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  1. Home
  2. Q Acoustics Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Q Acoustics 3020
Q Acoustics 3020 Review
Q Acoustics 3020 - Front View

Main Features

  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Paper composite Woofer
  • 64-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 25-75 watts
  • Weight: 10.14 lbs / 4.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 10-3/8"x6-11/16"x9-5/16" / 264.0 x 170.0 x 237.0mm
MSRP: $139 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Q Acoustics 3020 Review
Q Acoustics 3020 Q Acoustics 3020
Check price atAmazon›

Q Acoustics 3020 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Q Acoustics. It was released in 2014. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Paper composite Woofer.

The original 3020, one of the most reviewed budget standmounts ever made and the speaker the 3020i was measured against.

The speaker has a frequency range of 64-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. Q Acoustics 3020 has an MSRP of 139$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Q Acoustics 3020 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-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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 3000 Series of Loudspeakers

3020 is a member of Q Acoustics's 3000 series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Q Acoustics 3000 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Q Acoustics 3010
Compare
68-22k Hz 86 dB6Ω 1 x 4"
Q Acoustics 3050
Compare
44-22k Hz 92 dB6Ω 2 x 6.5"
Q Acoustics 3020
64-22k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 5"


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Q Acoustics 3020 Speaker

Q Acoustics 3020 has a Frequency response range of 64-22k Hz and Power Range of 25-75 watts. With a minimum frequency of 64 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from 3020 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how 3020's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3020
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Q Acoustics 3020?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 64 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 — a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Q Acoustics 3020?

The crossover frequency of the 3020 is set to 2900Hz. 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.

Q Acoustics 3020 driver frequency bands64-2.9kWoofer 5"2.9k-22kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Q Acoustics 3020's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 4.0 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3020
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Q Acoustics 3020 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Q Acoustics 3020 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Q Acoustics 3020 plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

Minimum Impedance of the Q Acoustics 3020

Even though the nominal impedance of the 3020 is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Q Acoustics is 4.0 ohms Q Acoustics 3020 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the Q Acoustics 3020 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 16–75 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery — not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

3020 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Q Acoustics 3020 External Dimensions and Weight

Q Acoustics 3020 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 10-3/8 x 6-11/16 x 9-5/16inch (264.0 x 170.0 x 237.0mm ).

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 3020 is approximately 402.9cm2 / 62.4inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Q Acoustics 3020 weighs 4.60kg / 10.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 3020's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3020
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Q Acoustics 3020
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Q Acoustics 3020 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 3020 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.

Wall Mounting

3020 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Q Acoustics 3020 come with a Grille?

3020 comes with 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.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Q Acoustics 3020.

  • 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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Q Acoustics 3020 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Q Acoustics 3020

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Q Acoustics 3020 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Q Acoustics 3050
Compare
2-way 92 dB 6 ohms 44-22k Hz
Q Acoustics 3010
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 68-22k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Q Acoustics 3020

What amplifier do you need for the Q Acoustics 3020?

Q Acoustics rates the Q Acoustics 3020 for 25-75 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the Q Acoustics 3020 easy to drive?

The Q Acoustics 3020 has a sensitivity of 88 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Q Acoustics 3020 need a subwoofer?

The Q Acoustics 3020 reaches down to 64Hz (full range 64-22k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Q Acoustics 3020 use?

The Q Acoustics 3020 is a 2-way design using a 1" Dome tweeter and a 5" Paper composite woofer.

Is the Q Acoustics 3020 sealed or ported?

The Q Acoustics 3020 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Q Acoustics 3020 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Q Acoustics 3020 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the Q Acoustics 3020 come with grilles?

Yes. The Q Acoustics 3020 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Q Acoustics 3020?

The Q Acoustics 3020 weighs 4.60kg / 10.1lbs each and measures 10-3/8 x 6-11/16 x 9-5/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Q Acoustics 3020 cost?

The Q Acoustics 3020 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $139 per pair.


Q Acoustics 3020 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandQ Acoustics
Full Model NameQ Acoustics 3020
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range25-75 watts
Sensitivity88 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response64-22k Hz
Release Date2014
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5-inch
Woofer CompositionPaper composite
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeDome
Crossover freq2900Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height264.0mm ( 10-3/8-inch)
Width170.0mm ( 6-11/16-inch)
Depth237.0mm ( 9-5/16-inch)
Height264.0mm ( 10-3/8-inch)
Weight4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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