In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Q Acoustics. Q Acoustics 3090Ci is a Center Channel speaker whereas the 3030i is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3090Ci and Q Acoustics 3030i first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics 3090Ci Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer
- 75-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:6.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 153.0" x 16.9" x 8.5"( 153 x 430 x 216 mm )
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 )
3090Ci and 3030i are members of Q Acoustics's 3000i series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Q Acoustics 3000i Series
History
What size room are the Q Acoustics 3090Ci and Q Acoustics 3030i 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 3090Ci |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
| Near-field |
Average |
Good |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
No way |
(* 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 3090Ci and Q Acoustics 3030i 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 3090Ci and 3030i are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3090Ci |
Q Acoustics 3030i |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
3090Ci features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700 Hz. On the other hand, the 3030i features a 1" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz.
Frequency Response
3090Ci has a frequency range of 75-30k Hz whereas 3030i has a frequency range of 46-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the 3030i can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 3090Ci's min frequency of 75Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
3090Ci and 3030i have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 3090Ci sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the 3030i's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Q Acoustics 3090Ci a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3030i, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
3090Ci 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 3090Ci.
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
3090Ci features Binding post type posts and 3030i has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Q Acoustics 3090Ci's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3090Ci and 3030i 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 3090Ci's and Q Acoustics 3030i's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3090Ci has external dimensions of 153 x 430 x 216 mm ( 6 x 16.9 x 8.5 in) whereas Q Acoustics 3030i has external dimensions of 325.0 x 200.0 x 329.0mm ( 12.7 x 7.8 x 12.9inch) .
Q Acoustics 3090Ci is 172mm shorter and 113mm less deeper than Q Acoustics 3030i but it is also 230mm 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 3090Ci is approximately 928.8cm2 / 144.0inch2 and base area of the Q Acoustics 3030i is approximately 658.0cm2 / 102.0inch2. The 3090Ci requires 41% more surface area than the 3030i which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3090Ci?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3090Ci:
1x 3090ci loudspeaker 1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung
What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3030i?
Here are the items that come with the 3030i:
2 x 3030i bookshelf speakers 2 x Speaker Grilles 2 x Foam Bungs 1 x User Manual