In this review, we will be comparing 3020i and Diamond 11.2, 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 11.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
Wharfedale 11.2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer
- 48-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-125watts
- Weight:9.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 356.0" x 8-3/4" x 12-5/8"( 356.0 x 223.0 x 321.0mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale 11.2 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 |
Wharfedale 11.2 |
| 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 3020i and Wharfedale 11.2 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 3020i and Diamond 11.2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
Wharfedale 11.2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 Diamond 11.2 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
3020i has a frequency range of 64-30k Hz whereas Diamond 11.2 has a frequency range of 48-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Diamond 11.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
3020i is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Diamond 11.2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 88 dBdB.
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 Diamond 11.2.
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 Diamond 11.2 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale 11.2's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
3020i has a rear firing port whereas Diamond 11.2 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale 11.2'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 11.2'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 11.2 has external dimensions of 356.0 x 223.0 x 321.0mm ( 14 x 8-3/4 x 12-5/8inch) .
Wharfedale 11.2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 53mm wider, 78mm taller and 39mm deeper than Q Acoustics 3020i.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale 11.2 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020i and Wharfedale 11.2 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 11.2 is approximately 715.8cm2 / 110.9inch2. The 3020i requires 33% less surface area than the Diamond 11.2 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 11.2 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 11.2 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs. This makes the Diamond 11.2 88% heavier than the 3020i.
Here is a comparison of how 3020i and Diamond 11.2'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 11.2?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 11.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser-feets ManualInstallation Guide
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
278mm
vs
356mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
479cm2
vs
715cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
63 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3020i |
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-75 watts |
25-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
64-30k Hz |
48-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Foam |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
278.0mm (10.9") |
356.0mm (14") |
| Width |
170.0mm (6.7") |
223.0mm (8.8") |
| Depth |
282.0mm (11.1") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Weight |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Grey |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| 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 |