Q Acoustics 3000c: probably the most affordable speakers at High End Munich
If you haven’t met High End Munich yet (don’t worry, it’s a very friendly bunch), this is where the elite hi-fi brands come into their own – check out the wild audio experiences, the outrageously expensive system singles or the stunning headphones I’ve had the pleasure of trying over the years.
The new 3000c loudspeaker series from Q Acoustics is therefore a novelty at the German elite fair. Why? Well, because ‘affordable’ isn’t a word you often hear at High End Munich – and affordable is what these are.
But that doesn’t mean the British company doesn’t take sound seriously; our recent five-star review of the Q Acoustics M40 HD proves that. Additionally, the new speakers all feature Q Acoustics’ remarkable C3 (or Continuous Curved Cone) driver design, first introduced in the company’s 5000 Series, to build on the legacy of the 3000i – the popular speaker series from Q Acoustics which was launched in 2018.
What’s perhaps most striking to me is that while each model in the 3000c series features the acoustic cabinet innovations first introduced in the company’s high-end Concept range of speakers (see our five-star Q Acoustics Concept 300 review for more on this), they come at a much lower price.
The company bills the 3000c series as “the perfect entry point into a modern audiophile world, or as a cost-effective speaker upgrade.” So let’s take a closer look…
The Q Acoustics 3000c family consists of the 3010c bookshelf pair, 3020c standmount speakers, 3030c larger standmount speakers and 3050c floorstanders, with the 3090c center channel completing the line-up for a home theater speaker setup.
The 3000c Series audio innovations include a new “ground-up” C3 (pronounced ‘C-cubed’) Continuous Curved Cone mid/bass profile, a hermetically sealed high-frequency driver unit that is mechanically isolated from the baffle, cabinets built with the patented P2P (Point to Point) bracing and patented HPETM (Helmholtz Pressure Equalizer) tubes to help disrupt the build-up of standing waves in the 3050c floorstanding speakers.
What about that special C3 cone? Q Acoustics tells us: “Significant advances in loudspeaker drive unit design are rare – but the C3 driver successfully addresses the shortcomings in established drive unit design, combining the bass performance benefits of a traditional straight cone cone with the mids and highs.” -final check of an expanding cone.”
In terms of aesthetics, the British loudspeaker specialist says the 3000c series is “visually minimalist with no noticeable joints or bolts” thanks to a new one-piece driver covering, in satin nickel or satin chrome, if you go for the white finish. , but you can choose from four new modern and high-quality finishes, including new lighter (Pin Oak) and darker wood (Claro Rosewood), in addition to Satin White and Satin Black.
Q Acoustics faces expensive competition, but that’s not a bad thing…
All models are expected in August. But how affordable are we really? (Deep breath) The Q Acoustics 3010c bookshelf option will be priced at $399 / £329 / €399 (about AU$600); Q Acoustics 3020c standmount will cost $499 / £399 / €499 (about AU$750); The larger standard mount of the Q Acoustics 3030c costs $649 / £499 / €649 (about AU$980); The Q Acoustics 3050c floorstander will cost $1,199 / £899, €1,199 (around AU$1,820) and the Q Acoustics 3090c center channel will be available for $399 / £299 / €399 (so somewhere around AU$600).
The company will also offer the speakers in 5.1 home theater packages (with an appropriately sized Q Acoustics subwoofer depending on which speakers you choose), with pricing yet to be confirmed.
Considering that Q Acoustics shares the spotlight here with options costing hundreds of thousands of dollars (from the likes of Magico, Sonus Faber, Wilson Audio and co), there’s a lot of fun for little money – and if we get the chance If you test them fully , they might find their way into our best stereo speaker buying guide.