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  1. Home
  2. Q Acoustics Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Q Acoustics 5090
Q Acoustics 5090 Review
Q Acoustics 5090 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Soft-dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 4.5" Coated paper Woofer
  • 57-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90.5 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 25-150 watts
  • Weight: 18.70 lbs / 8.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-1/2"x16-15/16"x9-5/8" / 166.0 x 431.0 x 245.0mm
MSRP: $599 (list price)
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Q Acoustics 5090 Review
Q Acoustics 5090 Q Acoustics 5090
Check price atAmazon›

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

Q Acoustics 5090 is a 2-way Passive Bass Relfex Center Channel speaker by Q Acoustics. It was released in 2023. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Coated paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 57-30k Hz and a sensitivity of 90.5 dB. Q Acoustics 5090 has an MSRP of 599$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Q Acoustics 5090 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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 5090  Lifestyle
Q Acoustics 5090 Lifestyle

Q Acoustics's 5000 Series of Loudspeakers

5090 is a member of Q Acoustics's 5000 series of Passive speakers. The 5000 range is Q Acoustics' step-up line, using the brand's Continuous Curved Cone driver technology. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 Q Acoustics 5000 models compared »

Q Acoustics 5000 Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Q Acoustics 5050
Compare
39-30k Hz 91.5 dB6Ω 2 x 6"
Q Acoustics 5040
Compare
39-30k Hz 91.5 dB6Ω 2 x 5"
Q Acoustics 5020
Compare
53-30k Hz 87.9 dB6Ω 1 x 5"
Q Acoustics 5010
Compare
56-30k Hz 86.3 dB6Ω 1 x 4.5"
Q Acoustics 5090
57-30k Hz 90.5 dB6Ω 2 x 4.5"
Q Acoustics 5000 Series Speakers
Q Acoustics 5000 Series Speakers


**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 5090 Speaker

Q Acoustics 5090 has a Frequency response range of 57-30k Hz and Power Range of 25-150 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how 5090's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Q Acoustics 5090
Min
Average
Median

Crossover frequency of the Q Acoustics 5090?

The crossover frequency of the 5090 is set to 2100 Hz. 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 5090 driver frequency bands57-2.1kWoofer 4.5"2.1k-30kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Q Acoustics 5090's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 90.5 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Q Acoustics 5090
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Q Acoustics 5090 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

91dB of the Q Acoustics 5090 is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes 5090 an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Q Acoustics 5090 will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Q Acoustics 5090 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 5090

Even though the nominal impedance of the 5090 is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Q Acoustics is 3.2 ohms Q Acoustics 5090 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 5090 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 8.0–125 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

5090 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Q Acoustics 5090 Back View
Q Acoustics 5090 Back View

Q Acoustics 5090 Terminals
Q Acoustics 5090's Binding post terminals

Q Acoustics 5090 External Dimensions and Weight

Q Acoustics 5090 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 9-5/8inch (166.0 x 431.0 x 245.0mm ).

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 5090 is approximately 1056.0cm2 / 163.7inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Q Acoustics 5090 weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how 5090's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Q Acoustics 5090
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $750
Q Acoustics 5090
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Q Acoustics 5090 has a Bass Relfex type cabinet and a MDF finish.

Port Position

Q Acoustics 5090 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. 5090 comes with 2 x Foam bung 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 5090 is available in Holme Oak, Satin Black, Satin White and Santos Rosewood.

Does the Q Acoustics 5090 come with a Grille?

5090 comes with magnetic grilles in Black color choices. 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 5090 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Q Acoustics 5090  with Grille
Q Acoustics 5090 with Grille

What's in the Box of Q Acoustics 5090?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of 5090:
  • 1x 5090 loudspeaker
  • 1x Owners manual
  • 2x Foam bung

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Q Acoustics 5090.

  • 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.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Q Acoustics 5090 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Q Acoustics 5090

Warranty

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

Related Videos

Q Acoustics 5090 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Q Acoustics 5020
Compare
2-way 87.9 dB 6 ohms 53-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 5040
Compare
2-way 91.5 dB 6 ohms 39-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 5010
Compare
2-way 86.3 dB 6 ohms 56-30k Hz
KEF Q650c
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-28k Hz
Q Acoustics 5050
Compare
2-way 91.5 dB 6 ohms 39-30k Hz
Q Acoustics 3090c
Compare
2-way 92 dB 6 ohms 68-30k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Q Acoustics 5090

What amplifier do you need for the Q Acoustics 5090?

Q Acoustics rates the Q Acoustics 5090 for 25-150 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the Q Acoustics 5090 easy to drive?

The Q Acoustics 5090 has a sensitivity of 90.5 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Q Acoustics 5090 need a subwoofer?

The Q Acoustics 5090 reaches down to 57Hz (full range 57-30k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Q Acoustics 5090 use?

The Q Acoustics 5090 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-dome tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Coated paper woofers.

Is the Q Acoustics 5090 sealed or ported?

The Q Acoustics 5090 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 5090 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Q Acoustics 5090 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Can the Q Acoustics 5090 be wall mounted?

The Q Acoustics 5090 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 5090 come with grilles?

Yes. The Q Acoustics 5090 comes with removable grilles (Black).

How big and heavy is the Q Acoustics 5090?

The Q Acoustics 5090 weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs each and measures 6-1/2inch x 16-15/16inch x 9-5/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Q Acoustics 5090 cost?

The Q Acoustics 5090 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $599 per pair.


Q Acoustics 5090 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandQ Acoustics
Full Model NameQ Acoustics 5090
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range25-150 watts
Sensitivity90.5 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response57-30k Hz
Release Date2023
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4.5-inch
Woofer CompositionCoated paper
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-dome
Crossover freq2100 Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height166.0mm ( 6-1/2-inch)
Width431.0mm ( 16-15/16-inch)
Depth245.0mm ( 9-5/8-inch)
Height166.0mm ( 6-1/2-inch)
Weight8.5 kg (18.7 lbs)
EnclosureBass Relfex
FinishMDF
Available ColorsHolme Oak,Satin Black,Satin White,Santos Rosewood
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 years
Labor Warranty5 years
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