Q Acoustics are a name that has fast become cemented within the Hi-Fi industry as a multi-award winning & highly regarded speaker brand. We take their new Concept 30 speakers for a spin.
Relatively speaking they are a young company, having first surfaced in 2006 with their first speaker range, the 1000 series, they have come along in leaps and bounds since then. Now you’re here because you want to find out about the Concept 30 speakers, so please read on to find out my thoughts!
From the moment you take the Concept 30’s out of the box, you’re aware that these speakers aren’t messing around. The weight of the cabinets, the fit and finish are genuinely something you from a speaker 2 or 3 times this price point. In their ‘silver’ finish, they look modern, crisp & beautifully styled (personal opinions of course!). You’re immediately aware of just how much attention Q Acoustics have paid to these speakers in the design phase, even the binding posts are beautifully manufactured. They come with magnetically attachable grills that fit perfectly, but if you’re a grill off kinda person, you’ll be greeted with seamless aesthetics as there are no lugs for the grills to fit into. The front baffle of the speakers has a lovely aluminium section inset into the speakers gloss painted cabinet, with a subtle Q logo printed on.
Talking of the cabinet Q Acoustics have implemented something they call ‘Gel Core’. In a nutshell, this technology comprises of a non-setting gel sandwiched between two individual layers of the cabinet. By using this technology Q Acoustics have been able to effectively dissipate high-frequency vibrations, generated by the drivers into heat. This then gives a much more precise and focused sound stage.
The Q Acoustic Concept 30 excels in every area, making them outstanding all-rounders.
With the speakers placed on an appropriate set of stands (bespoke stands also available) and wired into our reference amp & streamer I get stuck into some of my favourite tunes. To start I played ‘Fever’ by Dua Lipa through my stream service of choice Tidal. This is a track I’ve listened to countless times on a number of systems, so I’ve got a very good idea how it should sound, and how it shouldn’t.
What is instantly recognisable from the Concept 30’s is how much space and clarity the higher frequencies are given. Dua Lipa has a great voice that’s very well resolved here. Bass is given plenty of weight and authority, without getting too boomy. All the layers of the track are delivered confidently, without sounding brash or soft. There’s a fantastic sense of rhythm and dynamics from these speakers, which really lets you enjoy the track.
The next track comes from Kelly Lee Owens called ‘Love You’ve Got’. This track is more demanding compared to the first, with more nuanced percussion, and some great sound design that can be tricky to get right, as on some systems this track can sound cold & hard-edged. I’m pleased to say that the Concept 30’s tread just the right line of sparkle without becoming fatiguing.This track really highlights the Concept 30’s tenacity to hang onto the timing, rhythm & dynamics of a track. It’s a sound you just want to turn up!
Finally my last track I auditioned on the Concept 30’s is ‘I Can’t Stop’ by Dabeull. This track is a recent production, but harks back to 80’s funk/disco music. It’s an inviting track that has seductive vocals & brilliant layering, with lots of real instruments throughout the production. This is where the Concept 30’s perhaps come slightly un-done, as their innate precise nature leaves you wanting an extra dose of smoothness. It doesn’t sound cold or clinical, it’s just that they leave you wanting that bit of extra ‘oomph’.
Overall the Concept 30’s from Q Acoustics are an excellent choice for those wanting a dynamic, clear and detailed listen. They may not be the most ‘fun’ speakers on the market, but they more than make up for this with their tenacity and ability. To hear for yourself, why not give your local Richer Sounds store a call to book in a demo!
Author: Aaron, Bournemouth Store
