Напольная акустика — Q-Acoustics 3050i

The 3050i is the floorstanding model of the 3000i series from the British company Q Acoustics, which the maker calls its most affordable range. The series also includes the 3010i bookshelf model, the 3020i and 3030i stand-mounts, the 3090i centre channel and the 3060S slimline subwoofer, the last two completing a 5.1 home cinema line-up. The UK list price is GBP 499 per pair, and the finish options are English Walnut, Graphite Grey, Arctic White and Carbon Black.

Key specs that matter

This is a 2-way reflex design in which two 165 mm bass units work with a single 22 mm treble unit, crossing over at 2.5 kHz. Frequency response is rated at 44 Hz to 30 kHz, +3 dB and -6 dB, and sensitivity is 91 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m. Average impedance is 6 ohm with a minimum of 4 ohm. Without its 210 mm stabilisers the cabinet is 1020 mm high, 320 mm wide and 310 mm deep, and one speaker weighs 17.8 kg. The effective internal volume is 32.4 litres.

Engineering and use context

Each bass cone is precision formed from impregnated and coated paper and held by a rubber surround of newly developed low-hysteresis type. Q Acoustics states that the 3000i range borrows acoustic and cabinet technologies first introduced in the Concept 500 floorstander. Point to Point bracing supports those parts of each enclosure that need stiffening to make each enclosure very rigid, according to the maker. A compliant suspension system keeps the treble unit mechanically apart from the baffle, and its wide surround is intended to give wide, even dispersion. Inside the 3050i, Helmholtz Pressure Equaliser tubes are fitted to cancel internal pressure and to eliminate sympathetic resonance, working by converting pressure to velocity and lowering the overall pressure gradient. The cabinets have curved sides, and the fronts carry chrome-finish bezels around the drivers along with magnetic grilles.

Pairing

The recommended amplifier power is 25 to 100 W for stereo amplifiers. For AV receivers, with two channels driven, Q Acoustics gives a wider window of 50 to 165 W. Low-profile binding posts are used, with sockets deep enough for 4 mm banana plugs. The pair comes with eight spikes, two stabilisers, foam bungs, fixing screws and a manual.

Alternatives

The Q Acoustics 3050c is the floorstander of the later 3000c range, with two 142 mm bass units and a hermetically sealed tweeter.