Just as Q Acoustics’ 3020i standmount speaker (HFC 441) is a larger version of the 3010i, so the 3030i is an XL, possibly XXL, the incarnation of the 3020i. You’d think the upshot would be easy to predict – a brand-familiar smooth, cohesive, easy-going character writ a little larger with more bass, blood, and body. In theory, for anyone used to the sound of the 3020i, we could wrap the review right here. Thankfully, the ‘up-scaled’ 3030i has been bestowed sonic benefits that far exceed the anticipated extra heft. It’s a big deal in more ways than one.
But big is a good place to start. In completing the 3000i series lineup of standmounts, the 3030i stretches the soft-cornered form factor established a couple of years ago by the dinky 3010i beyond that of the mid-sized 3020i and into a thing of substance unlikely to melt into background decor and conceivably close to the limit of what most people would consider acceptable for a speaker to place on a sturdy stand or even the most capacious of bookshelves.
It’s because the rear-ported enclosure is closer in size to the top portion of the 3050i floorstander’s (HFC 447), sharing its 200mm width and exceeding its depth by a whopping 19mm. And while the 3050i’s depth measurement is already pretty generous for a strapping tower, plus 19mm becomes a very distinctive feature of a squat standmount, making it slightly deeper than it is tall. The Q 3000FSi stands aren’t just a good idea, but probably necessary for the sake of aesthetic harmony.
Bu hikaye Hi-Fi Choice dergisinin February 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hi-Fi Choice dergisinin February 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Old boys network
As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners
DESTINATION: LEITH
Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith
Core values
Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph
Forty something
Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in
One for all
German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp
Three for all
The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares
All in one
DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out
Wooden wonder
Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin
System matching
Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential
Game on!
At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound