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Q Acoustics 3010i Review
Q Acoustics 3010i

Main Features

  • 0.9" decoupled Tweeter
  • 4" Coated paper Woofer
  • 65-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 15-75watts
  • Weight:9.00 lbs / 4.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 10"x5.9"x10" / 253.0 x 150.0 x 252.0mm
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Q Acoustics 3010i Review
Q Acoustics 3010i Q Acoustics 3010i
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Q Acoustics 3010i is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Q Acoustics. It features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 4" Coated paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 65-30k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Q Acoustics 3010i has an MSRP of 329$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Q Acoustics 3010i is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo 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.)

Q Acoustics's 3000i Series of Loudspeakers

3010i is a member of Q Acoustics's 3000i series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Q Acoustics 3000i Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Q Acoustics 3020i
Compare
63-30k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 5"
Q Acoustics 3030i
Compare
46-30k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 6.5"
Q Acoustics 3050i
Compare
44-30k Hz 91 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
Q Acoustics 3010i
65-30k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 4"
Q Acoustics 3090Ci
Compare
75-30k Hz 89 dB6Ω 2 x 4"


**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.

Frequency Response of the Q Acoustics 3010i Speaker

Q Acoustics 3010i has a Frequency response range of 65-30k Hz at ±-6.0dB and Power Range of 15-75 watts. With a minimum frequency of 65 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from 3010i so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Q Acoustics 3010i, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how 3010i's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3010i
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3010i
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the Q Acoustics 3010i?

The Crossover frequency of the 3010i is set to 2600Hz . This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Q Acoustics 3010i's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 4 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3010i
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Q Acoustics 3010i a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Q Acoustics 3010i is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Minimum Impedance of the Q Acoustics 3010i

Even though the nominal impedance of the 3010i is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Q Acoustics is 4 ohms Q Acoustics 3010i so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Q Acoustics 3010i:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

3010i features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Q Acoustics 3010i External Dimensions and Weight

Q Acoustics 3010i has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 10.9 x 5.9 x 10inch (253.0 x 150.0 x 252.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Q Acoustics 3010i is approximately 378.0cm2 / 58.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Q Acoustics 3010i, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Q Acoustics 3010i Real Life Body Size Comparison
Q Acoustics 3010i Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Q Acoustics 3010i virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Q Acoustics 3010i placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Q Acoustics 3010i Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Q Acoustics 3010i weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 3010i's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3010i
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
Q Acoustics 3010i
Min
Average
Max

How does the Q Acoustics 3010i compare to the Q-Acoustics-3020i?

One of the natural alternative to the Q Acoustics 3010i is the 3020i which is located one step higher in Q Acoustics's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Q Acoustics 3010i vs Q Acoustics 3020i Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3010i and Q Acoustics 3020i Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Q Acoustics 3010i vs 3020i for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Q Acoustics 3010i has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Q Acoustics 3010i is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe. 3010i comes with 2 x Foam Bungs so if you don't have any choice but place the speakers too close to the walls or other surfaces, you can use these plugs in order to avoid boomy or too much bass.

Available colors

Q Acoustics 3010i is available in Walnut, Black, White and Grey.

Wall Mounting

3010i doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Q Acoustics 3010i come with a Grille?

3010i comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the 3010i is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3010i?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3010i:
  • 2 x 3010i bookshelf speakers
  • 2 x Foam Bungs
  • 2 x Speaker Grilles
  • 1 x User Manual
  • 1 x Handling Gloves
  • 8 x Rubber Speaker Grips
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Q Acoustics 3010i.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Q Acoustics 3010i, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Q Acoustics 3010i

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Q Acoustics 3010i speaker:
    Official Brochure for Q Acoustics 3010i

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Q Acoustics 3010i speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Q Acoustics 3010i

    Warranty

    4 Years of parts warranty and 4 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Related Videos

    Q Acoustics 3010i Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Q Acoustics 3010c
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 60-30k Hz
    Q Acoustics 3020i
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 64-30k Hz
    Q Acoustics 5010
    Compare
    2-way 86.3 dB 6 ohms 56-30k Hz
    Q Acoustics 3030i
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 46-30k Hz
    Q Acoustics 3050i
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 6 ohms 44-30k Hz
    Q Acoustics 3090Ci
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 75-30k Hz
    Polk ES15
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
    ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53
    Compare
    2-way 86.5 dB 6 ohms 42 to 38K Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Q Acoustics 3010i
    What is the External Dimensions of Q Acoustics 3010i
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Q Acoustics 3010i
    is the Q Acoustics 3010i an easy to drive speaker?

    Q Acoustics 3010i Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandQ Acoustics
    Full Model NameQ Acoustics 3010i
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range15-75 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Frequency Response65-30k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size4-inch
    Woofer CompositionCoated paper
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size0.9-inch
    Tweeter Typedecoupled
    Crossover freq2600Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height253.0mm ( 10-inch)
    Width150.0mm ( 5.9-inch)
    Depth252.0mm ( 10-inch)
    Height253.0mm ( 10-inch)
    Weight4.10kg ( 9.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsWalnut, Black, White, Grey
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty4 Years
    Labor Warranty4 Years
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