In my county QA are more expensive and I can see why. Both warmer but QA knows better how to stay out of the music. Way more colorful and relaxed. Kef wants you always makes you listen to its cabinets with that lower mids-upper bass mess and the coloured sound. 3050i much better than both though,especially mids, as a surprise
In my opinion the Q Acoustics 3030i sound crispier but may give me listening fatigue, the Kef is more well balanced and has better sound stage. I have over 12 pair of speakers and looking for another that is not too bright. I will give the Kef Q350 a try, I've seen some demos of the Q150 that sounds brighter but less bass and I will go with the 350.
Gotta say, you never fail to surprise me with the comparisons you chose to do, E Project. 😄 This one isn't too hard for me to pick a favorite from, but it gives me a little more insight into my favorite. The Q350 has got to be considered the overall superior speaker, but I can see how a lot of people who like one might like the other one as well. Both are warmer, more rich and full bodied than average, but to me the Q350 is more refined and controled, and presents it's warmth without sounding too out of balance or unrefined and sloppy, the way the lower priced, and to be fair lower grade Q Acoustics does just a little bit. The 3030i have just a little too much low mid to upper bass output to sound fully natural, and there is a slight lack of clarity there to boot. The KEF avoids those flaws, and goes deeper into the bass as well. While the Q350's can make me subtly aware of their driver material, it mostly manages to stay within the limits of what becomes unnatural and unpleasing to me, and when compared to speakers with soft textured tweeters, like these QA's, it generaly surprises me by not sounding more sharp or shrill than them at all. It's a speaker that is a touch conservative in the presence region even for me, but I end up liking them against anything you compare them to.
I think this video was recorded at a higher level than many, considering the volume level I have to set TH-cam at to keep from being too loud to me, and I think that really improves the dynamics and also gives us a better indication of the true tonal balance of a speaker. I say that because the 3030i sounds a lot closer to the Q350 than I remember, and they seem to have more bottom than I remembered too, unless it's just after hearing the really thin Dalis. The Q3030's do sound more forward and brighter to me than the Q350s, but I think that's in the 500-2k range, where the bulk of upper fundemental frequencies lie, not in the presence region, which I consider 2-4k, and which really isn't the domain of many fundemental frequencies, but is where the first overtones and harmonics of most instruments reside. I say that, because looking at a chart of the frequency range of all instruments, the only ones that have fundemental frequencies above 2k are piccolo, flute, violin, viola, harp, piano, pipe organ, xylophone, marimba, and synth. Looking at another similar chart that doesn't show piccolo, harp, pipe organ, xylophone, marimba, and synth, and only shows the most common orchestral instruments, it shows that only flute, violin, viola, and piano reach above 2k, reinforcing the accuracy of that first chart. All others have no fundementals that reach 2k, only their harmonic overtones do, and that includes the human voice, male and female. I think most of us don't realize how low in frequency even the highest pitch notes on most instruments really are
That the tinkly xylophone type sounds in Higher Love sound weak on the 3030i, and that the horns in Leroy are missing some of the required brasiness, as well as the strings in Seasons and the guitar in Fields are lacking some little bit of their airy harmonic "stringiness", leads me to believe that the 3030i is a bit lacking in the presence region, and above, compared to the KEFs. And, the Q350s sure do sound more refined and delicate than the slightly more crude Q Acoustics. I think I've just earned my snobby audio reviewer credentials by using the term delicate for the first time in describing the sound of a speaker, lol 🧐🤪😂
@@DougMen1Therefore we can conclude that producing lifelike presence requires a speaker to reproduce harmonic overtones well, wich largely reside in the presence region above 2khz.? I admit I wasn't really aware that a lot of instruments and the human voice as well generaly don't produce fundemental tones above 2khz, but that's still a fair size list of insruments that do, and very key ones in classical music. I think there must be more brass instruments that do as well. And when guitar and keyboard are so prevelant in rock and most contemperary music regardless of if it's fundemental tones or harmonic overtones, If a speaket can't produce them accurately, ther'es no chance the music can sound lifelike, right? Honestly I would have to listen to it again to verify your observations about the way the specific instumental parts sound on the QAs. So I'll take your word for it for now. I don't think I listen quite the way you do, or as much to the specific instrumental parts of the the recordings, but more to how the recording is reproduced as a whole. I do notice specifics, but my focus is a little more on the overal balance of the presentation. I think maybe you listen more like a musician and a music enthusiast and I listen more like a hifi salesman and assistant audio engineer. 😁🤣🙂
@@DougMen1 ..but I asked E if those 3030is were open box, because I am hearing less clean, or slightly more distorted sound from them than I remember from other demo's. And 1 close mic demo in particular . Forget the name of the channel now.
After the Dalis, these 3030i are sounding a bit better to me, but they're still no match for the Q350. They are more forward sounding, but that, combined with their lean bass, makes them sound a bit too mid-centric still. That being said, they still sound a lot smoother and more pleasing to me than either of the the Dalis. However, I don't think they can compare to a lot of other speakers in their price range, like the lower price Wharfedales, Polks, and Elacs, or the Q150
Why I hear the difference between these two speakers - I am not even audiophile or sound expert? 😂 KEF is good but too much good in righteous what is not good. I hope you understand. Q Acoustics is much live, probably incorrect but I like it much more. May be people don't like ideal stuff because people by themselves are not ideal so they afraid very correct things.
The design is quite different no wonder resulting quite different sound. I can’t say either one is neutral. Going back to check the comparison btw Q350 and R3 can confirm the q350 having darker higher-mid less popularly found even in the KEF’s family.
@@34332 The R3 having a rolled off top end? Really ??? As Ed says the 350s are darker and warmer than other KEF's, but I give a rats arse what the KEF or any community thinks this week. People tend to like a lot of extremely bright speakers. I like the 350.
I can't say I liked the 3030i's much. I found them better last time, but now..not at all. Mark said it last time, they kinda sound artificial and based on this demo, they do. The 350's are a sea of calmness and balance, next to the 3030's. Until proven otherwise, I rest my case by prefering the 350's.
The Arcam SA10 is too low powered for the 3030i even though it is within the stated range. The 3030i need more power than that to truly come alive and are a better match with 80 watt amps.
kefs provide a bit more of insight into the music. more revealing. more neutral/even on all frequencies. q acoustics have quite a bit of a "U" shape sound signature.
Thank you very much for these useful comparisons!!Better mids from q 3030i (night and day)and more insight look. So q3030i for me.
In my county QA are more expensive and I can see why. Both warmer but QA knows better how to stay out of the music. Way more colorful and relaxed. Kef wants you always makes you listen to its cabinets with that lower mids-upper bass mess and the coloured sound. 3050i much better than both though,especially mids, as a surprise
KEF Q350 ❤️
In my opinion the Q Acoustics 3030i sound crispier but may give me listening fatigue, the Kef is more well balanced and has better sound stage. I have over 12 pair of speakers and looking for another that is not too bright. I will give the Kef Q350 a try, I've seen some demos of the Q150 that sounds brighter but less bass and I will go with the 350.
KEF Q350 have U sound with dull bass. Q Acoustics 3030i have coherent sound with better bass.
Wow! You've been very busy these last couple of days! Thanks! 🤙👍🙏
More to come!
@@eprojectEllie we stay tune for sure....thanks
@@pierrebordeleau5188 thanks~
@@eprojectEllie
You rock! ♥️👊
Man your awesome,God bless you,please make a comparison between ARCAM SA10 vs CAMBRIDGE CXA61 please
Gotta say, you never fail to surprise me with the comparisons you chose to do,
E Project. 😄 This one isn't too hard for me to pick a favorite from, but it gives me a little more insight into my favorite. The Q350 has got to be considered the overall superior speaker, but I can see how a lot of people who like one might like the other one as well. Both are warmer, more rich and full bodied than average, but to me the Q350 is more refined and controled, and presents it's warmth without sounding too out of balance or unrefined and sloppy, the way the lower priced, and to be fair lower grade Q Acoustics does just a little bit. The 3030i have just a little too
much low mid to upper bass output to sound fully natural, and there is a slight lack of clarity there to boot. The KEF avoids those flaws, and goes deeper into the bass as well. While the Q350's can make me subtly aware of their driver material, it mostly manages to stay within the limits of what becomes unnatural and unpleasing to me, and when compared to speakers with soft textured tweeters, like these QA's, it generaly surprises me by not sounding more sharp or shrill than them at all.
It's a speaker that is a touch conservative in the presence region even for me, but I end up liking them against anything you compare them to.
I am wondering E Project. Hope you don't mind my asking, but where those Q Acoustic 3030is new or open box?
I think this video was recorded at a higher level than many, considering the volume level I have to set TH-cam at to keep from being too loud to me, and I think that really improves the dynamics and also gives us a better indication of the true tonal balance of a speaker. I say that because the 3030i sounds a lot closer to the Q350 than I remember, and they seem to have more bottom than I remembered too, unless it's just after hearing the really thin Dalis. The Q3030's do sound more forward and brighter to me than the Q350s, but I think that's in the 500-2k range, where the bulk of upper fundemental frequencies lie, not in the presence region, which I consider 2-4k, and which really isn't the domain of many fundemental frequencies, but is where the first overtones and harmonics of most instruments reside. I say that, because looking at a chart of the frequency range of all instruments, the only ones that have fundemental frequencies above 2k are piccolo, flute, violin, viola, harp, piano, pipe organ, xylophone, marimba, and synth. Looking at another similar chart that doesn't show piccolo, harp, pipe organ, xylophone, marimba, and synth, and only shows the most common orchestral instruments, it shows that only flute, violin, viola, and piano reach above 2k, reinforcing the accuracy of that first chart. All others have no fundementals that reach 2k, only their harmonic overtones do, and that includes the human voice, male and female. I think most of us don't realize how low in frequency even the highest pitch notes on most instruments really are
That the tinkly xylophone type sounds in Higher Love sound weak on the 3030i, and that the horns in Leroy are missing some of the required brasiness, as well as the strings in Seasons and the guitar in Fields are lacking some little bit of their airy harmonic "stringiness", leads me to believe that the 3030i is a bit lacking in the presence region, and above, compared to the KEFs. And, the Q350s sure do sound more refined and delicate than the slightly more crude Q Acoustics. I think I've just earned my snobby audio reviewer credentials by using the term delicate for the first time in describing the sound of a speaker, lol 🧐🤪😂
@@DougMen1Therefore we can conclude that producing lifelike presence requires a speaker to reproduce harmonic overtones well, wich largely reside in the presence region above 2khz.? I admit I wasn't really aware that a lot of instruments and the human voice as well generaly don't produce fundemental tones above 2khz, but that's still a fair size list of insruments that do, and very key ones in classical music. I think there must be more brass instruments that do as well. And when guitar and keyboard are so prevelant in rock and most contemperary music regardless of if it's fundemental tones or harmonic overtones, If a speaket can't produce them accurately, ther'es no chance the music can sound lifelike, right?
Honestly I would have to listen to it again to verify your observations about the way the specific instumental parts sound on the QAs. So I'll take your word for it for now.
I don't think I listen quite the way you do, or as much to the specific instrumental parts of the the recordings, but more to how the recording is reproduced as a whole. I do notice specifics, but my focus is a little more on the overal balance of the presentation. I think maybe you listen more like a musician and a music enthusiast and I listen more like a hifi salesman and assistant audio engineer.
😁🤣🙂
@@DougMen1 ..but I asked E if those 3030is were open box, because I am hearing less clean, or slightly more distorted sound from them than I remember from other demo's. And 1 close mic demo in particular . Forget the name of the channel now.
I'm listening to this in 3050i, so I'm not working on a test. Btw sounds amazing
After the Dalis, these 3030i are sounding a bit better to me, but they're still no match for the Q350. They are more forward sounding, but that, combined with their lean bass, makes them sound a bit too mid-centric still. That being said, they still sound a lot smoother and more pleasing to me than either of the the Dalis. However, I don't think they can compare to a lot of other speakers in their price range, like the lower price Wharfedales, Polks, and Elacs, or the Q150
How would you compare Q Acoustics 3030i and Dali Znesor 3? Which is better?
Why I hear the difference between these two speakers - I am not even audiophile or sound expert? 😂
KEF is good but too much good in righteous what is not good. I hope you understand.
Q Acoustics is much live, probably incorrect but I like it much more.
May be people don't like ideal stuff because people by themselves are not ideal so they afraid very correct things.
🤔🎧🎶🎶🎶🎶3030i✌🏻👍👍👍👍✌🏻🙂🇵🇱
Q350 top
The design is quite different no wonder resulting quite different sound. I can’t say either one is neutral. Going back to check the comparison btw Q350 and R3 can confirm the q350 having darker higher-mid less popularly found even in the KEF’s family.
They both have fallen out of grace within the hardcore KEF community. The R3 for having a slightly rolled off top-end.
@@34332 The R3 having a rolled off top end? Really ??? As Ed says the 350s are darker and warmer than other KEF's, but I give a rats arse what the KEF or any community thinks this week. People tend to like a lot of extremely bright speakers. I like the 350.
Please compare them with Micca RB42. I have heard RB42 has great bass for the size.
Kef has some cleaner less restrained highs. I own the 3030i and they sound really good with the Emotiva A2 amp 160 by two.
Personally, I prefer the Q Acoustics 3030i. I feel that the voice is heard better.
Kef all day long, The Q accoustics sound a little hollow for my liking
Kef q350 for me😊
Can you do a 3030i vs Uni-fi 2.0 UB52?
I can't say I liked the 3030i's much. I found them better last time, but now..not at all. Mark said it last time, they kinda sound artificial and based on this demo, they do.
The 350's are a sea of calmness and balance, next to the 3030's. Until proven otherwise, I rest my case by prefering the 350's.
Kef for me
3030i's a little bit warmer but slightly odd sounding. The Q350's sound more neutral and more balanced.
Kef Q350 note 10. Q Acoustics 3030i note 9.
Q's are too bright for my tastes...I would pair the warm Q350 with a digital amp like the SMSL A300
this is bit difficult. this should have included original file playback as well
The Arcam SA10 is too low powered for the 3030i even though it is within the stated range. The 3030i need more power than that to truly come alive and are a better match with 80 watt amps.
compared to the KEF the Q acoustics sound congested. KEF has more air and more depth
Kef q350
kefs provide a bit more of insight into the music. more revealing. more neutral/even on all frequencies. q acoustics have quite a bit of a "U" shape sound signature.
Les voix ont plus de présences avec la Kef q350.
3030i more mid, q350 more sub, 3030i probably will out perform q350 if add a subwoofer
Q is pretty soud
Pareggio 😂
All i could hear was all that "digital" distortion on that first sample track. Digital files....🤮
The Sony $100 bookshelves are a better listen than the 3030i in this demo.
Trust me - th-cam.com/video/MyNgHzVa6yM/w-d-xo.html
Agree
3030i to harsh on treble