In case you haven't been introduced to High End Munich yet (don't worry, they're a very friendly bunch), it's where the elite hi-fi brands flex: discover the incredible audio experiences and the outrageously expensive system. separates or the amazing headphones that I have been lucky enough to try over the years.
The new 3000c speaker series from Q Acoustics is therefore something of a novelty at the elite German trade fair. Because? Well, because “affordable” is not a word you often hear in High End Munich, and affordable is what they 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 this. Additionally, all new speakers feature Q Acoustics' notable C3 (or continuous curved cone) driver design, first introduced in the company's 5000 series, to build on the legacy of the 3000i, Q's popular speaker series. Acoustics launched in 2018.
What's perhaps most notable to me is that while each 3000c series model features the acoustic cabinet innovations first introduced in the company's high-end Concept range of loudspeakers (see our five-star Q Acoustics review Concept 300 for more information on this), come at a much lower price.
The company sees the 3000c series as “the perfect entry point into the modern audiophile world, or as a cost-effective speaker upgrade.” So let's take a closer look…
The Q Acoustics 3000c family comprises the 3010c bookshelf pair, 3020c floor-standing speakers, larger 3030c floor-standing speakers, 3050c floor-standing speakers, and the 3090c center channel completes the lineup for a home theater speaker setup.
3000c Series audio innovations include a new “from the 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 patented P2P (point-to-point) bracing and patented HPETM (Helmholtz Pressure Equalizer) tubes to help disrupt the buildup of standing waves in the 3050c floorstanding loudspeakers.
What's up with that special C3 cone? Q Acoustics tells us: “Significant advances in the design of a driver unit are rare, but the C3 driver successfully addresses the shortcomings in the design of established driver units, (combining) the bass performance advantages of a cone “Traditional straight conical with the mid and high ranges -final control of a flared cone.”
In terms of aesthetics, the UK speaker specialist says the 3000c range is “visually more minimalist, with no fussy joints or screws” thanks to a new one-piece driver trim, in satin nickel or satin chrome if you opt. for the white finish. , but you can choose from four new modern, high-quality finishes, including new lighter (Pin Oak) and darker (Light Rosewood) wood, plus Satin White and Satin Black.
Q Acoustics faces some expensive competition, but that's no bad thing…
All models will arrive in August. But how affordable are we talking about? (Deep breath) The Q Acoustics 3010c bookshelf option will be priced at $399 / £329 / €399 (around AU$600); The Q Acoustics 3020c mounting bracket will cost $499 / £399 / €499 (around AU$750); The larger Q Acoustics 3030c stand will set you back $649 / £499 / €649 (around AU$980); The floor-standing Q Acoustics 3050c will cost $1,199 / £899 / €1,199 (in the region of AU$1,820) and the Q Acoustics 3090c center channel will be available for $399 / £299 / €399 (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), and pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Considering that Q Acoustics shares the spotlight here with options that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (from the likes of Magico, Sonus faber, Wilson Audio and company), there are a lot of things we like for little money, and if we have the opportunity Give them a full try, they just might find their way into our buying guide for the best stereo speakers.
