Q Acoustics 3030i vs 3010i

[kramer2020]

I have a pair of Q Acoustic 3030i speakers in my main set up and whilst i'm happy with how they sound, I have to admit the cabinet is quite disappointing and sounds quite cheap if you try the 'thunk' test and do sound rather hollow.

They are even more disappointing when compared to a pair of 3010i's that I purchased for a secondary system as they feel very solid and pass the 'thunk' test easily.

Now yet again, I this is another first world problem and although not at deal breaker, it does seem a shame that a more substantial cabinet was not used for the 3030i's

 

[nopiano]

It’s one reason why even economically made small speakers sound good, because the small dimensions don’t resonate readily. It’s much more challenging to make an inert big box!

Later I must check my recollection but I think the newest 3000 C series has a two layer cabinet, so maybe QA agreed with you that it needed improvement.

That said, I have the one in between - the 3020i - and they are very enjoyable indeed, and amazing for the price. I’m sure yours sound great too, so you’ll just have to resist rapping them!

 

[kramer2020]

It’s one reason why even economically made small speakers sound good, because the small dimensions don’t resonate readily. It’s much more challenging to make an inert big box!

Later I must check my recollection but I think the newest 3000 C series has a two layer cabinet, so maybe QA agreed with you that it needed improvement.

That said, I have the one in between - the 3020i - and they are very enjoyable indeed, and amazing for the price. I’m sure yours sound great too, so you’ll just have to resist rapping them!

Will definitely try and resist rapping and my singing is even worse!

Regarding 3000C series I missed these and they are at least 1kg heavier so maybe the casework is more substantial.

That said, the 3030i's looks more than make up for any shortcomings in build.

 

[matthewpianist]

I am using 3020i and they sound fabulous. I worked out I have owned over 50 pairs of speakers over the years, some of them considerably more expensive, yet these are amongst the most enjoyable. They pass the tap test and look great. They are certainly good enough to show what quality electronics can do.

 

[Gray]

I worked out I have owned over 50 pairs of speakers over the years

Nobody can top that, surely.
(I must be on less than a fifth of that, across about 5 decades).

 

[matthewpianist]

Nobody can top that, surely.
(I must be on less than a fifth of that, across about 5 decades).

It’s actually embarrassing, and I’m only 46.

Brands include Mission, Mordaunt-Short, KEF, B&W, Spendor, DALI, Monitor Audio, Wharfedale, Focal, Triangle, Rega, Acoustic Energy…

The first Q Acoustics I had were 1030i - compact two way floor standers - and I have kept coming back to the brand.