Q Acoustic 3050
FOR Rich and refined; classleading subtlety; powerful AGAINST Nothing at this price
When we first reviewed the Q Acoustics 3050 back in 2015, we said they would “give decent speakers closer to the £1000 mark a run for their money”. And then we heaped a 2016 Best Buy Award on to these floorstanders. Needless to say, they’re impressive. The 3050s top the company’s 3000 range of speakers (which took over from the celebrated 2000i series). Originally reviewed at £500, you can get them for as little as £430 now – and we’re just as smitten with the 3050s two years on.
Changes for the better
But rst, some background. The changes made over its predecessors – the 2050is – more than justify the new model number: the cone material of the twin 16.5cm mid/ bass drivers has changed from a paper/ mica mix to a paper/aramid composition – aramid bre (better known as ‘Kevlar’) strengthens the cone and makes its behaviour more predictable. Apparently that ensures more natural tonality.
Interestingly, the 25mm tweeter uses a diaphragm that combines the design elements of the ring radiator and dome to improve treble performance. The tweeter is decoupled from the main cabinet by butyl rubber, isolating it from the detrimental vibrations of the cabinet.
The crossover uses higher-grade components, too, which supposedly limit distortion and reduce phase problems at the crossover point. And the cabinet, made from 15mm MDF panels with dual-layered 20mm top plate and an even thicker front bae, has been further braced to control resonances and increase sti¡ness.
Q Acoustics has also moved the bi-wire terminals from underneath the cabinet to the rear panel. That makes them more accessible, too.
As a result of these revisions, the 3050s are super-sturdy, epitomising the quality build we’ve come to expect. They’re beautifully finished with familiar curvaceous corners and gorgeous colour – matt graphic (black) or American walnut (brown) – come as standard, while black or white gloss lacquers, or a black-leather finish are available for a £150 premium.
Agile bass
Appearances aren’t too dissimilar from the 2050is, just slimmer (30cm) and shallower (20cm). The lean towers also borrow the plinth and easily adjustable spikes found on the Concept 40s, so they can sit sturdily on any surface.
The company has created a likeable signature sound over the years. Refined, subtle and suave, yet full of punch and attack, the 3050s are more transparent, precise and authoritative than their predecessors. A full, agile and dulcet bass and crisp, controlled treble define their tonal balance, which in typical Q Acoustics fashion favours the rich side of neutral.
Great soundscape
The 3050s deliver a huge sense of scale and are capable of enveloping our largest test room with ease. You can place them far apart without losing a tight stereo image, while they strike the best balance pulled at least 20cm away from the wall.
The Spektor 6s offer a similar sense of room-filling scale and wide soundstage, although they can’t match the detail, clarity and sophistication of these.
The 3050s buckle down during Dire Straits’ Your Latest Trick; the chorus’s saxophone soars though the wide-open soundstage with stunning clarity and texture, not to mention impressive scale. Dynamic shifts are apparent at any volume and there’s an unusually (at this price) high level of subtlety.
By the time Brothers In Arms comes on, the 3050s have shown no sign of complacency. Electric guitar solos have plenty of elbow room, while the vocals are stacked with emotion and insight.
Once again, we doff our caps to Q Acoustics: the 3050s continue to delight us. For the money, they’re sublime.
“Q Acoustics has created a likeable signature sound over the years – refined, subtle and suave, yet full of punch and attack”