Built-in speakers in TVs don’t produce the right amount of oomph to enjoy your favorite programs.
While adding a couple of floor-standing speakers to the mix is one of the solutions to this problem, I soon found (much to my chagrin) that floor-standing speakers tend to produce cabinet vibration.
Q Acoustics-3020i Bookshelf Speakers
The cabinet vibrations created by regular floor-standing speakers can be quite frustrating, which led me to the bookshelf speaker, and more specifically, the Q Acoustics 3020i.
If you’ve already decided, check out the Q Acoustics 3020i on Amazon.
Get more info using the following table:
Pros
- 125mm bass/midrange and 2400Hz
- Experience instruments and sounds in their right tonality
- Ability to reproduce dense orchestral textures
- Speaker wires can be attached directly to the speaker
- Speakers can stand upright or on their sides
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Falls short in the bass and midrange department
- Doesn’t do well when playing bass-heavy genres
- While not cheap, the speakers are affordable
The Q Acoustics 30201 is, by far, the ideal choice if you want to set up your surround-sound home theatre system in a smaller room without having to fork out a substantial amount for a floor-standing speaker.
You can mount the Q Acoustics 3020i in the corner of your room for an authentic surround-sound experience.
In fact, due to its compact size, it is easy to fit just about anywhere, whether on a table or a wall.
If you’re looking for crystal-clear sound quality, this is going to be your best bet.
But it’s not the right choice if you love to hear loud music.
Not only does the 3020i deliver clean and a natural sound, but its modern design won’t compromise the aesthetics of your room either.
In short, Q Acoustics manages to provide a high level of functionality and classic design in one simple, yet elegant package.
The Q Acoustics 3020i solves the problem of cabinet vibration and having a bulky speaker lying around.
If you lack space in your room, the Q Acoustics 3020i is going to be your best bet to get an intimate sound experience as compared to other similar speakers at the same price point.
Lower Distortion
This bookshelf speaker from Q Acoustics’ core loudspeaker lineup uses the latest technologies to deliver high-quality sound with flair. What makes the 3020i unique is it significantly lowers distortion compared to other speakers in the much-loved 3000i lineup.
The 3020i is a significant improvement over its multi-award-winning predecessor, the 3020. While the sound quality of the 3020 might seem a bit dry in the upper mids to some folks, it does deliver crisp and clear sound with a high level of precision.
Are you looking for side or rear speakers? The Q Acoustics 3020i pairs perfectly with the 3050i’s as the main and 3090Ci as the center stereo speakers. You really can’t go wrong.
When it comes to sound range, the Q Acoustics 320i fills a small to medium size room, but you’ll need something more substantial for a large hall party.
Is the Q Acoustics 3020i sounding like your bookshelf speaker?
If it is, take a look at the Acoustics 3020i on Amazon.
A Reliable Choice
It is easy to see why the Q Acoustics 3020i is the preferred choice for those looking for a reliable bookshelf speaker:
- It’s an attractive unit that allows you to free up space in your room.
- It offers multiple features in a single streamlined robust form.
Let’s look at what else sets the 3020i apart from its predecessors and the other bookshelf speakers available in the market today.
Clear Stereo Sound Quality with 22mm Decoupled Driver
The 3020i uses a high-frequency, 22mm decoupled driver, which is one of the latest technologies used in the 3000i lineup.
This new feature can create a full and even distribution of the stereo output. The sound is tight, controlled, and produces excellent strings and vocals.
Low-Profile Speaker Terminals Reduces Cabinet Noise
The terminals feature recessed cut-outs, which are far more efficient in reducing cabinet noise. The improved design of these speakers means they can be used extremely close to the wall without it having an impact on the quality of sound.
The terminals are not the only upgrades you can expect with the 3020i: you also get new low-profile binding posts smartly incorporated into its design with the help of sockets.
Thankfully, the sockets are deep enough to accept 4mm.or 0.16-inch Banana Plugs if needed.
Point-to-Point Bracing for Reduced Sound Distortion and Improved Sound Quality
The 3020i boasts an ergonomic speaker design with the company’s patented Point-to-Point Bracing technology for improved sound quality.
The primary benefit of using the P2P Bracing is that it helps to significantly reduce any cabinet-induced distortion that bookshelf speakers are notorious for.
But, the smart design of the 3020i means you no longer have to deal with any annoying distortion when you turn up the volume.
Mid/Bass Driver Offers Ample Bass Weight
Another major highlight of the Q Acoustics 3020i is the cone of the speaker itself, which has been precision formed from high-quality coated paper. For instance, the impregnated and coated paper cone features a low-hysteresis, rubber surround.
The 3020i uses a coated paper cone, which provides an optimal level of balance when it comes to sound quality. Especially in the level of balance between self-dampening and stiffness, which allows it to accelerate without flexing or creating any unwanted resonances.
Not something you want because it can hurt the sound quality.
High-Frequency Driver Unit for Wider, More Equal Dispersion of Stereo Sound
The Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speaker also features the much appreciated 3000i Series tweeters and 22mm decoupled high-frequency driver.
The 3020i uses a specially designed suspension system that decouples the tweeters from the baffle.
And works well with another significant tweak in the 3020i – isolating the vibrations.
The result?
A considerable improvement in performance. The tweeter functions on all cylinders with dramatically reduced interference.
More Substantial Cabinet Results in Deeper Bass and Large Scale Sound
The 3020i features a 25% increased cabinet volume as compared to the 3020i. This difference in size has enabled it to deliver a full sound dispersion and a deeper bass that offers more definition as compared to other bookshelf speakers in the same price range.
Attractive Chrome Bezel Surrounds the Main Driver, Giving it a Premium Appearance
One of the highlights of the Q Acoustics 3020i when it comes to appearance is the premium looking faux walnut finish and a lovely rounded profile, which immediately gives it a top-shelf impression right out the box. Additionally, these smooth features of the new 3020i are a welcome departure from the anonymous black boxes of the 3020bookshelf speaker.
What’s the Feedback on the Q Acoustics 3020i?
Overall, the Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speaker has gotten rave reviews from Q Acoustics fans and those who are looking for an efficient bookshelf speaker for their home.
Many customers appreciate the sleek, premium look of the speaker, along with its powerful bass output.
According to the internet, as far as bookshelf speakers of a similar price point go, the 3020i is a winner.
Alternatives
If the Q Acoustics 3020i is not your cup of tea, here are a few other options you can try out.
Features
- Front-firing ports
- New Woven Aramid-Fibre woofer
- Internal bracing
- Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
- Max Power Input: 120 watts
The ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers is an excellent choice for those who are looking for alternatives for a bookshelf speaker from the Q Acoustics 3020i.
The Debut 2.0 offers about the same level of sound quality as the 3020i. But, it lacks aesthetics and feature placement.
For instance, the Debut 2.0 has no front ports, which could be a major bummer for many users. But it’s not a deal-breaker.
Check out the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 bookshelf speakers here on Amazon.
Features
- Truncated steel frame
- Woofer and tweeter features an 18dB/octave slope to enhance power handling
- Nominal Impedance: 4-8 Ohms
- Max Power Input: 100 watts
The Micca RB42 Reference bookshelf speaker delivers excellent sound quality in a handsome package.
While this speaker delivers a robust bass output, as compared to the 3020i, the one area where the Micca RB42 does lack is when it comes to sound quality.
Mids and highs do not pop out in near field arrangements as much as you would expect with a speaker that comes with a tweeter.
Check out the Micca RB24 Reference Bookshelf Speaker here on Amazon.
Verdict
So, the conclusion stands. The Q Acoustics 3020i is the stand-out bookshelf speaker compared to others at the same price point.
The smart design and measured tweaks eliminate cabinet vibration so you can listen to your favorite tunes clear of any annoying interference. The 3020i solves the problem of space. Its compact design means it fits just about anywhere.
The 3020i perfectly embodies the brand’s tradition of delivering streamlined and straightforward speakers, which can serve as a potent conversation starter wherever you place them.
The Q Acoustics 3020i not only lives up to the expectations of its award-winning predecessors but takes it a step further, offering sophisticated sound quality and a modern design profile.
Click here to check out the Q Acoustics 3020i on Amazon.
Still not sure? Take a look at my list of the best bookshelf speakers.