It’s always an exciting time following the Bristol Hi-Fi Show in February, when a raft of new products start hitting our shelves. Q Acoustics’ latest arrivals are always worth a browse considering the success of their previous speaker ranges.
The Q2000i series was a knockout range, great as both Hi-Fi or Home Cinema speakers. Noted for their combination of neat aesthetics and big yet detailed sound, the Q2050i was one of our best selling floorstanding speakers of the last few years and it’s not hard to see why.
The Q3050s are available in an even wider range of finishes than their predecessors.
So what’s changed with the company’s new 3050 range? Well quite a lot actually. First of all, Q Acoustics have hit the nail right on the head by refreshing their look whilst maintaining a recognisable design. The addition of magnetic grills, rear mounted speaker terminals and a very clean front facia all combine to give them a very neat but professional appearance.
They’ve kept with their popular finishes of Graphite, Walnut, Gloss Black and Gloss White but have added a Black Leather finish too. Time will tell as to how popular that addition is but it’s nice to see companies trying these unique styles.
All new Aramid fibre/paper drivers plus a more structurally isolated tweeter are the most obvious improvements, but under the skin there have been revisions to the cabinet bracing, a new plinth and improved crossover components.
What’s very evident first of all is that the 3050 pick up where the 2050i left off by still offering a very big sound and fun listening experience. Listening to Norah Jones’ ‘Turn Me On’ we are immediately aware of the same richness and fullness of sound we got from the 2050i. Switching back to the older 2050i made clear the improvements in control between all the frequencies (especially the mid-range) that Q Acoustics has achieved with the newer model with the subtleness of the percussion is particularly clearer.
The award-winning Q2050i speakers sets the bar high for the new 3050s.
Moving onto Sylvan Esso’s ‘Hey Mami‘, it’s clear that none of the punch and power has been lost in the improvements made for the 3050s. The bass shines through without being muddled as can be evident when comparing to the 2050i. Composure of the new range is obvious too with attack and detail prevalent without being brash or harsh. Handclaps snap vibrantly and the staccato vocal melody never becomes too bright.
Overall, there’s a greater sense of all-round class and maturity in the 3050 speakers. Unsurprisingly it looks like Q Acoustics have another product to sit at the top of its division in the market and judging by the smiles on our faces when listening, it also seems entirely deserved. Shop online, or come experience them for yourself in our home-styled demo room and prepare to be impressed!
Author – Steve, Bristol store
