In this review, we will be comparing 3030i and Bronze 2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and Monitor Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics 3030i Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" decoupled Tweeter
- 6.5" Coated paper Woofer
- 46-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-75watts
- Weight:6.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 325.0" x 7.8" x 12.9"( 325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm )
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" C-CAM Woofer
- 42-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Weight:5.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 350.0" x 7.2" x 11.0"( 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm )
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 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 3030i |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
| 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Q Acoustics 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 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 3030i and Bronze 2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
3030i features a 1" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz. On the other hand, the Bronze 2 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz.
Frequency Response
3030i has a frequency range of 46-30k Hz whereas Bronze 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Bronze 2 can go slightly deeper then the 3030i's min frequency of 46Hz.
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
3030i is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Bronze 2 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 3030i sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Bronze 2's is rated at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3030i, 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.
3030i can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 3030i has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Bronze 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
Bronze 2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. 3030i has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
3030i has a rear firing port whereas Bronze 2 has a front firing ports. Monitor Audio Bronze 2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Q Acoustics 3030i 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 3030i's and Monitor Audio Bronze 2's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3030i has external dimensions of 325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm ( 12.7 x 7.8 x 12.9inch) whereas Monitor Audio Bronze 2 has external dimensions of 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm ( 13.7 x 7.2 x 11.0inch) .
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is 15mm narrower and 48mm less deeper than Q Acoustics 3030i but it is also 25mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Q Acoustics 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 2 in scale.
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 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 3030i is approximately 658.0cm2 / 102.0inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is approximately 519.9cm2 / 80.6inch2. The 3030i requires 27% more surface area than the Bronze 2 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 3030i and Monitor Audio Bronze 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 3030i weighs 6.20kg / 13.6lbs and the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs. This makes the 3030i 17% heavier than the Bronze 2.
Here is a comparison of how 3030i and Bronze 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 3030i?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3030i:
2 x 3030i bookshelf speakers 2 x Speaker Grilles 2 x Foam Bungs 1 x User Manual
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 2?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze 2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam port plugs Hex-key Owner's Manual Important Safety Instructions
 Height |
325mm
vs
350mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
519cm2
vs
658cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-75 watts |
30-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-30k Hz |
42-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
C-CAM |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
decoupled |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400Hz |
3100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
325.0mm (12.8") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
| Width |
200.0mm (7.9") |
185.0mm (7.3") |
| Depth |
329.0mm (13") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
6.20kg (13.6lbs) |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
30-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
4 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
4 Years |
5 Years |