In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Q Acoustics. Q Acoustics 3030c is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the 3090c is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3030c and Q Acoustics 3090c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Q Acoustics 3030c | Q Acoustics 3090c |
|---|
| Brand | Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006 | Q Acoustics
United Kingdom · founded 2006 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" decoupled | 0.9" Soft-dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.5" Coated paper | 2 x 4" Coated paper |
|---|
| Frequency response | 48-30k Hz | 68-30k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86.5 dB | 92 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-90 watts | 25-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.50kg / 16.5lbs | 6.50kg / 14.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12.8" x 8.1" x 13"
325 x 205 x 329mm | 6.3" x 16.9" x 8.5"
159 x 430 x 216 mm |
|---|
3030c and 3090c are members of Q Acoustics's 3000c series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Q Acoustics 3000c Series
History
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3030c and Q Acoustics 3090c 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 3030c |
Q Acoustics 3090c |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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.
Drivers
Both 3030c and 3090c are 2-way speakers.
Q Acoustics 3030cQ Acoustics 3090c
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 3030c |
Q Acoustics 3090c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.9-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
2 x 4-inch
|
3030c features a 1" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the 3090c features a 0.9" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2900 Hz.
Frequency Response
3030c has a frequency range of 48-30k Hz whereas 3090c has a frequency range of 68-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the 3030c can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3090c's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
3030c and 3090c have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 3030c sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the 3090c's is at 92 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3090c a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3030c, 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.
3090c can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas 3030c has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the 3090c.
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
3030c features Binding post type posts and 3090c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3030c and 3090c 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 3030c's and Q Acoustics 3090c's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3030c has external dimensions of 325 x 205 x 329mm (12.8 x 8.1 x 13inch) whereas Q Acoustics 3090c has external dimensions of 159 x 430 x 216 mm (6.3 x 16.9 x 8.5 in).
Q Acoustics 3090c is 166mm shorter and 113mm less deeper than Q Acoustics 3030c but it is also 225mm 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 3030c is approximately 674.5cm2 / 104.5inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics 3090c is approximately 928.8cm2 / 144.0inch2. The 3030c requires 27% less surface area than the 3090c which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3030c?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3030c:
- 2 x 3030c bookshelf speakers
- 2 x Speaker Grilles
- 2 x Foam Bungs
- 1 x User Manual
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3090c?
Here are the items that come with the 3090c:
- 1x 3090c loudspeaker
- 1x Owners manual
- 2x Foam bung