Transparency is most important in speaker, and vocal should be clear and a little forward and music supporting just behind it. Treble should be clean but not sparkling. Nice detail video.
@Tarun, it does not surprise me the 5020’s work well with the Audiolab 7000. I have a pair of Concept 20’s paired with a 6000a. I tried them also with Rega io and Rotel A11 tribute), and the Concepts add a touch of warmth to the 6000a which hits my HiFi sweet spot at this price point. I guess my trade off would be a touch of ultimate clarity for a tough of weight to the bass weight especially with rock music. I have been an audiophile for over 30 years, and I continue to be surprised me how affordable hifi has evolved to play music this well. We are truly in another golden era of HiFi. Keep up the good work.
I have owned a few sets of Q Acoustic speakers and sold them all (3050i 3020 2020i ) However i still have the Concept 20s thats one set that works for me . Thank you Tarun another full review sir .
Hello Tarun, I truly appreciate your insights on audio. I can't speak for the UK, but in the US, brick and mortar Hi-Fi stores are rare, and the ones still operating are disappearing quickly. I began this hobby 30+ years ago but drifted out of it in the early 2000's. Much has changed in that time, particularly choices for digital music streaming, which didn't exist in the late 80's / early 90's when I started. I got back into the hobby a few years before the pandemic (2017). Since that time, I've made an expensive mistake while upgrading my system. This is in part due to the inability to audition new (broken in) gear at a reputable dealer. The first compromise, buying from an unfamiliar online source. The second compromise, I purchased a multitasking piece of gear marketed as a premium CD player, transport, and DAC. It truly is an excellent CD player, wow; however, it has no digital output, so the title transport is inaccurate. The DAC used for streaming, Meh. Not nearly the performance as a stand alone CD player. I purchased this unit because I have an extensive CD collection (and still love that format) and was looking to upgrade to the next level in DAC performance vs. the built in DAC in my integrated amplifier (there's little appreciable difference between the two). In any case, what I've learned is to not compromise on where you purchase audio gear and to avoid multitasking gear without properly researching it. Trying to shift this unit now, it's already half the value I paid. Yikes. I should have purchased a stand alone DAC and separate CD transport. You've reviewed some good options that I would have considered if I'd found your channel earlier. Better late than never, as the TH-cam algorithm got you to my recommended feed eventually. Keep up the great work.
Thanks! I do not compromise on sound impact. My movies are always a step above an IMAX theater and the music reproduction sounds like one is on the stage with the band. It took a lot of effort and kept my mind off my parents dying within 15 weeks of each other. Depressions cure for me!
I have progressive Multiple Sclerosis and have thrown what energy I have into my hifi with new DAC, streamer, amps, subs and speakers. Tuned with REW and a Umik-1 microphone. Certainly takes my mind off of the pain and bleak outlook on things in general! Music therapy helps me more than all the meds and now that I am quite mostly a shut-in I have the time to compare tiny differences in equipment changes and tuning/eq tweaks. Yes, I upgraded power cables, and yes they do change the sound for the better in my system, and I will be keeping them in the mix. Back to music therapy..lol.
This is such a great thread. So many people discount the little things that one can do in life to make things much more pleasant. Things like listening to music, meditation, being out in nature, exercising, etc. Too many people want a pill for everything, but unfortunately for them. That doesn’t always work, and has the potential to do harm itself. I’ve suffered from all sorts of mental issues in the past myself. And music has always been my savior. But meditation, eating right, and using old school ideas from philosophy. Such as Stoicism, and Buddhism got me over that hump that nothing else had been able to. You should never discount what your own brain is capable of doing on it’s own, with the proper techniques. And sometimes that’s as simple as rocking out to your favorite music of choice. ✌️
@A British Audiophile Hi Tarun, do you still had the Cambridge axa35 amp or some other person who does that can help me. I have one of these, and it makes some kind of white or ground noise on the speakers when is not playing sound. I have a streamer that I tried to connect to the usb port and the noise is even more noticeable. I don't now if it's normal or not. If anyone can help me I appreciate. Thanks for your help.
@@zedamocado you have a ground loop interference issue? Can you try connecting some of the devices(one by one) onto a different PowerPoint? I had this issue with over of my subwoofers, it was connected to the rca outs on my Rotel a12 mk2, and also connected to the same power board (surge protector) . I moved it off the power board onto a new wall outlet and straight away the problem was gone....
I like your car comparison when it comes to making choices. I clocked up 150k miles on an original Focus Estate - a very good company car indeed. When it came to spending my own 30k I went for Alfa number 6 - Giulia Veloce ex demonstrator. When it comes to HiFi I went for quality over design with ATC speakers - no regrets there after 13 years!
Two years ago got a great deal on new 3020i speakers. I love them. I do have them set up with oldish JBL sub. IT's not a great sub but does give a lovely tight punch to the 3020's. Would not be a huge bass guy, but, that punch in the sub fills out the 3020i. Glad Q Acoustics are being reviewed and 5020 is next on my list for purchase. Thanks for the review. I do appreciate your take on equipment.
Compromise is always hard Tarun as it still is personal in nature and what matters to each listener’s ears. I despise the word compromise, but I realize there are no perfect speakers even if the budget is without limits. Your reviews help more than you realize as speakers are the end use product and have the most dramatic effect, but they are also heavily influenced by what is in front of them. Better components between will make this speaker shine as it will to most, but no amount of great components will help a speaker that lacks in it’s ability to resolve information and I crave transparency and detail highly. This is one area that is a must have. On the crossover, an Elna or a Mundorf capacitor would be my choice. On parts quality, I do not yield! No electrolytic capacitors in the signal path. Their place is in the power supply only! This is a must in my experience. I understand about cost, but compromise is for relationships, not for my passion which is this hobby. It is also my profession when I am not doing my other job which pays for both. Sacrifice is necessary sometimes to achieve greatness. Great audio is worth the cost at any level. We choose what we can and cannot afford to live with and without. Willingness to wait for it is what is hard!
Hi! This is a very competitive segment of the speaker market. I agree with you that manufacturers try to put a lot of technology into cheaper level of products in an effort to attract rave reviews and boost sales figures. In the end, it all comes to the point of deciding if it is better to sell an old pair and invest a few hundred dollars or pounds more to buy the newest dreamboat! I did a lot of buying and resale in the past and it didn't pay off as I expected because there was always some compromise to make because of budget constraints. That is the reason why I turned to upgrade options like better crossover parts, no-rez damping material, etc. Thanks for this great review!
Another thoughtful video. Thank you. I prioritize balanced sound leaning towards warmth. I do like good low end performance. I listen for hours on end so fatigue can be an issue. My current system gives me that fatigue free experience. Cambridge AXR100, Elac Debut 2.0 F62s, Schiit Bi-Frost multi-bit DAC.
Great to hear you are a Jaguar fan too! Anyhow, my journey with Jaguar will end in about 2 to 3 years, I think. At first I was driving a Daimler LWB saloon which I sold; mainly because of age, the gasoline prices and the use of it. Right now I am still enjoying my new XK. The ‘only’ disadvantage from having a Jaguar are the repair bills, so my next car will be the brand new Toyota Prius 2023. Take a look at that one too…(it’s a beauty too)!
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Yes, they are pretty special indeed. I bought the LWB type because of my children with longer legs than I have. I can remember they were angry when I sold the car, mainly because of the looks and wooden picknick tables inside. When I see one I still have some regrets, but the XK was a dream to, to fulfill.
Thank you for the intro to these speakers right in the sweet spot of my wallet with, by all accounts, an acoustic signature right in the sweet spot of my ears. I will look forward to possibly testing these in my own system. I alsi enjoyed your car choices, but alas, due to an eye injury, driving is no longer a coveted passtime. Have a great weekend and take care, Sir.
Fantastic review Tarun. I used to own the Q 3030is (absolutely LOVED them) but I gifted them to my son to enjoy and he loves them. These 5020's look excellent, I am wondering in your opinion how much they improve upon something like the 3030is? I am in the market and I know you do not hand out Outstanding ratings frequently, so I know these must be pretty amazing. Thanks for your time!
Excellent review Tarun! I cannot compromise on muddy bass or a thin midrange, I can compromise on a slightly recessed treble, However if truth be told I want it all, and search far and wide for those "unicorn" products which perform at least competently across all three frequency ranges, such as Dynaudio Evoke 10 speakers, Hegel H120 amp and Ladder Schumann dac.
Hi Tarun, I'm still here, you just haven't really been reviewing anything that's in my wheelhouse lately, but I thought I'd say hi and also once again give you praise for the way you put your reviews together. I am a fan of your work and always will be..
@Audio456 You have no idea whether he is being paid or not. So, there is an assumption/allegation that you are now making without any knowledge. Everybody hears things differently. Reviewers are no different. It is one man's opinion and should be taken that way. You build trust in a community when your position aligns with other people who have heard the product In question, and that's where the trust in a review comes from.
Thanks as always!🙂 Seems like a nice speaker. One thing I wish more companies would do though is sealed speakers, really is limited choice in that department.🤔
Thank you. I guess it is due to the size the cabinet would need to be in order to get decent bass extension. There are some great small sealed boxes for nearfield listening 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 very true, still think they are missing a trick though. My DIY sealed bookshelf/small standmount speakers are good to 65Hz though in 12 litres, that's not F3, like literally flat. Think a lot of the problem is also due to popularity of bass reflex meaning most companies are building drivers best suited for such, took me a long time to find a driver suited truly for sealed that didn't need a very large box. With a lot more people choosing to run subwoofers these days though I'm actually quite surprised more companies haven't decided to do more sealed designs, I mean a lot of stuff even quite highly priced can measure pretty bad which shows that design stage can actually be quite rushed and not really engineered to the degree needed, sealed would kind of allow a bit more tolerance for companies who just don't commit to the standards they probably should. Heard a pair of Focal bookshelves recently to compare against my own build, lol, didn't even get to a comparison, they were absolutely horrendous.😂 Admittedly this speakers problem wouldn't have been fixed by being a sealed design, would be a whole crossover redesign, but it shows that even respected companies are quite sloppy these days at times.
Yep I'm with you on that one, look into some vintage speakers there are some great options there . I recently acquired a pair of Goodmans XB 25s and I almost fell out of my chair .
Another excellent review and as an avid motorcyclist, appreciate the car analogies. For music only, I prioritize non fussy speakers (more than one set), components, R2R and let go of an integrated and / or class D approach. For Home theater the opposite….I prioritize a less is more approach with powered speakers & related minimalism. Desktop…compromise on speakers and prioritize headphones and amp.
Nice review! Thanks Regarding your question on requirements and compromises… Imaging and open/accurate mid range very important High SPL and bottom octave I could compromise on as long as the bass that is there is coherent. Ls3/5a’a for example have no deep bass but the bass they do have is tuneful and helps your brain to work out the rest!
Hi Tarun, another great review! It’s your reviews that has helped me immensely to building my system and currently looking at upgrading my power cables with Belden DIY. The technical insights and explanations you bring have clearly helped in making purchase decisions accurately. Thanks!
Great review... as I really like the Qacoustics design approach/ethos, sound signatures, sonic capacities and compromises! Especially as I like exploring most genres of music...so any speaker or systems that can happily replay both great and very poor quality recordings in a sonically pleasing, positive, engaging, detailed, emotional and musical way...that is the fundamental compromise I am happy to accept and live with. Especially as exploring and streaming all types of cultural, traditional and new music from around the globe where naturally production quality can varies greatly....if systems are too detailed and revealling some music becomes very harsh, grating and painfull 😂
Good evening Tarun I've not commented before but have been watching your reviews for a few months. I like your style and your honesty. Don't change either of those attributes! My HiFi journey started when I was about 11 years old -- and now at 69, I've been at it for 'a while' I've had many different setups - and today I have a pair of Martin Logan Electrostatics driven by some MF monoblocks. Trying to characterise what I search for in terms of sound, (and having run a PA hire company in Birmingham during the Regae and Punk era), I'm looking for tight and extended Bass and with a lot of 'air' in the upper midrange. I have a deep love of classical music -- full range, dynamic and detailled. from Bach to Mahler and everything inbetween. My Wife is a Bass Guitarist -- so that also influences my choices. My current setup gives a wonderful listening experience with a huge sound stage and 'air' in the playback of the Martin Logans (supported by some high quality 10" Sunfire subs with deep tight Bass.) Listening to Eva Cassidy brings tears to the eyes. She is there in the room. LIstening to AC/DC has an equaly absorbing -- but different impact. We am there at the concert. Listening to Bach Cantatas takes me back to my time as a Cathedral Chorister and Organist. Tears once again! No setup is 'perfect' because we change over time. What I can't stand is anything 'Fake' Sound reproduction has to be 'Honest' even if its not perfect. I'm and Engineer and a Scientist - and have designed and built many types of live sound reproduction PA speakers in my time - using electronics technology to overcome issues or mechnical constraints. My first pair of 'real HiFi speakers were the B&W DM5's closely followed by the Rogers LS3/5A's, which are still in our recording studio today 50 years later! Keep doing what you do. Its interesting and enjoyable for those of us still on our HiFi journey. (My next purchase is probably going to be some Q-Acoustic M20's for my 'Mac Desk') Best wishes Bruce Prof. Dr Bruce Macaulay
Thanks for the fantastic review. I am considering the 5010s (this speaker's little brother) as Surrounds to match my Concept 50s and Concept 90 centre channel. I have limited space and think the more diminutive 5010s should match the Concepts nicely due to the same tweeter design and included point-to-point bracing.
Great video as usual ❤ Wish I could try out all these speakers! Will stick with my Triangles for now though. Agree with you on the Ford thing…they are a much better vehicle than 10 years ago
I remember when I first heard q acoustic my brother had the 3050i I was really impressed by them. I almost bought concept 40 but went with Kef q950s instead
Sound stage and imaging I have found to be the aspect of sound I prioritise. Surprisingly, resolution (past a certain point) is what I am willing to pay to remain the same when upgrading kit.
Thank you again, Tarun! I prefer clarity, which my ATC Scm 19 provide, over a strong bass. I don't listen much to organ music, techno or reggae, so I can live with that and do not add a subwoofer which some reviewers, incl. you :), recommend.
I have the 11s I tried a rel sub it didn't work for me it was decaying the Atcs midrange as long as you have the right size Atc in the right size room you do not need subs to decay what Atc can do that's why they make bigger floor standing speakers for bigger rooms
I had never heard of Q Acoustics until five years ago when I decided to get an AV system. I have 3010's all around in a 7.1 system. They lack base, but doesn't matter as i use with a sub (and have the option of a 2nd sub if needed). While great for movies I have never been happy with it for music, so am still using my modest twenty year old hifi. Love how it sounds not had the urge to upgrade yet!
I have decided I will just have different speakers (easy since I buy used) I recently got some Mission 700 Leading Edge speakers (1985 injection molded mineral loaded polypropylene front baffle with closed enclosures) to satisfy the more detailed side of listening. They do not disappoint. Slightly less full midrange but a crazy lot of detail while not getting harsh at all. Also playing well at low levels. I may advise these Q acoustics to my brother in law, he is looking at KEF ls50's. These may be better.
Fantastic presentation! Thank you. Ordered Q A 5010's and Monitor Audio Radius 90's last night. I have a really narrow room. I'm hoping to catch the dragon soon. Only have Dali Opticon 1 Mk. 2 left to try. lol
Where have I seen HiFi and Car journalism combined before? 🤔 Only L.J.K. Setright comes to mind. He had a sharp brain and a talent for writing interesting pieces on multiple subjects. Tarun... I really enjoy the way you talk about HiFi and Music and I look forward to your videos. Great work 👊🎶 if only you could point me in the direction of a pair of speakers to sonically match my LP12 & Quad 34 - 405-2 amps, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
Thank you Carlos. That speaker choice will need careful consideration and should be based on multiple factors, room acoustics, positioning, taste, etc..
Taran love and analogy, My car of chose for 40k American. Audi all the way. Great review as always. I like a very warn soothing sound with good bass but not all bass. I tend to like very good mid range. This speaks with my current reference. Paradigm Founders 80. Rega Aethos, and Chord Qutest. You can hear every smooth and even exhausted note from Robert Plant. Page's whaling stings are separated with agility and form. You never have to look for him, that presentation is right there. The vocals from Weyes Blood are reveling and almost personal... in this setup the bass is deep not upfront you almost feel it. For the money these speakers would be hard to match.... I know I have tried.
Another good review. Thanks! As regards what I'm prepared to compromise, well, it has depended on my self-imposed limit of an absolute max of c.£1400 for a major component. Within that, I look for the best available, which is where guys I respect like you enter the scene in these times when listening tests in showrooms aren't really a viable option -- if ever they were. The best of you guys spell out for me the compromises to be considered. Priority for me goes to a full and rich midrange with a detailed 3D soundstage -- bass and extended treble, whilst desirable, aren't quite as important. I bought my class A preamp based on another reviewer's verdict, and so far, it hasn't been embarrassed by progressively better ancillary gear. Same would also apply to my Dali Menuet SEs, which you recommended, were it not that after 9 month's total satisfaction I discovered I could build my own Decware ZF15M open baffle clones for £1.3K (theyr'e nearer £3.5-4K for the ready mades). Hence I didn't have to compromise because that natural, expansive, rich and open sound I'd been after (without fully realising it) was within my budget after all. So no fault of yours, rather my own ignorance at the time. For the foreseeable future, I'll be restricting myself to inexpensive tweaks -- no more than around £100. But I'm still hooked on reviews. Weekends just wouldn't be the same without your dulcit tones, Tarun!
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Yeah. I'm very content at the moment! 🙂 Might I suggest that you have a show or two on "inexpensive tweaks" sometime when you don't have major equipment to review? For example, I spent £54 recently on a pair of Taket Batpure supertweeters obtained from the European distributor in France (Ceres Electronique), delivered within a few days of ordering. I personally find that (without altering overall sound signature), they make voices and instruments right across the frequency spectrum sound even more distinct/localised within the soundstage -- and hence that much more enjoyable. IMHO, one could easily spend ten times as much and still not get as much bang for the buck. Might not work for everyone, of course, but one has so little to lose.
I'd always imagined that when it comes to cars, Audiophiles simply prefer the one with the best sound system! I did enjoy owning some QA 3050 floorstanders previously - nice sound and well finished - so good to see less rigid rectangles sometimes! My priority is always detail, and living next door to my elderly landlord, he's probably happy I compromise on bass and volume! Thanks Tarun! How about a driving album recommendation?
These are the cheapest speakers I have bought by some margin, I love them especially after 100 hours improved markedly smoother highs deeper bass, and then added the QB 12 sub now I have a full range solution for £700 including 5 year warranty incredible value…
Nice one Taran. I like Q Acoustics, but IME do need a punchy, detailed amp. I would avoid entry-level Arcams/Marantzes as they share many of the Q Acoustics sonic traits. Get it right they are as good as any in that price point. Think all hi-fi is a compromise, but what a nice dilemma to have - I've sacrificed a little bass extension as my previous speakers were the whopping PMC TB2i - very big standmounts. As a petrol head, I've owned Alfa Romeos since 2006. Quite often referred my current system to a Alfa: Fun, precise and feel every bump in the musical journey
Hi Tarun, excellent, informative and inspiring as always. I find my listening room has governed a great deal of my equipment choices, even after some careful diffusion and treatment placement. Small room, so a pair of Spendor classic 4/5's won out in my feverish search for a speaker upgrade. But have to say, your videos have really helped me a great deal with understanding partnering, placement and ways how understanding the tech side can inform your choices! 🙏
Thanks Tarun, very interesting! I'm driving a Ford 😊 and listening to QA 3020i's 😊 I wonder how the 5020s compare to 3020s... would it be worth it to move to them?
Hi Tarun, great review. Interesting they’ve finally followed Monitor Audio down the plugless path with different results. I’m willing to bet that electrolytic cap and iron core inductor form part of a second order filter for the bass and at the price you really can’t complain. They’ve done well on the tweeter. For me it’s about control, especially in the bass. My systems have been tweaked repeatedly, as you know, in search of reduced noise and improved control at the expense perhaps of absolute tonal accuracy. I ventured away from this with the Harbeths but in my limited room they were not a success.
Thanks Mark. It was great to spend some time with you this weekend at NW Audio Show. Thank you for your continued support. I had to remove Audio456’s comments. He pops up now and again to criticise me and viewers. It is not acceptable and sorry you had to put up with it 😊👍
Thank you for including the information about the new midwoofer cone - it is important to learn and understand a bit more of the engineering and design. Interesting that this appears to be a pressed steel frame, and doesn't appear to have a vented pole piece; though the former does have vents below the spider, and the back of the spider is vented. And there is an aluminum "demodulation" ring - is this the same as a (copper?) shorting ring?
Thank you Neil. I will have to go back to double check but I thought the woofer had a vented pole piece. They may be able to get away with not having one due to limited SPL capability 😊
Great review Tarun and an excelent bookshelf from QA!!!Is it possible to review the new Revela speaker from Quad!!!!???? Thanks and cheers from Argentina
you also gave the QAcoustics-M20 powered speakers the same 'outstanding' review. Can you comment on the difference between this 5020 vs M20-active. Thanks Tarun.
I bought the M20 powered speakers after watching Tarun's review. They have a wonderful full sound, but, I would prefer it to be just a tad brighter. Audiophiles grimace if you mention tone controls, but I think they can be useful. The Cheap Audio Man reviewed the M20 and he wished it had tone controls. I have a sub-woofer connected to it. Still, I do enjoy listening to them. Brightness and clarity with some warmth is my preference.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Appreciate both comments. I guess the Iotavx SA3 tone controls can reduce brightness if it gets too fatigueing, although cheapaudioman rated the treble not as bright as AMT tweeter of Wharfedale Evo4.1
Tarun, I so enjoy your reviews, especially that you compare the product under review to similarly priced competition. In my estimation, reviews without comparisons are merely adverts. Hifi gear wise, I'm always looking for soundstage depth and the illusion of 3d. That valve thing. I'm willing to give up some deep bass (esp. since I live in a small apartment). Dry and or bright sounding are anathema to me.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ford Fiesta (I drive one, VW Golf (had 2) of Jaguar. Bust I wish audio gear had some style not just black or silver boxes. Think Kalista CD player.
Hi Tarun , great review as usual, i have these 5020's, run them in for about 2 weeks using my cambridge audio azur 851a. I found they need to be played loud to get the best out of them, also they need good recordings anything thin sounding should be avoided .The soundstage , 3 dimension image and the musical performance is excellent, i also have a pair of Quad s2's but to my ears the q acoustics are slightly better although the Quads have slightly deeper bass. The q acoustics also have great space around instruments and vocals but they do need running in well .
I'm a little surprised by the findings in this review, particularly as others who have reviewed them have commented negatively about treble lift both subjectively and when measured, makes me wonder if there are some batch differences, btw I'm not biased against QA having had several pairs of their speakers and currently own 2 pairs of M20s.
If i must take chose engagning speaker or natural sounding speaker i will chose engaging. That said, a speaker can of course be both. Also tight bass > deep bass. :) Ford Focus are underrated!
Terrific review--elevated in no small way by your detailed discussion of the design process. Understanding design objectives and compromises is far more interesting, at least to me, than how moved you were by listening to a particular recording. I prioritize experiencing the music over any specific audiophile qualifications. By "experiencing" I mean not only pace, rhythm, attack, and timing (thanks, Herb Reichert) but also replicating in some fashion the physical weight generated by music. I'm less interested in "accuracy" than many reviews tell me I should be. Does my foot start tapping or do I want to dance when the recording starts is more important to me than how closely the system replicates the sounds created in a studio and/or a performance space. Thanks!
I just found your channel and think it is absolutely awesome. I really appreciate the way that you present. I live in the states specifically Florida and have a large computer table to upgrade my near field speakers. I’m running good amplification and subwoofer, but I absolutely cannot make up my mind between the monitor 50s and the Q acoustics 5020. I’ve looked at both of your reviews over and over again and still can’t decide. I need some advice, help… which one should I go with?
Thank you Gregory. Much appreciated. I suspect your choice will come down to personal taste and equipment matching. The Silver 50s have more detail but the 5020s have more bass and dynamics 😊👍
Thank you so much for replying so promptly you’re awesome! Well there you have it. I have a nice sub hooked up to my system so I’ve got the low end taken care of so it looks like it’s going to be the monitor silver 50s. Thank you so much and by the way, I have subscribed and watch every new TH-cam you put out.!
TO YOUR QUESTION…PERSONALLY ,QUALITY OF BUILD AND SOUND…2ND NEW FEATURES…3RD I LOVE ❤️ METERS AND A GOLD FRONT, AND SWITCHABLE COLORS LED LIGHTS, with a Dimmer-able lighting 🤗💚💚💚
As much as I like super crystal clarity sound, I would sacrifice that for a warmer sound that I can listen to all day long (due to potential harsh sibilance)
Some speakers not considered warm give you clarity without the harsh sibilant sounds. I've also heard speakers with warmth but also sibilance/glare in the upper mids and treble. System matching and room also contribute.
@@nc3419 True, I was speaking in general terms. Most often I end up keeping speakers with a laid back presentation and sacrifice super resolving or analytical.
@@alexanderg26 I'm actually more satisfied with budget speakers that do more right than wrong and are easy to drive and sound fine at all SPLs I listen at, day or night. Currently, Martin Logan 15i, Triangle Zetas and Dali Opticon 1s. Pair with a sub and nothing missed.
Hi Tarun, wonderful comprehensive review. I am choosing beetween QAcoustics 5020 and Acoustic Energy 100/2 for my second smaller setup in the study room. They would sit on a sideboard. Which if the two would you recommend? Thank you and continue with your great content! Cheers from Vienna.
I would go as far as the most realistic reproduction of music my budget allows . To me that means everything should sound natural. Body, tone , texture , energy , transparency ,inside a coherent ,spacious and realistic soundstage . Nothing in excess . The system should be able to convey all complexity of the music in an effortless way . I mainly listen to classical/instrumental and jazz /blues. I think I am getting a taste with my current system 😊
Thanks very much for the excellent review Tarun, a treat to watch your videos. A small question will these speakers pair well with Yamaha RN-602 that I have. If not what is the closest in your view for typically Indian and Pop and trance music. Thanks in advance
Here's a question: Given that the M20's are price-competitive, does the improvement in sound quality when stepping "over" to the 5020's justify the implicit added expense of needing to purchase amplification for the latter? (I'll go back and watch the review again in case I missed a mention of this.)
Hi Tarun, great review as always. Just wanted to ask you one question. I am soon going to get speakers for my room so I want to ask if you can recall about few things. I am torn between Q Acoustics 5020 and Acoustic Energy AE300. Considering my room is 10sqm and I can’t get speakers more than 25-30cm away from wall do you maybe recall which speaker would work better in that situation? I will most probably pair them with Marantz PM7000N or Audiolab 6000A. For now I heard only AE300/Marantz combo and it sounded very nice in store but just wanted to gather some information before going for a second listen. Thank you very much in advance and have a great day :)
Perfection in a loudspeaker is probably not realistic, but it could be possible. Close anyway. One would have to use a simple first order crossover to achieve this. In a first-order, both drivers are at zero phase in their PASS bands, and at 90 degrees in their STOP bands. (Close, anyway. The only places either of them truly reach 0 or 90 is at DC and at infinity, both of which are well outside the audio band.) However, when either driver is at 90, the output amplitude is ZERO, by definition, so it contributes nothing to the sound. Its major contribution comes within its PASS band, where its phase is close to zero. Now, in between DC and infinity, both drivers make a contribution depending on the frequency relative to the crossover frequency. In a first-order, they are ALWAYS 90 degrees out of phase, regardless of the frequency, and they ALWAYS sum to unity and zero phase. If this isn't clear, you need to look into the math (including complex variables and vector addition). At the crossover point, for example, one driver is at .707, +45, and the other is at .707, -45, as I stated previously. Due to the fact that this is vector addition, they sum to unity at zero phase. And they do this not only at the crossover frequency, but at every single point from DC to infinity. The first-order is the only crossover that does this. If you wish to prove this to yourself, it is easily proved by doing some math. If you want to avoid the math, it can still be proved by simply drawing sine waves. First, draw a single sine wave with amplitude of 1.0 and any phase you choose. Next, draw two identical sine waves, each of amplitude .707, one shifted 1/8 wavelength to the left of the original one, and one shifted 1/8 wavelength to the right. Now simply sum their values. What you will find in that the summation is an EXACT replica of the original sine wave, in both phase and amplitude. This principle works the same way with speakers. As long as your ear is equidistant from the two drivers, you will be utterly unable to distinguish the crossover. This is because the output summation IN THE AIR is identical to the original signal (in both time and amplitude), no matter what the frequency. (Again, this is true of the first-order only!) Now, it must be said that the real world is not so perfect, and most drivers have rolloff-related and impedance-related phase shifts that add into the equation, giving a less-than-perfect end result. For this reason, designing a good first-order crossover is harder than it sounds. You're not going to get there at $600.00
Love my Q Acoustics 3030i speakers. The 5020's are nearly 400 dollars more per pair than the 3030i's. Do you think there is 400 dollars worth of audible resolution, clarity, depth, soundstage, bass extension vs my current set of 3030i's? I could totally see myself doing a trade-in of my current set of 3030i's for the 5020's if it really is night and day. Currently running a Cambridge AXR85 with iFi Zen Streamer+Zen Dac along with a Drop Audio Technica Carbon VTA turntable. Not sure if my next upgrade should be amp or speakers I feel like the Cambridge amp has so much more headroom it drives the 3030i's effortlessly. The AT Drop Carbon VTA turntable is excellent my friend thought I was playing a CD when I demoed my speakers but it was the turntable playing RHCP Stadium Arcadium on vinyl. The iFi streamer has been a little buggy but I love the audio quality. I have had to factory reset it twice since I've owned it to fix issues with it not playing streams or cutting out mid stream however so far its been fine lately.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Awesome looking forward to the review when it happens! That will certainly be an interesting comparison. Really only appears to be a difference in potentially cabinet and likely crossover component quality between the 3030c and 5020s. If that's all it is then it might be one of the best ways to hear the difference construction material and crossover parts can make while using the same drivers.
I generally love Tarun’s review. Counting on his golden ears and audio experience to flesh out interesting insights which he generally does but I’m having trouble with this one. How does one reconcile Tarun’s enthusiastic review to what Erin’s Audio Corner has reported? Anechoic data and subjective testing appears to show many problem areas with this speaker. Tarun’s subjective review’s without some backing data to see if a product is behaving as it should might have run its course. Brian
Hi Brian, I don’t watch other reviews at or around a time when I have something in for review. That way I can report my honest findings without influence. Objective data is useful to highlight problems in a design. It is an involved process, if done correctly and to be of value. Erin does a great job. I have now watched his review. It is possible I have missed something but his findings are so different to mine and clearly audible that I suspect there may have been an issue with his sample. Also, they are very much out of kilter with what you typically get from Q Acoustics speakers.
Transparency is most important in speaker, and vocal should be clear and a little forward and music supporting just behind it. Treble should be clean but not sparkling. Nice detail video.
@@RP-ms7lu thank you 😊
@Tarun, it does not surprise me the 5020’s work well with the Audiolab 7000. I have a pair of Concept 20’s paired with a 6000a. I tried them also with Rega io and Rotel A11 tribute), and the Concepts add a touch of warmth to the 6000a which hits my HiFi sweet spot at this price point. I guess my trade off would be a touch of ultimate clarity for a tough of weight to the bass weight especially with rock music. I have been an audiophile for over 30 years, and I continue to be surprised me how affordable hifi has evolved to play music this well. We are truly in another golden era of HiFi. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Ram. The biggest surprise for me continues to be how much great gear there is at accessible prices 👍
I love my concept 30 for their balanced tonality and precise center imaging!
Cool 😎
Clarity and coherence are my priorities
Thank you 😊
I settled for the 3020, older model but got a nice deal for it. Love the sound. So this brand is definitely a favorite of mine.
That is great 👍
me too my audio friend paired my 3020 with a 150 watt intergrated amp and they are music magic!!
I have owned a few sets of Q Acoustic speakers and sold them all (3050i 3020 2020i ) However i still have the Concept 20s thats one set that works for me .
Thank you Tarun another full review sir .
I really enjoyed the review and I'm excited for the next one. By the way, I noticed that the photography has improved a lot. Great work!
Thank you 👍
Sound stage and imaging are first priorities for me. Thanks for the review Tarun! Excellent as always.
Thank you Bryan 👍
Hello Tarun, I truly appreciate your insights on audio. I can't speak for the UK, but in the US, brick and mortar Hi-Fi stores are rare, and the ones still operating are disappearing quickly. I began this hobby 30+ years ago but drifted out of it in the early 2000's. Much has changed in that time, particularly choices for digital music streaming, which didn't exist in the late 80's / early 90's when I started. I got back into the hobby a few years before the pandemic (2017). Since that time, I've made an expensive mistake while upgrading my system. This is in part due to the inability to audition new (broken in) gear at a reputable dealer. The first compromise, buying from an unfamiliar online source. The second compromise, I purchased a multitasking piece of gear marketed as a premium CD player, transport, and DAC. It truly is an excellent CD player, wow; however, it has no digital output, so the title transport is inaccurate. The DAC used for streaming, Meh. Not nearly the performance as a stand alone CD player. I purchased this unit because I have an extensive CD collection (and still love that format) and was looking to upgrade to the next level in DAC performance vs. the built in DAC in my integrated amplifier (there's little appreciable difference between the two). In any case, what I've learned is to not compromise on where you purchase audio gear and to avoid multitasking gear without properly researching it. Trying to shift this unit now, it's already half the value I paid. Yikes. I should have purchased a stand alone DAC and separate CD transport. You've reviewed some good options that I would have considered if I'd found your channel earlier. Better late than never, as the TH-cam algorithm got you to my recommended feed eventually. Keep up the great work.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Your investigative rigor is appreciated. An understanding of the trade offs isn't possible without the journey
Thank you 👍
I drive an XF, so now I have to pay even more attention to your reviews. A man of taste.
I love mine too 😊
@A British Audiophile I wish they'd get their act together with new vehicles though. Not sure the new CEO has a clue.
Thanks! I do not compromise on sound impact. My movies are always a step above an IMAX theater and the music reproduction sounds like one is on the stage with the band. It took a lot of effort and kept my mind off my parents dying within 15 weeks of each other. Depressions cure for me!
I have progressive Multiple Sclerosis and have thrown what energy I have into my hifi with new DAC, streamer, amps, subs and speakers. Tuned with REW and a Umik-1 microphone. Certainly takes my mind off of the pain and bleak outlook on things in general! Music therapy helps me more than all the meds and now that I am quite mostly a shut-in I have the time to compare tiny differences in equipment changes and tuning/eq tweaks. Yes, I upgraded power cables, and yes they do change the sound for the better in my system, and I will be keeping them in the mix. Back to music therapy..lol.
Thank you Lonnie. I am sorry to hear about you loss 🙏
@@mikelanier5617 I can’t imagine the suffering you have to endure but I am so pleased that your system brings you so much pleasure 🙏
This is such a great thread. So many people discount the little things that one can do in life to make things much more pleasant.
Things like listening to music, meditation, being out in nature, exercising, etc. Too many people want a pill for everything, but unfortunately for them. That doesn’t always work, and has the potential to do harm itself.
I’ve suffered from all sorts of mental issues in the past myself. And music has always been my savior. But meditation, eating right, and using old school ideas from philosophy. Such as Stoicism, and Buddhism got me over that hump that nothing else had been able to.
You should never discount what your own brain is capable of doing on it’s own, with the proper techniques. And sometimes that’s as simple as rocking out to your favorite music of choice. ✌️
Always a great review especially the system matching very few reviewers do this
Thank you Michael. Much appreciated 😊👍
@A British Audiophile Hi Tarun, do you still had the Cambridge axa35 amp or some other person who does that can help me. I have one of these, and it makes some kind of white or ground noise on the speakers when is not playing sound. I have a streamer that I tried to connect to the usb port and the noise is even more noticeable. I don't now if it's normal or not. If anyone can help me I appreciate. Thanks for your help.
@@zedamoca that noise isn’t normal. Swop out each component in your system, one at a time, to find the culprit 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have tried disconnecting all of them. I can still ear some noise on the speakers if I listen closely
@@zedamocado you have a ground loop interference issue? Can you try connecting some of the devices(one by one) onto a different PowerPoint?
I had this issue with over of my subwoofers, it was connected to the rca outs on my Rotel a12 mk2, and also connected to the same power board (surge protector) . I moved it off the power board onto a new wall outlet and straight away the problem was gone....
I like your car comparison when it comes to making choices. I clocked up 150k miles on an original Focus Estate - a very good company car indeed. When it came to spending my own 30k I went for Alfa number 6 - Giulia Veloce ex demonstrator. When it comes to HiFi I went for quality over design with ATC speakers - no regrets there after 13 years!
Great choices 👍
Two years ago got a great deal on new 3020i speakers. I love them. I do have them set up with oldish JBL sub. IT's not a great sub but does give a lovely tight punch to the 3020's. Would not be a huge bass guy, but, that punch in the sub fills out the 3020i. Glad Q Acoustics are being reviewed and 5020 is next on my list for purchase. Thanks for the review. I do appreciate your take on equipment.
Thank you 👍
Nice to see another review Tarun. I haven’t watched recently so good to see you and nice to see another good value speaker
Great to have you back 👍
These speakers are horrible by any standard. They have overly boosted highs. You're saying they're warm. Maybe I've got a defective unit...
Compromise is always hard Tarun as it still is personal in nature and what matters to each listener’s ears. I despise the word compromise, but I realize there are no perfect speakers even if the budget is without limits. Your reviews help more than you realize as speakers are the end use product and have the most dramatic effect, but they are also heavily influenced by what is in front of them. Better components between will make this speaker shine as it will to most, but no amount of great components will help a speaker that lacks in it’s ability to resolve information and I crave transparency and detail highly. This is one area that is a must have. On the crossover, an Elna or a Mundorf capacitor would be my choice. On parts quality, I do not yield! No electrolytic capacitors in the signal path. Their place is in the power supply only! This is a must in my experience. I understand about cost, but compromise is for relationships, not for my passion which is this hobby. It is also my profession when I am not doing my other job which pays for both. Sacrifice is necessary sometimes to achieve greatness. Great audio is worth the cost at any level. We choose what we can and cannot afford to live with and without. Willingness to wait for it is what is hard!
Thank you Mark. Always great to have your perspective 👍
The pair for my bedroom just came in, and I love them.
That is great 👍
I have now a superb system. With mine Dynaudio contour 1.8 mk2 given a touch of warmth with an Arcam A39 🎉 Great reviews Tarun.
Cool 😎 thank you 😊
Hi! This is a very competitive segment of the speaker market. I agree with you that manufacturers try to put a lot of technology into cheaper level of products in an effort to attract rave reviews and boost sales figures. In the end, it all comes to the point of deciding if it is better to sell an old pair and invest a few hundred dollars or pounds more to buy the newest dreamboat! I did a lot of buying and resale in the past and it didn't pay off as I expected because there was always some compromise to make because of budget constraints. That is the reason why I turned to upgrade options like better crossover parts, no-rez damping material, etc. Thanks for this great review!
Thank you 😊
Another thoughtful video. Thank you. I prioritize balanced sound leaning towards warmth. I do like good low end performance. I listen for hours on end so fatigue can be an issue. My current system gives me that fatigue free experience. Cambridge AXR100, Elac Debut 2.0 F62s, Schiit Bi-Frost multi-bit DAC.
Thank you. That is a nice system 😊
Great to hear you are a Jaguar fan too! Anyhow, my journey with Jaguar will end in about 2 to 3 years, I think. At first I was driving a Daimler LWB saloon which I sold; mainly because of age, the gasoline prices and the use of it. Right now I am still enjoying my new XK. The ‘only’ disadvantage from having a Jaguar are the repair bills, so my next car will be the brand new Toyota Prius 2023. Take a look at that one too…(it’s a beauty too)!
Those LWB Daimlers are pretty special. Jaguar should bring back the line. My father has his XJ for over 20 years. He was sad to eventually let it go 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Yes, they are pretty special indeed. I bought the LWB type because of my children with longer legs than I have. I can remember they were angry when I sold the car, mainly because of the looks and wooden picknick tables inside. When I see one I still have some regrets, but the XK was a dream to, to fulfill.
Thank you for the intro to these speakers right in the sweet spot of my wallet with, by all accounts, an acoustic signature right in the sweet spot of my ears. I will look forward to possibly testing these in my own system. I alsi enjoyed your car choices, but alas, due to an eye injury, driving is no longer a coveted passtime. Have a great weekend and take care, Sir.
Always a pleasure to hear from you Simon. Please let me know how you get on if you hear them 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I certainly shall, Tarun. Thank you for your much appreciated reply.
Another Outstanding! And at a reasonably affordable price. Tarun, looks like you’ve hit a sweet spot. Great going.
Thank you 😊
Good to see a Q Acoustic product. They seem to be a good value for the money. Well done review.
Thank you Chris 👍
Fantastic review Tarun. I used to own the Q 3030is (absolutely LOVED them) but I gifted them to my son to enjoy and he loves them. These 5020's look excellent, I am wondering in your opinion how much they improve upon something like the 3030is? I am in the market and I know you do not hand out Outstanding ratings frequently, so I know these must be pretty amazing. Thanks for your time!
Thank you. I haven’t tried the 3030i but I really liked the 5020s 😊
Excellent review Tarun! I cannot compromise on muddy bass or a thin midrange, I can compromise on a slightly recessed treble, However if truth be told I want it all, and search far and wide for those "unicorn" products which perform at least competently across all three frequency ranges, such as Dynaudio Evoke 10 speakers, Hegel H120 amp and Ladder Schumann dac.
Thank you Connor 👍
As usual, a clear and concise review from, thank you keep it up man.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
As ever, Tarun, this review sounds (I imagine) like these speakers do - well balanced, detailed and enjoyable to listen to 👍😁👍. Thanks mate 😁😁😁
Thank you kindly 😊👍
❤Imaging is my priority, followed by resolution, clarity, layering, and soundstage depth all in that order❤
Thank you 😊
Q acoustics, one of the best value for money brand out there
I agree 👍
Hi Tarun, I'm still here, you just haven't really been reviewing anything that's in my wheelhouse lately, but I thought I'd say hi and also once again give you praise for the way you put your reviews together. I am a fan of your work and always will be..
@Audio456 You have no idea whether he is being paid or not. So, there is an assumption/allegation that you are now making without any knowledge. Everybody hears things differently. Reviewers are no different. It is one man's opinion and should be taken that way. You build trust in a community when your position aligns with other people who have heard the product In question, and that's where the trust in a review comes from.
Thank you Shane. I am currently doing a batch of more accessible gear 😊
Thanks as always!🙂
Seems like a nice speaker. One thing I wish more companies would do though is sealed speakers, really is limited choice in that department.🤔
Also agree. Like acoustic suspension NMST 15SE speaker from North Carolina at 2k.
Thank you. I guess it is due to the size the cabinet would need to be in order to get decent bass extension. There are some great small sealed boxes for nearfield listening 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 very true, still think they are missing a trick though. My DIY sealed bookshelf/small standmount speakers are good to 65Hz though in 12 litres, that's not F3, like literally flat. Think a lot of the problem is also due to popularity of bass reflex meaning most companies are building drivers best suited for such, took me a long time to find a driver suited truly for sealed that didn't need a very large box. With a lot more people choosing to run subwoofers these days though I'm actually quite surprised more companies haven't decided to do more sealed designs, I mean a lot of stuff even quite highly priced can measure pretty bad which shows that design stage can actually be quite rushed and not really engineered to the degree needed, sealed would kind of allow a bit more tolerance for companies who just don't commit to the standards they probably should. Heard a pair of Focal bookshelves recently to compare against my own build, lol, didn't even get to a comparison, they were absolutely horrendous.😂 Admittedly this speakers problem wouldn't have been fixed by being a sealed design, would be a whole crossover redesign, but it shows that even respected companies are quite sloppy these days at times.
Yep I'm with you on that one, look into some vintage speakers there are some great options there . I recently acquired a pair of Goodmans XB 25s and I almost fell out of my chair .
Another excellent review and as an avid motorcyclist, appreciate the car analogies. For music only, I prioritize non fussy speakers (more than one set), components, R2R and let go of an integrated and / or class D approach. For Home theater the opposite….I prioritize a less is more approach with powered speakers & related minimalism. Desktop…compromise on speakers and prioritize headphones and amp.
Thank you 👍
Nice review! Thanks
Regarding your question on requirements and compromises…
Imaging and open/accurate mid range very important
High SPL and bottom octave I could compromise on as long as the bass that is there is coherent. Ls3/5a’a for example have no deep bass but the bass they do have is tuneful and helps your brain to work out the rest!
Thank you 😊
Hi Tarun, another great review! It’s your reviews that has helped me immensely to building my system and currently looking at upgrading my power cables with Belden DIY. The technical insights and explanations you bring have clearly helped in making purchase decisions accurately. Thanks!
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Great review... as I really like the Qacoustics design approach/ethos, sound signatures, sonic capacities and compromises!
Especially as I like exploring most genres of music...so any speaker or systems that can happily replay both great and very poor quality recordings in a sonically pleasing, positive, engaging, detailed, emotional and musical way...that is the fundamental compromise I am happy to accept and live with.
Especially as exploring and streaming all types of cultural, traditional and new music from around the globe where naturally production quality can varies greatly....if systems are too detailed and revealling some music becomes very harsh, grating and painfull 😂
Thank you 😊
Good evening Tarun
I've not commented before but have been watching your reviews for a few months. I like your style and your honesty. Don't change either of those attributes!
My HiFi journey started when I was about 11 years old -- and now at 69, I've been at it for 'a while'
I've had many different setups - and today I have a pair of Martin Logan Electrostatics driven by some MF monoblocks.
Trying to characterise what I search for in terms of sound, (and having run a PA hire company in Birmingham during the Regae and Punk era), I'm looking for tight and extended Bass and with a lot of 'air' in the upper midrange.
I have a deep love of classical music -- full range, dynamic and detailled. from Bach to Mahler and everything inbetween.
My Wife is a Bass Guitarist -- so that also influences my choices.
My current setup gives a wonderful listening experience with a huge sound stage and 'air' in the playback of the Martin Logans (supported by some high quality 10" Sunfire subs with deep tight Bass.)
Listening to Eva Cassidy brings tears to the eyes. She is there in the room.
LIstening to AC/DC has an equaly absorbing -- but different impact. We am there at the concert.
Listening to Bach Cantatas takes me back to my time as a Cathedral Chorister and Organist. Tears once again!
No setup is 'perfect' because we change over time.
What I can't stand is anything 'Fake'
Sound reproduction has to be 'Honest' even if its not perfect.
I'm and Engineer and a Scientist - and have designed and built many types of live sound reproduction PA speakers in my time - using electronics technology to overcome issues or mechnical constraints.
My first pair of 'real HiFi speakers were the B&W DM5's closely followed by the Rogers LS3/5A's, which are still in our recording studio today 50 years later!
Keep doing what you do. Its interesting and enjoyable for those of us still on our HiFi journey.
(My next purchase is probably going to be some Q-Acoustic M20's for my 'Mac Desk')
Best wishes
Bruce
Prof. Dr Bruce Macaulay
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Bruce 😊
Thanks for the fantastic review. I am considering the 5010s (this speaker's little brother) as Surrounds to match my Concept 50s and Concept 90 centre channel. I have limited space and think the more diminutive 5010s should match the Concepts nicely due to the same tweeter design and included point-to-point bracing.
Thank you. Much appreciated. I think your logic is sound 😊👍
Great video as usual ❤
Wish I could try out all these speakers! Will stick with my Triangles for now though.
Agree with you on the Ford thing…they are a much better vehicle than 10 years ago
Thank you Lee 👍
Can’t go wrong with the Triangle trios
I remember when I first heard q acoustic my brother had the 3050i I was really impressed by them. I almost bought concept 40 but went with Kef q950s instead
Cool 😎
Great review yet again Tarun.
I still have the QA 2020i with QA stands. Great speakers especially the tweeter.
Thank you 😊
Hi Tarun. As usual another informative review.Thanx. To me it is the important lower midrange.
Thank you 😊
Sound stage and imaging I have found to be the aspect of sound I prioritise. Surprisingly, resolution (past a certain point) is what I am willing to pay to remain the same when upgrading kit.
Thank you 😊
Thank you again, Tarun! I prefer clarity, which my ATC Scm 19 provide, over a strong bass. I don't listen much to organ music, techno or reggae, so I can live with that and do not add a subwoofer which some reviewers, incl. you :), recommend.
Thank you 😊
I have the 11s I tried a rel sub it didn't work for me it was decaying the Atcs midrange as long as you have the right size Atc in the right size room you do not need subs to decay what Atc can do that's why they make bigger floor standing speakers for bigger rooms
@@justinparkman3585 thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
I had never heard of Q Acoustics until five years ago when I decided to get an AV system. I have 3010's all around in a 7.1 system. They lack base, but doesn't matter as i use with a sub (and have the option of a 2nd sub if needed).
While great for movies I have never been happy with it for music, so am still using my modest twenty year old hifi. Love how it sounds not had the urge to upgrade yet!
Thank you for sharing 😊
I have the Q M20's. The company seems to be on a roll. Like them so much I bought my girlfriend a pair.
That is great 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 just so you know, you are my favorite audio reviewer.
I have decided I will just have different speakers (easy since I buy used) I recently got some Mission 700 Leading Edge speakers (1985 injection molded mineral loaded polypropylene front baffle with closed enclosures) to satisfy the more detailed side of listening. They do not disappoint. Slightly less full midrange but a crazy lot of detail while not getting harsh at all. Also playing well at low levels. I may advise these Q acoustics to my brother in law, he is looking at KEF ls50's. These may be better.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Fantastic presentation! Thank you. Ordered Q A 5010's and Monitor Audio Radius 90's last night.
I have a really narrow room. I'm hoping to catch the dragon soon. Only have Dali Opticon 1 Mk. 2 left to try. lol
Where have I seen HiFi and Car journalism combined before? 🤔 Only L.J.K. Setright comes to mind. He had a sharp brain and a talent for writing interesting pieces on multiple subjects. Tarun... I really enjoy the way you talk about HiFi and Music and I look forward to your videos. Great work 👊🎶 if only you could point me in the direction of a pair of speakers to sonically match my LP12 & Quad 34 - 405-2 amps, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
Thank you Carlos. That speaker choice will need careful consideration and should be based on multiple factors, room acoustics, positioning, taste, etc..
Taran love and analogy, My car of chose for 40k American. Audi all the way.
Great review as always.
I like a very warn soothing sound with good bass but not all bass. I tend to like very good mid range. This speaks with my current reference. Paradigm Founders 80. Rega Aethos, and Chord Qutest.
You can hear every smooth and even exhausted note from Robert Plant. Page's whaling stings are separated with agility and form. You never have to look for him, that presentation is right there.
The vocals from Weyes Blood are reveling and almost personal... in this setup the bass is deep not upfront you almost feel it.
For the money these speakers would be hard to match.... I know I have tried.
Thank you Jason. Great to learn about your experiences 😊
Nice open! I'm enjoying your reviews.
Thank you 👍
Great review, as usual! I wonder, will it be a good match for Willsenton R8?
Thank you. I should try that 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 how do you compare it with emotiva b2+, dali oberon 3, jamo c93ii
which is good for music and which is good for movie
Another good review. Thanks!
As regards what I'm prepared to compromise, well, it has depended on my self-imposed limit of an absolute max of c.£1400 for a major component. Within that, I look for the best available, which is where guys I respect like you enter the scene in these times when listening tests in showrooms aren't really a viable option -- if ever they were. The best of you guys spell out for me the compromises to be considered. Priority for me goes to a full and rich midrange with a detailed 3D soundstage -- bass and extended treble, whilst desirable, aren't quite as important.
I bought my class A preamp based on another reviewer's verdict, and so far, it hasn't been embarrassed by progressively better ancillary gear. Same would also apply to my Dali Menuet SEs, which you recommended, were it not that after 9 month's total satisfaction I discovered I could build my own Decware ZF15M open baffle clones for £1.3K (theyr'e nearer £3.5-4K for the ready mades). Hence I didn't have to compromise because that natural, expansive, rich and open sound I'd been after (without fully realising it) was within my budget after all. So no fault of yours, rather my own ignorance at the time.
For the foreseeable future, I'll be restricting myself to inexpensive tweaks -- no more than around £100. But I'm still hooked on reviews. Weekends just wouldn't be the same without your dulcit tones, Tarun!
Thank you John. Great to learn about your experiences 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Yeah. I'm very content at the moment! 🙂
Might I suggest that you have a show or two on "inexpensive tweaks" sometime when you don't have major equipment to review? For example, I spent £54 recently on a pair of Taket Batpure supertweeters obtained from the European distributor in France (Ceres Electronique), delivered within a few days of ordering.
I personally find that (without altering overall sound signature), they make voices and instruments right across the frequency spectrum sound even more distinct/localised within the soundstage -- and hence that much more enjoyable. IMHO, one could easily spend ten times as much and still not get as much bang for the buck. Might not work for everyone, of course, but one has so little to lose.
I'd always imagined that when it comes to cars, Audiophiles simply prefer the one with the best sound system! I did enjoy owning some QA 3050
floorstanders previously - nice sound and well finished - so good to see less rigid rectangles sometimes! My priority is always detail, and living next
door to my elderly landlord, he's probably happy I compromise on bass and volume! Thanks Tarun! How about a driving album recommendation?
Thank you. Chris Rea is an obvious but great choice for driving 😊
These are the cheapest speakers I have bought by some margin, I love them especially after 100 hours improved markedly smoother highs deeper bass, and then added the QB 12 sub now I have a full range solution for £700 including 5 year warranty incredible value…
@@martinaston1715 thx for sharing 😊
Nice one Taran.
I like Q Acoustics, but IME do need a punchy, detailed amp. I would avoid entry-level Arcams/Marantzes as they share many of the Q Acoustics sonic traits. Get it right they are as good as any in that price point.
Think all hi-fi is a compromise, but what a nice dilemma to have - I've sacrificed a little bass extension as my previous speakers were the whopping PMC TB2i - very big standmounts.
As a petrol head, I've owned Alfa Romeos since 2006. Quite often referred my current system to a Alfa: Fun, precise and feel every bump in the musical journey
Thank you Richard. I still regret not buying an Lancia Delta Integrale when they were still affordable 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314
Probably the best car to have the Lancia badge. I'm a complete devotee for Alfas - very pretty, understated cars.
Another excellent video as always, very professional keep up the great work,the best audio reviewer on TH-cam
Thank you Mark. Much appreciated 😊👍
Hi Tarun, excellent, informative and inspiring as always. I find my listening room has governed a great deal of my equipment choices, even after some careful diffusion and treatment placement. Small room, so a pair of Spendor classic 4/5's won out in my feverish search for a speaker upgrade. But have to say, your videos have really helped me a great deal with understanding partnering, placement and ways how understanding the tech side can inform your choices! 🙏
Thank you. That is great to know 😊👍
It does improve bass response as children wont be able to push the driver caps in any more! Still happy with my Q acoustics Concepts for now
Good point 😊
Bought based on this excellent review ...
Great. I hope you enjoy them 😊👍
🤗 THANKS TARUN ,FOR SHARING YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND TASTES 😎💚💚💚
You are most welcome 👍
Thanks Tarun, very interesting!
I'm driving a Ford 😊 and listening to QA 3020i's 😊
I wonder how the 5020s compare to 3020s... would it be worth it to move to them?
I have owned Fords too. The 5020s will be a step up from the 3020is 😊
Hi Tarun, great review. Interesting they’ve finally followed Monitor Audio down the plugless path with different results. I’m willing to bet that electrolytic cap and iron core inductor form part of a second order filter for the bass and at the price you really can’t complain. They’ve done well on the tweeter.
For me it’s about control, especially in the bass. My systems have been tweaked repeatedly, as you know, in search of reduced noise and improved control at the expense perhaps of absolute tonal accuracy. I ventured away from this with the Harbeths but in my limited room they were not a success.
Thanks Mark. It was great to spend some time with you this weekend at NW Audio Show. Thank you for your continued support. I had to remove Audio456’s comments. He pops up now and again to criticise me and viewers. It is not acceptable and sorry you had to put up with it 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 agreed, a fantastic weekend, thanks. 😀👍
Thank you for including the information about the new midwoofer cone - it is important to learn and understand a bit more of the engineering and design. Interesting that this appears to be a pressed steel frame, and doesn't appear to have a vented pole piece; though the former does have vents below the spider, and the back of the spider is vented. And there is an aluminum "demodulation" ring - is this the same as a (copper?) shorting ring?
Yes, it serves the same purpose.
@@Grommet2007 Thanks for the confirmation.
Thank you Neil. I will have to go back to double check but I thought the woofer had a vented pole piece. They may be able to get away with not having one due to limited SPL capability 😊
Great review Tarun and an excelent bookshelf from QA!!!Is it possible to review the new Revela speaker from Quad!!!!???? Thanks and cheers from Argentina
Thank you. I may do that 👍
I prioritize frequency and clarity I make sure the frequency is lowest it can be for optimal attention thankyou
Thank you 😊
After seeing Erin’s audio corner review and data of these I’m glad to have the 3050i as that sparkly top end on these would be bad in a bright room
you also gave the QAcoustics-M20 powered speakers the same 'outstanding' review. Can you comment on the difference between this 5020 vs M20-active. Thanks Tarun.
I bought the M20 powered speakers after watching Tarun's review. They have a wonderful full sound, but, I would prefer it to be just a tad brighter. Audiophiles grimace if you mention tone controls, but I think they can be useful. The Cheap Audio Man reviewed the M20 and he wished it had tone controls. I have a sub-woofer connected to it. Still, I do enjoy listening to them. Brightness and clarity with some warmth is my preference.
The M20s are still unbeatable for the price but the 5020 are more resolving and tonally a little brighter 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Appreciate both comments. I guess the Iotavx SA3 tone controls can reduce brightness if it gets too fatigueing, although cheapaudioman rated the treble not as bright as AMT tweeter of Wharfedale Evo4.1
how does this compare to ae1 actives?
That may be close with the right amp 😊
Thanks Tarun!!! Great review. $1,399.99 CAD
Thank you 😊
Tarun, I so enjoy your reviews, especially that you compare the product under review to similarly priced competition. In my estimation, reviews without comparisons are merely adverts.
Hifi gear wise, I'm always looking for soundstage depth and the illusion of 3d. That valve thing. I'm willing to give up some deep bass (esp. since I live in a small apartment). Dry and or bright sounding are anathema to me.
Thank you Gerald 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ford Fiesta (I drive one, VW Golf (had 2) of Jaguar. Bust I wish audio gear had some style not just black or silver boxes. Think Kalista CD player.
Hi Tarun , great review as usual, i have these 5020's, run them in for about 2 weeks using my cambridge audio azur 851a. I found they need to be played loud to get the best out of them, also they need good recordings anything thin sounding should be avoided .The soundstage , 3 dimension image and the musical performance is excellent, i also have a pair of Quad s2's but to my ears the q acoustics are slightly better although the Quads have slightly deeper bass. The q acoustics also have great space around instruments and vocals but they do need running in well .
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
I'm a little surprised by the findings in this review, particularly as others who have reviewed them have commented negatively about treble lift both subjectively and when measured, makes me wonder if there are some batch differences, btw I'm not biased against QA having had several pairs of their speakers and currently own 2 pairs of M20s.
Thank you for sharing. There was no obvious treble lift in the one I heard 😊
If i must take chose engagning speaker or natural sounding speaker i will chose engaging. That said, a speaker can of course be both.
Also tight bass > deep bass. :)
Ford Focus are underrated!
Thank you 😊
I would love to hear from you, in the future, how Rotel a11 compares with your other amplifiers.
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Terrific review--elevated in no small way by your detailed discussion of the design process. Understanding design objectives and compromises is far more interesting, at least to me, than how moved you were by listening to a particular recording.
I prioritize experiencing the music over any specific audiophile qualifications. By "experiencing" I mean not only pace, rhythm, attack, and timing (thanks, Herb Reichert) but also replicating in some fashion the physical weight generated by music. I'm less interested in "accuracy" than many reviews tell me I should be. Does my foot start tapping or do I want to dance when the recording starts is more important to me than how closely the system replicates the sounds created in a studio and/or a performance space. Thanks!
Thank you kindly Mike. I suspect my preferences very much mirror yours 😊👍
Thank you for the great video, won't it be interesting when A.I and Quantum computers start to be involved in Hi-Fi development
Thank you. That would be cool 😎
I just found your channel and think it is absolutely awesome. I really appreciate the way that you present. I live in the states specifically Florida and have a large computer table to upgrade my near field speakers. I’m running good amplification and subwoofer, but I absolutely cannot make up my mind between the monitor 50s and the Q acoustics 5020. I’ve looked at both of your reviews over and over again and still can’t decide. I need some advice, help… which one should I go with?
Thank you Gregory. Much appreciated. I suspect your choice will come down to personal taste and equipment matching. The Silver 50s have more detail but the 5020s have more bass and dynamics 😊👍
Thank you so much for replying so promptly you’re awesome! Well there you have it. I have a nice sub hooked up to my system so I’ve got the low end taken care of so it looks like it’s going to be the monitor silver 50s. Thank you so much and by the way, I have subscribed and watch every new TH-cam you put out.!
TO YOUR QUESTION…PERSONALLY ,QUALITY OF BUILD AND SOUND…2ND NEW FEATURES…3RD I LOVE ❤️ METERS AND A GOLD FRONT, AND SWITCHABLE COLORS LED LIGHTS, with a Dimmer-able lighting 🤗💚💚💚
Thank you 😊
As much as I like super crystal clarity sound, I would sacrifice that for a warmer sound that I can listen to all day long (due to potential harsh sibilance)
Some speakers not considered warm give you clarity without the harsh sibilant sounds. I've also heard speakers with warmth but also sibilance/glare in the upper mids and treble. System matching and room also contribute.
@@nc3419 True, I was speaking in general terms. Most often I end up keeping speakers with a laid back presentation and sacrifice super resolving or analytical.
@@alexanderg26 I'm actually more satisfied with budget speakers that do more right than wrong and are easy to drive and sound fine at all SPLs I listen at, day or night.
Currently, Martin Logan 15i, Triangle Zetas and Dali Opticon 1s. Pair with a sub and nothing missed.
@@nc3419 nice choices
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks Tarun, I always enjoy your presentations- lovely pace and clear voice ❤
These speakers may sound good but they look like a loaf of bread 😛
Whole wheat bread 😁 Bread is good for you.
Thank you kindly 👍
Hi Tarun, wonderful comprehensive review. I am choosing beetween QAcoustics 5020 and Acoustic Energy 100/2 for my second smaller setup in the study room. They would sit on a sideboard. Which if the two would you recommend? Thank you and continue with your great content! Cheers from Vienna.
@@MarioKaya thank you kindly. How about the Monitor Audio Silver 50s? They are a better size for that setup 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you very much for your input. 👍
Excellent review as usual. Do you think a QA 5020 and Atoll IN80 Signature combo would be good?
Thank you. On paper, yes 👍
Wow these look very interesting
Cool 😎
Great review 👍
Thank you 😊
Thanks for another excellent review.
Thank you Jim 😊👍
@@Audio456 Its a subjective evaluation at a certain place and time. You don't know how good something can get for the money until you hear it.
8:14 nice demo of what Purifi woofers try to solve wrt the surround geometry
I would go as far as the most realistic reproduction of music my budget allows . To me that means everything should sound natural. Body, tone , texture , energy , transparency ,inside a coherent ,spacious and realistic soundstage . Nothing in excess . The system should be able to convey all complexity of the music in an effortless way . I mainly listen to classical/instrumental and jazz /blues. I think I am getting a taste with my current system 😊
Thank you 😊
Thanks very much for the excellent review Tarun, a treat to watch your videos. A small question will these speakers pair well with Yamaha RN-602 that I have. If not what is the closest in your view for typically Indian and Pop and trance music. Thanks in advance
Thank you kindly. It is hard to predict how the 5020s will pair with the RN-602. The speakers are moderately easy to drive 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks very much Tarun, relived to know they are easy to drive.
Thanks for the great as always review! Just wondering how they compare to the Concept 300 that you reviewed previously? Thanks.
1) bass 2) vocals 3) so that the sound is thick, not thin
Thank you 👍
Here's a question: Given that the M20's are price-competitive, does the improvement in sound quality when stepping "over" to the 5020's justify the implicit added expense of needing to purchase amplification for the latter? (I'll go back and watch the review again in case I missed a mention of this.)
The M20 are excellent for the money but these a re a step up in performance with the right amplifier 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Very possibly my second-favourite review of yours to date (after the Argon 1's).
FWIW, the 50-year old caps in the pair of Pioneer CS-44s that I acquired recently measured within 10% of their published spec.... :-)
Cool 😎
Noticed the CEN.GRAND DSDAC 1.0. Review coming? ;)
Well spotted 😉
Hi Tarun, great review as always. Just wanted to ask you one question. I am soon going to get speakers for my room so I want to ask if you can recall about few things. I am torn between Q Acoustics 5020 and Acoustic Energy AE300. Considering my room is 10sqm and I can’t get speakers more than 25-30cm away from wall do you maybe recall which speaker would work better in that situation? I will most probably pair them with Marantz PM7000N or Audiolab 6000A. For now I heard only AE300/Marantz combo and it sounded very nice in store but just wanted to gather some information before going for a second listen. Thank you very much in advance and have a great day :)
The AE300 may work better close to walls 😊
Perfection in a loudspeaker is probably not realistic, but it could be possible. Close anyway. One would have to use a simple first order crossover to achieve this.
In a first-order, both drivers are at zero phase in their PASS bands, and at 90 degrees in their STOP bands. (Close, anyway. The only places either of them truly reach 0 or 90 is at DC and at infinity, both of which are well outside the audio band.)
However, when either driver is at 90, the output amplitude is ZERO, by definition, so it contributes nothing to the sound. Its major contribution comes within its PASS band, where its phase is close to zero.
Now, in between DC and infinity, both drivers make a contribution depending on the frequency relative to the crossover frequency. In a first-order, they are ALWAYS 90 degrees out of phase, regardless of the frequency, and they ALWAYS sum to unity and zero phase. If this isn't clear, you need to look into the math (including complex variables and vector addition).
At the crossover point, for example, one driver is at .707, +45, and the other is at .707, -45, as I stated previously. Due to the fact that this is vector addition, they sum to unity at zero phase. And they do this not only at the crossover frequency, but at every single point from DC to infinity. The first-order is the only crossover that does this.
If you wish to prove this to yourself, it is easily proved by doing some math. If you want to avoid the math, it can still be proved by simply drawing sine waves. First, draw a single sine wave with amplitude of 1.0 and any phase you choose. Next, draw two identical sine waves, each of amplitude .707, one shifted 1/8 wavelength to the left of the original one, and one shifted 1/8 wavelength to the right. Now simply sum their values. What you will find in that the summation is an EXACT replica of the original sine wave, in both phase and amplitude.
This principle works the same way with speakers. As long as your ear is equidistant from the two drivers, you will be utterly unable to distinguish the crossover. This is because the output summation IN THE AIR is identical to the original signal (in both time and amplitude), no matter what the frequency. (Again, this is true of the first-order only!)
Now, it must be said that the real world is not so perfect, and most drivers have rolloff-related and impedance-related phase shifts that add into the equation, giving a less-than-perfect end result. For this reason, designing a good first-order crossover is harder than it sounds.
You're not going to get there at $600.00
Thank you for sharing. Good stuff 👍
Love my Q Acoustics 3030i speakers. The 5020's are nearly 400 dollars more per pair than the 3030i's. Do you think there is 400 dollars worth of audible resolution, clarity, depth, soundstage, bass extension vs my current set of 3030i's?
I could totally see myself doing a trade-in of my current set of 3030i's for the 5020's if it really is night and day.
Currently running a Cambridge AXR85 with iFi Zen Streamer+Zen Dac along with a Drop Audio Technica Carbon VTA turntable. Not sure if my next upgrade should be amp or speakers I feel like the Cambridge amp has so much more headroom it drives the 3030i's effortlessly.
The AT Drop Carbon VTA turntable is excellent my friend thought I was playing a CD when I demoed my speakers but it was the turntable playing RHCP Stadium Arcadium on vinyl.
The iFi streamer has been a little buggy but I love the audio quality. I have had to factory reset it twice since I've owned it to fix issues with it not playing streams or cutting out mid stream however so far its been fine lately.
I haven’t spend any time with the 3030i but hope to review the new 3030c and compare to the 5020s 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Awesome looking forward to the review when it happens! That will certainly be an interesting comparison. Really only appears to be a difference in potentially cabinet and likely crossover component quality between the 3030c and 5020s. If that's all it is then it might be one of the best ways to hear the difference construction material and crossover parts can make while using the same drivers.
Thank you Tarun
Thank you for watching 😊
I generally love Tarun’s review.
Counting on his golden ears and audio experience to flesh out interesting insights which he generally does but I’m having trouble with this one.
How does one reconcile Tarun’s enthusiastic review to what Erin’s Audio Corner has reported?
Anechoic data and subjective testing appears to show many problem areas with this speaker.
Tarun’s subjective review’s without some backing data to see if a product is behaving as it should might have run its course.
Brian
Hi Brian, I don’t watch other reviews at or around a time when I have something in for review. That way I can report my honest findings without influence. Objective data is useful to highlight problems in a design. It is an involved process, if done correctly and to be of value. Erin does a great job. I have now watched his review. It is possible I have missed something but his findings are so different to mine and clearly audible that I suspect there may have been an issue with his sample. Also, they are very much out of kilter with what you typically get from Q Acoustics speakers.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hello Tarun, thank you for taking the time to respond.
You’re the man 🙂
Noted and understood,
Brian