Q Acoustics 3030i Speakers Review

[@recoveringartist]

I've recently upgraded my whole audio system after years of making do. Seems a curiously male orientated fascination. Hunting for the subtleties of better sound. That's a debate for another time. Maybe it's the gear..the boxes..the machinery? I digress. I listened to your review of these speakers and bought a pair based on your summary. I had a pair of Mercury F1's for years in my bedroom...where I play my music. The 3030i set up transformed the sound from my Audiolab 6000A and CD transport, Project Evo deck too. Deeper, richer, fully formed. Couldn't be happier at the evolution! Thank you for the Audiolab reviews too! They all helped.

[@jimconlin5546]

My 3030i arrived yesterday. so glad i found your video...yet to set them up as stands still to arrive. cant wait now given the praise in your review.

[@russdavies9686]

I just bought the 3030i speakers and I couldn't be happier. I paired them with the Cambridge AXA35 amp and the Fluance RT 83 turntable and the clarity of sound blew my mind. I used to have a Kenwood KA 5700 amp, a Transcriptor by JA Mitchell Engineering turntable & Jensen 25 floor speakers and, at least to me, this new set- up sounds much better. No, it won't make the dishes rattle in the cupboard but that's not what I'm looking for now.

[@majk2006]

I just bought the speakers based on your review, and all I can say is that I'm not disappointed at all. They work very well with my old Onkyo av receiver. If I could describe the speakers with only two words that would be - very pleasant. Cheers.

[@inkermanplatoon2210]

Hi Paul… as I Mentioned on your 3020i Video I did purchase them and have been over the moon with them… however I noticed these for £274 brand new and what you said “took about 3 seconds to notice the difference” really made me pull the trigger, they will be here tomorrow! Thanks so much buddy 🤟🏻

[@NipponKiwi]

Great Video Again Mr Rigby I Learnt Heaps! Just Finished Opening Our Presents & I Was Lucky Enough To Get A Pair Of 3020is From My Wife! I Am The Happiest Guy In The World Today! LOL! Cheers From New Zealand

[@jalfrezi117]

Thanks for your excellent review, I ordered these speakers with the stands yesterday to go with a Denon PMA 600 amp and Denon DCD 800 CD player. Can't wait for them to arrive now 👍

[@kevin_m]

How did it turn out? Hope you liked them. Considering these in 2024.

[@andreassouth1523]

Excellent review.I'm not into forward (in your face)sounding speakers. So i bought a month ago Q 3030i with Yamaha a-s 501.I was very worry maybe the sound turn out to be too bright for me.Ηappily the sound is laid back.The highs are crystal but not offencive,the mids are warm and revealingly and the bass deep and strong (in my room).In some movies bass gets very low frequencies like a subwoofer!The whole room is shaking!!So i don't have to spend more money for a subwoofer. Like i said i was worry about the synergy between them but Yamaha A-S 501 proved to be a true gem.

[@RP-ms7lu]

Excellent review. Very honest and explained the different areas of sound . Now i have to buy Q 3030i 😊

[@i1pro]

Q Acoustics are so pretty! -- That actually matters to me... I'm planning to use them as my main computer audio with an amp/dac combo. So excited. Can't wait to get them.... Thank you for the review. I'll keep an eye on your channel. Cheers!

[@gillesboone5377]

I own a pair of these and after watching this review they even sound better 😁. Great job as always, stay safe Paul !

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks gilles!

[@rufiorules]

I fancied a pair of 3020i's but I was a little concerned that they had less bass than the Wharfedales they were going to replace. Then when these were announced with that bigger speaker, I thought that they would be the upgrade I wanted, and this review has confirmed that and more. Definitely my next speaker!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Good stuff - glad I could help.

[@rufiorules]

Nearly three years later and I do love my 3030i's, although the upgrade bug is starting to bite. Would you have any recommendations? I'm a big fan of the room filling sound and bass levels of the 3030i, so I'd like something to match it on that level, but I haven't got the room for towers. Anything old or new in the £500 - £1250 area that comes to mind that I might audition? It's a shame they don't do a bigger driver in the new 5000 series

[@HalitHami]

This is one I was curious about. Thanks for the video.

[@thestr8jacket1]

I just got my pair in Graphite Grey, amazing speakers, even better than my KEF Q350 almost twice the price!! Great review as always and really find your test tracks interesting.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Very nice of you to say, many thanks. Glad you're enjoying your speakers too :)

[@ΠιερΕξαρχακος]

Thanks for the review! I wish there was a detailed conparison between these and 3050i , in midrange in particular

[@PeterJones-yq1xw]

Bought a pair for a second system a few weeks ago. Using a Rega Io amp. Agree with your positive review of these. Like you, I think these speakers are great value as the deliver a good all round performance. Better still when I added the matching stands. Great review.

[@goldenears9748]

Bought these for £260 quid damaged box but brand new. Wow what an absolute bargain! Using with my NAD 3020v2 and my computer. Such detail and clean sound with good midrange and chunky bass.

[@RUMBLEGO1]

Coming here just to see the albums in the background from now on! :) I actually did come to hear what you said about these speakers but my goodness.....great albums i am seeing looking at just a few of your vids! Bravo

[@paulmcleod8370]

Hi Paul, really enjoyed this review thank you for it - I think I’ve done things the wrong way round ( bought equipment - read reviews thereafter😂😂). I initially bought a pair of Edifier R 1280db’s - they never even made it out of the box but after seriously considering these sent them back for a pair of 3030i’s - good decision me thinks although the 3030i’s are more expensive they sound so warm and alive it’s been a no brainer - stay safe 😉 btw mine are white - look great with the grey fronts

[@evowhite777]

Another FANTASTIC review Paul these sound like a wonder standmounter for £300. The closer look at the start of the review is really helpful,& a must for anyone who`s looking to purchase speakers at this price point to make a comparaison. #hifi4ever

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks ev!

[@kenmorley2339]

I have these paired with a Marantz 6007 setup . I love the sound .

[@josephanthony2865]

Dude! Your reviews are so helpful. So, I’m rolling w/ Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, ifi Zen preamp…. And now the question of speakers. These 3030i’s are in the budget… but, if it was manageable to add a few more dollars to the speaker budget I’m wondering if you have any thoughts about the next stanchion up? Was looking at the Martin Logan 15i shelf speakers.. My listening needs are strictly turntable now but I may incorporate a CD player down the road. Chatting with a few friends and other KZbin audiophiles, some say they’d rather go w/ the QA…. I’m wondering why that might be so? What other $500-800 speakers would be good contenders? Penny for your thoughts. Peace!

[@bjarnesolhaug6698]

Excellent. Great review. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@markhunting9058]

I have the concept 500’s & they are fantastic across the board. I don’t think I will need another pair of speakers ever. Great video again. Thanks.

[@themastroiannis]

hello! could you comment on the concept 500? very very curious about their sound and have not found a serious thoughtful user review anywhere. they are on my short list with klipsch forte iii and revel performa3 F206. would be listening to classical, jazz and some folk rock. instrument space/placement is important for me....

[@markhunting9058]

themastroiannis , Hi, I had the B&W 702 S2’s before but found them a little bright & when listening for long periods found them fatiguing. I don’t get this at all with the 500’s & could listen to them for days on end. I find them very neutral & a very truthful sound. I also found them very easy to setup & they produce a fantastic soundstage. This was also made much better once I put them on the isoacoustics gia’s. I hope this helps. Thanks.

[@themastroiannis]

@@markhunting9058 hey, thanks for your reply. the 500s are expensive. hard to find a place to audition them. heard both the klipsch and the revels and liked them for different reasons. hopefully i can find a qacoustics dealer where i can audition the 500s. thanks again.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hopefully Mark has supplied the info you need, here. He certainly has the advantage on me because I've never had the pleasure of a close up test I'm afraid.

[@ENGBriseB]

Thank you very much for your review. I'm glad you liked these speakers which i will be paring them with a couple of Polk XT60 and with my Cambridge amp. P's, How much for the speaker stands for Q3030i.

[@mden2490]

Thanks again for a thorough video. I just ordered these yesterday, do they need a subwoofer? Would you say that there’s enough bass extension to do without a subwoofer?

[@vincentponzi3524]

I have a pair of 3030i's coming in walnut. I am very excited. I have been trying some speakers (JBL 530's, Klipsch RP-160M) but haven't found my soul mate. Hoping it's the Q's.

[@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677]

excellent review!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks Geoff - and thanks for watching :)

[@timsewter5184]

Hi Paul, thanks for another great review. Would you recommend these speakers over the Bowers & Wilkins 607?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I prefer the Q Acoustics' design. But I encourage a demo, if possible. Your ears might say otherwise.

[@norrieclark5217]

Hi Paul,I have recently acquired an Audiolab 6000a and am looking to upgrade speakers next.I understand the 3030i would be a good match but would it be too much for a small 3.2 by 3.8 metre room or would I have to scale down to the 3020's ? Also considering Triangle Borea Bro2 or 3 (same concerns about the 3) Any other recommendations are most welcome. Up to around £500 Great channel BTW.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I think the 3030i speakers would be fine in your room. Try and grab a home demo to make sure, though. Many dealers are happy to talk about home demos these days.

[@roymindmybusiness6908]

Terrific thanks Paul you convey the musical message superbly. Any Chance of reviews of there top of the range 300 and 500 ? Curious to see if they are worth forking out for cheers

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks for your kind words, Roy - no plans as yet, I'm afraid because I have a whopping great review queue but, hey, you never know.

[@ahambhramasmii]

​@TheAudiophileMan What's your opinion about dali spector 2 vs this

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

Hi Paul, which amplifier did you use when testing the 3030i? You pointed it's spacious soundstage and about it's tonal characters. Was it the Audiolab 6000A?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Correct. I did a bit with the Rega Brio R but mainly the 6000A.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

I bought the 3030i here in India after watching this video and paired it with my Audiolab 6000A and the combination sounds excellent. It also pairs well with my Marantz PM6007 and Quad Vena amplifiers equally.

[@sergetardif9596]

Hello sir. I am quite convinced by your great reviews on the 3020is and 3030is. The only thing I think could possibly limit the potential of the 3030is in my case would be room size - about 10x16. Could I have your take on this please? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Should be ok, Serge - everything else being equal.

[@asenzdravkov5568]

Hello Audiophile man, I would like to thank you for your content which is truelly usefull for a novice audiophile, as I am! I bought the the 3030i s and I run them with a Cambrige A1 v3 amp. Now, I wanted to ask you for an advice. Do you think that I should look for a newer amp for the 3030i (as suggested in the correspondance the ones by audiolab - 6001, maranz pm6007, etc.) or the A1 v3 is enough and I can focus on a better phono amp? My sistem includes the debut evo carbon. Regards from Bulgaria

[@TheAudiophileMan]

There's nothing wrong with the A1 but I think amplifier tech has moved on since that A1 was released which was what...1995? In that area? So for me? To make the most of the 3030i speakers? I would upgrade. Upgrade to what, depends on your budget, of course. And I would grab an external phono amp too, if your budget will allow. Maybe not right away, get the main amp first if cash is tight, then the phono amp later on. Again, I would upgrade to maximise the performance of the EVO. If anything, a new amp and phono amp will allow your EVO to stretch out. So for me, the upgrade is more of a priority for the EVO, even more than the speakers.

[@asenzdravkov5568]

@@TheAudiophileMan, thank you for answering in such a fast manner. I will take your advice. Thank you for contributing to raise knowledge not only among the experienced but among the beginners as well. Best regards

[@kenspo]

Love this review. So deep and good! I think I will buy these for my vinyls. I have a small room :)

[@BobDoherty]

Just wondering what type of amplification might pair well with these speakers. I have an older Yamaha RX-777 100W stereo receiver which has that Yamaha sound of being a bit on the bright side which, doesn't match well with for instance Klipsch. I ordered these speakers and a Cambridge Audio AXA35 so I'll be able to compare but thought I would get your take on this question. Thanks, Bob

[@Akstergrind]

Hi again, after watching your video a few times, I'm seriously considering upgrading from my 3020is to a pair of these 3030i speakers (especially as Sevenoaks have them for £274!). I wonder if you think the Q Acoustic stands which fit the 3020is will be suitable for the larger speakers? Many thanks for the great video!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would ask the dealer on that one. As they have them in stock I'd imagine that they've be able to tell you directly.

[@Akstergrind]

@@TheAudiophileMan Ha ha! I just bought the 3030is and hoped for the best! They actually look a lot better on the stands than the 3020i speakers which I always thought looked a bit small for them. The 3030is fit, but you can only secure them with one bolt as opposed to two. I'm happy anyway!

[@danielhall9979]

@@Akstergrind I needed to know this. Thank you👍how are you finding the upgrade? I also own 3020i along with a polk audio sub. Thinking about the upgrade so I can lose the sub.

[@Akstergrind]

@@danielhall9979 Hi, yeah the 3030i is a MUCH bassier speaker than (pretty much anything else of its size on the market) its smaller sibling, but I'm still using my wee Cambridge Minx sub with them because I just love bass. Consequently, my poor 3020is haven't been used for quite a while, and I'm seriously considering sticking them on eBay. I've also bought some Elac 5.2s, Kef Q1s and some absolutely gorgeous Monitor Audio Bronze 100s which are big and beefy - currently my faves, so there's much swapping and changing going on here at the moment!

[@garywong1178]

Hi sir Paul. Is the Audiolab 6000A a good matching amp for the 3030i? Would it have good enough power to drive the 3030i efficiently? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yep, that should be fine.

[@rolandosantos3222]

Are the QA 3030i good for my NAD 326 BEE amp?

[@stevenshadrach3182]

Hi Paul, Really enjoyed this review. How would you compare these to the B&W 606 ? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The B&Ws are very nice but I'd lean towards the 3030i speakers.

[@rakoksy]

How does them compare respect to spektor 2? What's the better pairing with Cambridge?

[@bboydevilparis]

With a Marantz PM6006 which speakers match the best for you the 3050i or the 3030i ? My Marantz power rating is 2X45w i don't know if he can drive decently the 3050i tower speakers. The 3050i price in France actually is 508 euros and the 3030i with stand 480 euros the difference is so close. Thank you for your advice and your time.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'm guessing that you really want the 3050i speakers, then? Your Marantz amp will be fine so go for it.

[@11Forty6]

Hi, do you think these would make good rear channel speakers on a 5.1 setup?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The 3030i speakers can act as good quality surround tools, sure. Depends what else you're using in speakers terms or if you would want to go wholly 3030i on a surround set up.

[@themastroiannis]

very nice review! very thoughtful, revealing indeed! great comparisons too! i own a pair of q acoustics concept 40 which i like a lot for their clarity and balance. wonderful speakers for the money. i do think companies like qacoustics and elac are really rocking the big ones like kef, B&W, dynaudio, etc... just subscribed to your channel. i hope there are many more speaker reviews to come. cheers!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Many thanks for your comments and yep, there's more speakers on the way.

[@kentkentar6529]

Hello Paul b&w 606s2 can you tell me are is more better than this and if yes how much? i think you know the answer. thank you

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The comparison isn't particularly fair as the B&Ws are twice the price. I've only heard them briefly and chatted with colleagues about them too so take my comments with a pinch of salt. That said, the latter can provide real impact, great detail, possibly a slightly forward treble at high volumes?

[@robertskelton3510]

Is that your Gentle Giant, The Power and the Glory album. I used to own it but unfortunately it went missing. It used to sound Awesome through my Yamaha NS 500 speakers powered by my old Quantum amp. I have been looking for it ever since, but can't find a copy. I have a smaller listening room now and are looking for some small speakers to prevent bass boom. I am currently using old Monitor audio B4's Great review.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes, all the vinyl you see behind me in these vids come from my collection. Have you tried Discogs? And thanks for your kind words.

[@robertskelton3510]

Yes. a couple of years ago with no joy. I will try again. Cheers.

[@amanieux]

are they still a good value 2 years later ? would you recommend them for low volume,very near field desktop use (50 cm) ? or some other speakers fit that use case better ? thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'll answer this one in Friday's video - watch the skies.

[@kevin_m]

@@TheAudiophileManlink to that additional vid? Couldn’t find the specific one you are referencing as it’s now 2024. 😊

[@johnadam5702]

These versus the concept 20’s? The price is nearly the same at the moment and I can’t decide.

[@gringadoor5385]

Given the cost of stands included with the speakers would it be better to go with the 3050i instead, or is there something extra the 3030i brings that the 3050i can't do?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Bottom line? It's about bass and how the upper frequencies react to bass in the cabinet. There's more of it from the 50s but the balance is still excellent from the 30s. Bsss is not lacking in the 30s but the presence is reduced. If you need more bass in your life and a solid foundation to your music then look at the 50s. The 30s also provide a smaller aesthetic. There's less of them in pure structural terms so they dominate the room less.

[@reubensingh1430]

I own the 3020i are these a big step up from them. I have a pretty small room are they good enough?

[@torotomika1911]

no

[@alexandredurand20]

Hi Paul, I am interested in the comparaison with the 3020i. You clearly say that the 3030i is not just adding basses, but rather that the overall performance is better. But if you play them both with a subwoofer, is the gap between the 2 closed? Would you say the price difference is still justified? Cheers!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I wouldn't play them with a subwoofer, Alexandre. I don't think the pairing would work well, it would tip the balance of the speaker as a whole.

[@alexandredurand20]

Oh, that's a surprise. Some others reviews says that both speakers benefit from a subwoofer. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Speaker designers go to great lengths when designing their speakers in order to achieve the correct tonal balance, etc. Adding a subwoofer always throws that off kilter. The latter are fine for AV but I would try and steer clear for 2-channel. So, if you find yourself lacking in bass - I would advise buying appropriate speakers, not reaching for an Elastoplast-subwoofer option.

[@alexandredurand20]

Or a proper amplifier, as the subwoofer usually comes with its own power supply, and can compensate for a lack of power from the amplifier to properly feed the speaker fully. But if you put money in the balance, the price difference of the subwoofer is probably better spent on a better speaker/amplifier combo.

[@mingz5004]

Can someone tell me for the most of time listening classical music, between Elac uni-fi 2.0 UB52 and Q Acoustics 3030i, which one is better one? Thanks

[@pittaloaf1]

I recently bought these for £250 they are a steal!

[@staceejaxx3071]

Between Powernode 2i, Cambridge cxa 61 and cambridge axr100 which one would be a good match for the 3030i?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Stacee - if you're looking at a streaming option I'd go for the 61 and add a separate 2i. This will isolate both units, lowering the noise floor and increasing sound quality. I also like the basic sound of the 61.

[@staceejaxx3071]

@@TheAudiophileMan thank you kind sir

[@farricco1]

Can they be hooked up to a MacBook Pro?

[@paulwibb.8944]

Do the 3030i speakers fit on the same stands as the 3020i

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Depends on the stands and their size. I would do a bit of research and match the footprint of the speakers and the corresponding stand area to see if they fit. Spec sheets are readily available for most stand types.

[@paulwibb.8944]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks, they actually look to be a different top plates and fixing locations,, from what I can gather,,👍

[@tayzawin8622]

Will it match with Yamaha A-S 700?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Sure.

[@АлексейАлексеев-р4р]

У меня они работают с as 700 .замечательно!

[@OOnti-dz4jd]

Just ordered the 3030i. It is going to be 5 inches from a wall. The wall is made of drywall. Will it sound good ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Depends on your ears. That might be enough for you but the sound balance will vary depending on position so I'd recommend spending an afternoon experimenting with distance and angle.

[@Dushyantgiri]

Can audiophiles decide about Compared LCR (3030i and 3090i) vs ( dali oberon 1 and dali oberon vokal) which one would be winner for 50% music and 50% movie/show

[@ThePh34R]

If movies are important I'd go with the 3030i & 3090i as it will have much better dynamics

[@Dushyantgiri]

@@ThePh34R I have gone for dali oberon 1 LCR setup, I didn't get change to hear 3030i, but I compared it with 3050i, it was not far, so I can extend that to 3030i as well, it would be close, center stage of vokal oberon is much better

[@samfrank4857]

Q Accoustics 3030i vs KEF LSX Which would you prefer???

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I wouldn't even compare the two - there's a vast difference in price here. If you're in the market for a pair of speakers, I would decide on a fixed budget and then, if you need advice, by all means come back to me.

[@ProffAndy]

Why are several KZbin HiFi reviewers suddenly giving these speakers attention ? They've been available for quite a while, but KZbin reviewers are all over them at the moment. 🙄

[@CreateTimeToListen]

I noticed the same thing. It's remarkable.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Any good hi-fi manufacturer worth its salt will tease a product with a news item to catch people's attention, note a release date and then, before that, reserve a small batch of review samples which it will then offer to reviewers. Hence, everyone reviews the products around the same time. Me? Well, I have a packed and lengthy review queue of kit here. It's currently over a dozen products long and I'm turning away products every week until I reduce it. Hence, I was a bit late on the scene but, hey, hope it was worth it :)

[@muttyhc]

Country of manufacture?

[@dixienormous2440]

Guess..

[@MAudiophile]

China.

[@OOnti-dz4jd]

Checkout The Cure “ The Figure Head.” Heavy drums...

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Will do, ta.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

You can't really review this when straight out of the box,they need to be run in first for 50 hours

[@markandisobel]

you desperately need a new mic

[@timgazes5909]

Great review 👍