear-firing port.
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 Wharfedale D320'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 Wharfedale D320 has external dimensions of 321.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch) .
Q Acoustics 3020i is 11mm narrower and 43mm shorter than Wharfedale D320 but it is also 5mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale D320 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale D320 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 Wharfedale D320 is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2. The 3020i requires 4% less surface area than the D320 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 3020i and Wharfedale D320 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 Wharfedale D320 weighs 6.02kg / 13.2lbs. This makes the D320 25% heavier than the 3020i.
Here is a comparison of how 3020i and D320'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 Wharfedale D320?
Here are the items that come with the D320:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Tweeter grilles (pre-installed)2 Woofer grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
4 ohms
vs
3.8 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
56 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
278mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
479cm2 (170x282mm)
vs
501cm2 (181x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
Wharfedale D320 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-75 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
3.8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
64-30k Hz |
56-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Foamed Polyether |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400Hz and 2400Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
278.0mm (10.9") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
170.0mm (6.7") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
282.0mm (11.1") |
277.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
6.02kg (13.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Grey |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-24" |
| 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 |