When Q Acoustics introduces Concept 20 into the world of HiFi, it immediately garnered rave reviews from critics and audiophiles. Not to mention, the long list of accolades it has won, it is indeed an impressive pair of bookshelf speakers with such a low price point. The affordability of Concept 20 is just one of the main attractions, the sound quality is immaculate as well.
The Q Acoustics Concept 20 requires an equally amazing amplifier to shine if you are a proud owner of these amazing speakers and are looking for the best matching amplifier that you can pair with them. Look no further, as we will be listing out the best amps for Q Acoustics Concept 20 and firstly we will be sharing with you the speakers’ sound characteristics as well as their strengths. It is important to find out more about them so that we can know which amplifier best matches them.
Table of Contents
Sound Characteristics and Strengths of Q Acoustics Concept 20
It is important that you get the Concept 20 Stands as they are specially designed and made for the Concept 20 speakers. Not only it will help with the overall sound quality, but the Concept 20 stands also improve the aesthetic look of the speakers and make them look luxurious. You can easily pair them with most modern amplifiers and also integrate them in most homes without feeling out of place. The design and build of the cabinet also greatly improves the sound quality, significantly minimizes cabinet resonance. The Concept 20 cabinet also ensures that their drive units perform their very best.
More Information at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20 (White)
Concept 20 is a 2-way reflex speaker type, with the port located at the back of the speaker. If you need to place them near to a wall, the provided Port Bungs may help with taming the bass response. It has a 25mm (1 inch) treble drive unit and a 125mm (5 inch) bass unit. Q Acoustics Concept 20 has a frequency response of 64Hz-22kHz which is good for a speaker of this size. The recommended power is 25-75 Watts, but with a sensitivity of 88dB and a nominal impedance of 6 Ohms (min. 4 Ohms), it is recommended to get amplifiers with a power output of more than 50 Watts. With these details, we have filtered down to a selection of potential amps and now we will find out more about their sound characteristics to further shortlist the best matching amps.
We are immediately taken aback by the clarity of the sound reproductions, it is clean and filled with details. The high-resolution sound presentation is such a fun listen and never sounding clinical. Q Acoustics Concept 20 is agile and accurate, delivering a refined music presentation and never losing composure when the music starts to get busy. For the size, Concept 20 is capable of reproducing a spacious soundstage. The vocals are natural sounding as well.
As expected, the bass output loses out to bigger speakers but there is quality in them. Rich and detailed bass, able to reach deep into the bass extension. Q Acoustics Concept 20 are versatile speakers that can handle most genres of music, due to the finesse and tight control in music delivery. They are able to keep up no matter how fast and complex the music is, and slow down when needed. A truly entertaining pair of bookshelf speakers, the Q Acoustics Concept 20 can even rival speakers that cost more than them. At this price point and with this level of sound performance, we really can’t complain. If we were to nitpick, probably will be the low-frequency response but that can be easily rectified by integrating a subwoofer into the mix.
You can listen to Concept 20 for hours without feeling fatigued as they are not too harsh/bright sounding speakers. This pair of bookshelf speakers will require breathing space around them, the wide dispersion of the treble drive does help in providing a wider sweet spot and not too strict with the toe in position. Now we have all the data, it is time to introduce the best matching amps that you can go for and pair them with Q Acoustics Concept 20.
Q Acoustics Concept 20 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 255mm, 10.2″ x 6.7″ x 10″ (Cabinet)
- Full Dimensions (H x D x W): 260mm x 170mm x 280mm, 10.2″ x 6.7″ x 11″ (Overall)
- Weight: 5.6kg (12.3lbs)
Best Amps to match with Q Acoustics Concept 20
The Marantz PM7005 has that signature house sound which plays well with Q Acoustics Concept 20. The PM7005 is slightly more punchy than most of the Marantz amps which won’t make the overall sound delivery too laid back. This integrated amp has sufficient power to drive the Concept 20 speakers, and the sweet-sounding reproduction will leave you wanting more. It is recommended to audition them first before deciding, especially if you are not too fond of warm-sounding amps.
More Details at Amazon – Marantz PM7005 High Class Integrated Amplifier
Rega Elex-R is probably the best amp to match with the Concept 20 speakers, it has more than enough power to drive these speakers to their fullest potential. The amplifier also adds more weight and punch to the bass response, which does make the overall music delivery sound more exciting. The rhythmic nature and the agility of Rega Elex-R also help with injecting more energy into the overall sound, reproducing a fun music presentation without losing any details or compromising accuracy. Definitely deserve your time to check them out and hear how smooth and relaxing this Elex-R amp can sound.
More Info at Amazon – Rega Elex-R Integrated Amplifier
If you want more brightness in your overall sound reproduction, then you might want to go for Yamaha A-S701. It brings more liveliness into your music presentation. The high power output of this amplifier will easily drive your Q Acoustics Concept 20, reproducing clean and transparent sound reproduction. It is insightful and revealing but never sounding too clinical. With the pairing of Concept 20 speakers, the sound system will deliver a faithful presentation of your favorite tunes. For those who are used to warm-sounding amplifiers, you might want to hear Yamaha A-S701 first before making a final decision.
More Details at Amazon – Yamaha A-S701BL Integrated Amplifier (Black)
Audiolab 6000A will be another amazing amplifier that you can match with your Q Acoustics Concept 20 standmounters. The matching speakers and amp reproduce natural beautiful sounding vocals, which is absolutely amazing if most of your favorite tunes are vocal-based. It has a wide and spacious soundstage where the instruments are accurately placed, the performances played out are almost lifelike as if they were really there. Simply an enjoyable listen, you need to hear the sweetness of the sound reproduction yourself. Integrate a subwoofer via the pre-out, and you will have an incredible full-range sound system.
More Info at Amazon – Audiolab 6000A 100-watt Stereo Integrated Amp
Planning to use Q Acoustics Concept 20 as desktop speakers and nearfield music listening, then the NAD D 3045 will be the best amplifier for you. The compact size of the amplifier makes it easy to be placed on any desktop and even bookshelves. Don’t let the size fool, NAD D 3045 is a powerful digital amplifier with 60 Watts of power per channel and with reserves that can handle music peaks. The integrated DAC that comes with D 3045 is handy when playing back digital sources and along with the phono (MM) connection, makes it a very versatile amplifier for your Q Acoustics Concept 20 speakers.
More Details at Amazon – NAD D 3045 Hybrid Digital DAC/Amplifier
Thinking of using the Q Acoustics Concept 20 as the left and right main speakers of a home theater setup? Then you might want to get Denon AV receivers as they will be great for both movies and music playback, not to mention the Audyssey MultEQ that comes with them. Yamaha AV receivers will be another amazing AVR choice if you want a little more transparency and brightness in your sound reproduction. But if you are going to connect a subwoofer to your HT system and are very particular with the sub calibration, you might probably just want to stick with Denon AVR. Some subwoofers such as JL Audio powered subs Fathom F110v2 which has a Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system that helps to optimize the subwoofer’s in-room frequency response. With JL Audio’s D.A.R.O. system, you can opt for other brands of AVRs.
More Information at Amazon – Denon AVR-S960H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel
If you are interested in more bright-sounding amps, then do check out Rotel which produces high-quality amplifiers that are bright and lean sounding. The Rotel amps are considered high quality and yet not that high priced.
To Sum It Up
The listed amplifiers here are some of the best amps you can match with your Q Acoustics Concept 20 and they are definitely worth the trouble to audition them. You can also use the amplifiers as references while you are out searching for more best matching amplifiers. If you need more bass output with more punch and impact, try finding amplifiers that have a dedicated subwoofer output so that you can connect to an active sub. Q Acoustic has its own line of subwoofers and you should check out their Q B12 which features a 12 inch bass drive unit.
