In this review, we will be comparing 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Q Acoustics
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics 3030c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" decoupled Tweeter
- 5.5" Coated paper Woofer
- 48-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 86.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-90watts
- Weight:7.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 325.0" x 8.1" x 13"( 325 x 205 x 329mm )
Q Acoustics 5020 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 5" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer
- 53-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.9 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:7.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 286.0" x 7-1/8" x 11-1/2"( 286.0 x 181.0 x 293.0mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020 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 5020 |
| 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020 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 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3030c |
Q Acoustics 5020 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
1 x 5-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 Q Acoustics 5020 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 Hz.
Frequency Response
3030c has a frequency range of 48-30k Hz whereas Q Acoustics 5020 has a frequency range of 53-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the 3030c can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q Acoustics 5020's min frequency of 53Hz.
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
3030c and Q Acoustics 5020 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 Q Acoustics 5020's is at 87.9 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 5020 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. 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.
3030c can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3030c has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS , 10 watts less than the Q Acoustics 5020.
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
3030c features Binding post type posts and Q Acoustics 5020 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Q Acoustics 5020's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020 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 3030c's and Q Acoustics 5020'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 5020 has external dimensions of 286.0 x 181.0 x 293.0mm ( 11-1/4nch x 7-1/8inch x 11-1/2inch ) .
Q Acoustics 3030c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 24mm wider, 39mm taller and 36mm deeper than Q Acoustics 5020.
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 5020 is approximately 530.3cm2 / 82.2inch2. The 3030c requires 27% more surface area than the Q Acoustics 5020 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 3030c weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs and the Q Acoustics 5020 weighs 7.00kg / 15.4lbs. This makes the 3030c 7% heavier than the Q Acoustics 5020.
Here is a comparison of how 3030c and Q Acoustics 5020'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 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 5020?
Here are the items that come with the Q Acoustics 5020:
2x 5020 loudspeaker 1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung
 Minimum Impedance |
3.9 ohms
vs
3.3 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
53 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
699USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
90 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
286mm
vs
325mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
530cm2
vs
674cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3030c |
Q Acoustics 5020 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Q Acoustics |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-90 watts |
25-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86.5 dB |
87.9 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.9 ohms |
3.3 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-30k Hz |
53-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Continuous Curved Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Soft-dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
2500 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
325.0mm (12.8") |
286.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
205.0mm (8.1") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
329.0mm (13") |
293.0mm (11.5") |
| Weight |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
7.00kg (15.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Relfex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Oak |
Holme Oak,Satin Black,Satin White,Santos Rosewood |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| 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 |