Q Acoustics loves designing high-quality entry-level speakers that are affordable and always exceed expectations. The Q Acoustics 3020 is definitely one of them, a bookshelf speaker with exceptional sonic performance for the price. Just look at the number of accolades it has garnered over the years, the high ratings from satisfied owners. It is a wonderful and versatile speaker that you can either use in a stereo audio system or as part of a surround home theater setup.
If you are one of the satisfied owners of Q Acoustics 3020, looking for a matching amplifier that can make your speakers shine, then look no further. For we will be sharing with you the best matching amps that you can use to power these talented standmounters. Before we start listing the amps out, let’s find out more about the sound characteristics and merits of the 3020, with this knowledge, we will be able to pair with a compatible amplifier to suit your hearing preference.
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Sound Characteristics and Merits of Q Acoustics 3020
Their predecessor the Q Acoustics 2000 series is really good, but the 3000 series are even better. The speaker cabinets of the 3020 follow closely with the design of the higher-end Concept 20 which improves the sonic performance of the bookshelf speaker. The drive units are an improved version as well, with the 25mm (1 inch) treble unit providing wider dispersion with lower distortion highs over its predecessor and not to mention the new cone material used for its 125mm (5 inch) bass unit that is Kevlar. The bass port is still located at the back of the now more rigid speaker cabinet of 3020.
At this price point, for a compact size bookshelf speaker, the Q Acoustics 3020 has an impressive frequency response of 64Hz – 22kHz, showing that it could dig deep into the bass region. The sensitivity of the speaker is quite low, as it is only 88dB. The recommended power requirement may start from 25 Watts onwards to 75 Watts, it will probably be wise to get matching high-quality amplifiers that have a power output of at least 50 Watts per channel. Unless you are thinking to add in a powered sub, then probably you can get slightly lower powered amps. With speaker grills on, the Q Acoustics 3020 does look like Concept 20 which is a good thing as you can easily pair it with most modern amplifiers without worrying about the aesthetic aspects of amplifier matching.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3020 Bookshelf Speakers (Graphite)
What an impressive soundstage size, never expect coming from an entry-level bookshelf speaker such as the 3020, Q Acoustics have certainly outdone themselves yet again. The imaging is accurate and with layers of texture which makes the music listening experience realistic and entertaining. There are plenty of details as well, it may not be as transparent as the higher-end or more expensive models. Still, the dynamics and resolution are enough for us to enjoy listening to them for hours, more importantly not feeling any listener fatigue either.
The bass output is decent and doesn’t sound muddle or have any sign of boominess even when the music starts to get busy. The low ends don’t really have the weight and punch though but the rest of the high frequency is natural and smooth. It doesn’t have the hardness to the treble as well. These are all expected from bookshelf speakers of this size, it is quite apparent that you should pair Q Acoustics 3020 with a subwoofer. Integrating a subwoofer into the mix, may open up the speakers, make it sound more exciting, and potentially sounding bright. Having a subwoofer is an option but not a necessity.
The Q Acoustics 3020 are neutral warm sounding speakers which are easy on the ears without been overly exaggerated and colored. It also has that approachable nature when pairing with most amplifiers. With this sound quality, we believe the 3020 will be terrific surround speakers as well. Now we know their merits as well as their sonic characteristics, it is time to find which are the best amplifiers that you can match them with.
Q Acoustics 3020 Specifications
- Speaker Type: 2-way reflex (rear port)
- Drive Units: Treble unit 1 inch (25mm), Bass unit 5 inch (125mm)
- Frequency Response: 64Hz-22kHz
- Recommended Power: 25-75 Watts
- Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms (min. 4 Ohms)
- Sensitivity: 88dB
- Dimensions (H x D x W): 260mm x 170mm x 226mm, 10.2″ x 6.7″ x 8.9″ (Cabinet)
- Full Dimensions (H x D x W): 264mm x 170mm x 237mm, 10.4″ x 6.7″ x 9.3″ (Overall)
- Weight: 4.6kg (10.1lbs)
Best Amplifiers to match with Q Acoustics 3020
Arcam FMJ A19 will be an amazing amplifier partner for your Q Acoustics 3020. As not only FMJ A19 can deliver big sound with authority, it is also a revealing amplifier that can dig out subtle details from your favorite tunes. This magnificent amplifier brings more bite onto the table, and when partnering with the 3020, the sound system delivers an amazingly bold and detailed music delivery. This award-winning integrated amplifier is more than worthy for your Q Acoustic standmounters, the only qualm we have is that it doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer output.
More Details at Amazon – Arcam FMJ A19 Integrated Amplifier
The Marantz PM6006 is another top amplifier choice for the 3020 bookshelf speakers, with exceptional stereo imaging and detailed music delivery. The spacious soundstage that both the amp and speaker projects will immediately pull you in as you just relax and enjoy your favorite songs for hours on end. The sound signature of the Marantz PM6006 are well suited for Q Acoustic 3020 and other models. Definitely worth it to have an audition with them and hear them out.
More Information at Amazon – Marantz PM6006 Integrated Amplifier
Denon PMA-800NE is a talented integrated amplifier that will play well with Q Acoustics 3020, it has more than enough power to drive the bookshelf speakers to their fullest potentials. They are highly rated by their customers and even though Denon is famous for their AV receivers, the PMA-800NE has better sound quality when it comes to music playback. Their price range is quite similar as well. Denon PMA-800NE is more neutral-sounding than the Marantz amps and with a tad of warmth. The Denon amplifier and the Q Acoustics 3020 speakers combination would have made them a perfect all-rounder sound system if only the amp has a dedicated sub output.
More Details at Amazon – Denon PMA-800NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
For vinyl enthusiasts and users who are planning to try out analog sources, you might want to check out Rockville BluTube 70 Watts tube amplifier. The neutral warm sounding Q Acoustics 3020 will work seamlessly well with this tube amp. More importantly, the price point of the Rockville BluTube tube amplifier is very affordable and with a small upgrade fee, you can have a subwoofer output and optical too. This makes it very friendly for audiophiles who want to enter the world of vinyl sound. This is also probably the most value for money speaker and amp combination for analog playback.
More Info at Amazon – Rockville BluTube SG 70W Tube Amplifier
This talented pair of bookshelf speakers will integrate seamlessly with most modern brands of AV receivers but going with either Denon and Marantz will be better as both brands’ higher-end AVR models have Audyssey MultEQ XT32. This is probably the best room-correction technology currently on the market, as not only it will ensure the best sonic performance coming from your Q Acoustics 3020 in any room, it will also blend in the supplemented bass from your subs seamlessly. Allowing your Q Acoustics 3020 to ‘sound like’ full-range speakers. It may lose some warmth and sound leaner but this also means a more audible treble response from your favorite speakers.
More Information at Amazon – Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel
There are other amazing brands of amplifiers that you can match your Q Acoustic 3020 speakers with such as Audiolab, Hegel Music System, etc., but just like Arcam, it could be a bit too big of a difference in pricing. Still for the sound quality and performance is worth the investment. If you prefer to add more ‘brightness’, you can always go for Rotel or Yamaha amplifiers. The speakers may be neutral enough to go for dark-sounding amps but it is best to audition them first as the overall music delivery may sound too dull.
More Details at Amazon – Yamaha RX-A880
To Sum It Up
Q Acoustics 3020 is one of the best entry-level bookshelf speakers anyone can go for, whether you want to use them for your stereo music setup, as desktop speakers, and/or surround speakers for your home cinema system. Their approachable nature makes them quite easy to match with most amplifiers out on the market unless you have specific requirements. The amplifiers are some of the best matching amplifiers you can go for and would recommend you to audition them, have a listen and probably use that as references to look for more amplifiers for your Q Acoustics 3020 speakers.
