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

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Main Features

  • 0.9" decoupled Tweeter
  • 4.74" Coated paper Woofer
  • 60-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 25-90 watts
  • Weight: 12.10 lbs / 5.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11"x6.9"x11.1" / 279 x 175 x 281 mm
MSRP: $549 (list price)
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Q Acoustics 3020c Review
Q Acoustics 3020c Q Acoustics 3020c
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Q Acoustics · United Kingdom · since 2006 · sold through dealers

Q Acoustics 3020c is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Q Acoustics. It was released in August 2024. It features a 0.9" decoupled Tweeter and 1 x 4.74" Coated paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 60-30k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Q Acoustics 3020c has an MSRP of 549$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3000c Series of Loudspeakers

3020c is a member of Q Acoustics's 3000c series of Passive speakers. The 3000c range is Q Acoustics' latest affordable line, updating the popular 3000 series with new drivers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 6 Q Acoustics 3000c models compared »

Q Acoustics 3000c Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Q Acoustics 3050c
Compare
42-30k Hz 90 dB6Ω 2 x 5.5"
Q Acoustics 3010c
Compare
60-30k Hz 85 dB6Ω 1 x 4"
Q Acoustics 3030c
Compare
48-30k Hz 86.5 dB6Ω 1 x 5.5"
Q Acoustics 3020c
60-30k Hz 87 dB6Ω 1 x 4.74"
Q Acoustics 3090c
Compare
68-30k Hz 92 dB6Ω 2 x 4"
Q Acoustics 3040c
Compare
43-30k Hz 88 dB6Ω 2 x 4.75"
Q Acoustics 3000c Series Speakers
Q Acoustics 3000c Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Q Acoustics 3020c Speaker

Q Acoustics 3020c has a Frequency response range of 60-30k Hz at -6dB and Power Range of 25-90 watts. With a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, 3020c delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how 3020c's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3020c
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Q Acoustics 3020c?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 60 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Q Acoustics 3020c?

The crossover frequency of the 3020c 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.

Q Acoustics 3020c driver frequency bands60-2.6kWoofer 4.74"2.6k-30kTweeter 0.9"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Q Acoustics 3020c's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.7 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3020c
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Q Acoustics 3020c 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 87 dB, Q Acoustics 3020c 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. Work out how loud the Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3020c

Even though the nominal impedance of the 3020c is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Q Acoustics is 3.7 ohms Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3020c need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 20–90 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 $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

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

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Q Acoustics 3020c External Dimensions and Weight

Q Acoustics 3020c has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11.0 x 6.9 x 11.1 in (279 x 175 x 281 mm ).

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 3020c is approximately 491.8cm2 / 76.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Q Acoustics 3020c, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Q Acoustics 3020c Real Life Body Size Comparison
Q Acoustics 3020c Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3020c placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Q Acoustics 3020c Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

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

Weight

The Q Acoustics 3020c weighs 5.50kg / 12.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 3020c's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Q Acoustics 3020c
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
Q Acoustics 3020c
Min
Average
Max

How does the Q Acoustics 3020c compare to the Q-Acoustics-3030c?

One of the natural alternative to the Q Acoustics 3020c is the 3030c 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 3020c vs Q Acoustics 3030c Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Q Acoustics 3020c and Q Acoustics 3030c Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Q Acoustics 3020c vs 3030c for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3020c 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. 3020c 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 3020c is available in Walnut, Black, White and Oak.

Wall Mounting

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

Does the Q Acoustics 3020c come with a Grille?

3020c 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 3020c is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 3020c?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3020c:
  • 2 x 3020c 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 3020c.

  • 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 3020c speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Q Acoustics 3020c

Warranty

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

Related Videos

Q Acoustics 3020c Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Q Acoustics 3020i
Compare
2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 64-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 3030c
Compare
2-way 86.5 dB 6 ohms 48-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 3010c
Compare
2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 60-30k Hz
KEF Q1 Meta
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 51-20k Hz
Q Acoustics 3050c
Compare
2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 42-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 3090c
Compare
2-way 92 dB 6 ohms 68-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 3010i
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 65-30k Hz
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano
Compare
2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 44-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Q Acoustics 3020c

What amplifier do you need for the Q Acoustics 3020c?

Q Acoustics rates the Q Acoustics 3020c for 25-90 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the Q Acoustics 3020c easy to drive?

The Q Acoustics 3020c has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Q Acoustics 3020c need a subwoofer?

The Q Acoustics 3020c reaches down to 60Hz (full range 60-30k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Q Acoustics 3020c use?

The Q Acoustics 3020c is a 2-way design using a 0.9" decoupled tweeter and a 4.74" Coated paper woofer.

Is the Q Acoustics 3020c sealed or ported?

The Q Acoustics 3020c 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 3020c be bi-wired or bi-amped?

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

Can the Q Acoustics 3020c be wall mounted?

The Q Acoustics 3020c does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Q Acoustics 3020c come with grilles?

Yes. The Q Acoustics 3020c comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Q Acoustics 3020c?

The Q Acoustics 3020c weighs 5.50kg / 12.1lbs each and measures 11.0 x 6.9 x 11.1 in (HxWxD).

How much does the Q Acoustics 3020c cost?

The Q Acoustics 3020c has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $549 per pair.


Q Acoustics 3020c Detailed Specifications

General
BrandQ Acoustics
Full Model NameQ Acoustics 3020c
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range25-90 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response60-30k Hz
Release DateAugust 2024
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4.74-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
Height279.0mm ( 11-inch)
Width175.0mm ( 6.9-inch)
Depth281.0mm ( 11.1-inch)
Height279.0mm ( 11-inch)
Weight5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsWalnut, Black, White, Oak
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty4 Years
Labor Warranty4 Years
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