Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Rich, warm sound with full bass and precise treble delivers a pleasing listening experience
- Improved detail levels across the frequency range lead to greater sonic maturity compared to predecessors
- Large-scale sound fills the room more than expected for its size and price
- Stylish and refined appearance, with rounded edges and corners, and attractive finish options
- Excellent build quality, with internal bracing and well-engineered design elements to minimize cabinet resonance
Product Considerations
- Deeper-than-average cabinet dimensions can make placement on a bookshelf tricky
- Some reviewers found the chrome surrounds around the drivers less appealing aesthetically, preferring the look with the grilles on
- The soundstage is not as rhythmically precise as some competitors
- Placement near a wall can reduce openness and agility, suggesting they benefit from some space to breathe
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against the Dali Spektor 2, the 3020i has a better scale and dynamic reach, but the Dali is clearer through the midrange
- Against the Q Acoustics 3020 (predecessor), the 3020i has better refinement in the treble and more spatial awareness, while the original 3020 offers more focus on pure detail
- Against the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom, the 3020i offers tighter bass and a more stylish look
- Against the Q Acoustics 3050i, the 3020i might lack bass fullness compared to the 3050i, but offers clearer midrange and tighter bass
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 3020i is a well-built and attractive speaker that delivers a rich and detailed sound. It is an excellent option for those seeking a refined listening experience in a small to medium-sized room.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
3020i
reviews
[{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review - They worth $315? Yup. They sure are...","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg5l7KblGh4","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review Revisited.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imjIarOxCeI","source":"Taps Das","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Q Acoustic 3020i Speaker Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TgxYd1Lz7g","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Review! The Q Acoustics 3020i | Bookshelf Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNPJGFM7VBs","source":"Zero Fidelity","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i and Dali Spektor 2 Initial Impressions","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAb8BBfmT6g","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i | Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnJLIH8wPjo","source":"Home Theater Hobbyist","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/q-acoustics/3020i/review","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i review: Big, smooth sound from small, affordable speakers","link":"https://www.cnet.com/reviews/q-acoustics-3020i-review","source":"CNET","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review","link":"https://www.stozzaudio.com/home/q-acoustics-3020i-review","source":"STOZZ AUDIO","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Hands Down . . . or Up? The Q Acoustics 3020i and 3050i Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/system-one/1247-hands-down-or-up-the-qacoustics-3020i-and-3050i-loudspeakers","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"3020i From Q Acoustics : The Ayes Have It","link":"https://theaudiophileman.com/3020i-q-acoustics-speakers-review","source":"The Audiophile Man","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Loudspeakers","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1281-q-acoustics-3020i-loudspeakers","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speaker review: A definite contender for best-in-class status","link":"https://www.techhive.com/article/583461/q-acoustics-3020i-bookshelf-speaker-review-a-definite-contender-for-best-in-class-status.html","source":"TechHive","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review","link":"https://www.hifireport.com/q-acoustics-3020i-review","source":"HiFi Report","datePublished":""},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review: $300 speakers shouldn’t sound this good","link":"https://thenextweb.com/news/q-acoustics-3020i-review-300-speakers-shouldnt-sound-this-good","source":"The Next Web","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://hifitrends.com/2019/02/10/q-acoustics-3020i-bookshelf-speaker-review","source":"Hi-Fi Trends","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker Review","link":"https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/bookshelf/q-acoustics-3020i-bookshelf-speaker-review","source":"Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review: Engaged And Musical","link":"https://www.lbtechreviews.com/test/speakers/6-compact-speakers/q-acoustics-3020i","source":"LB Tech Reviews","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review","link":"https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/q-acoustics-3020i","source":"Trusted Reviews","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review: Perfectly spiffing","link":"https://7review.com/q-acoustics-3020i-review","source":"7 Review","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020I Bookshelf Speakers Review","link":"https://audio.org/q-acoustics-3020i-bookshelf-speakers-review","source":"Audio.org","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i Review","link":"https://www.soundmanual.com/q-acoustics-3020i","source":"Sound Manual","datePublished":""},{"title":"These $255 bookshelf speakers are the best in their price range — here's what they sound like at home","link":"https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/q-acoustics-3020i-bookshelf-speakers-review-2018-10","source":"Business Insider","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Q Acoustics 3020i review: Devastatingly fine sound for £219","link":"https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/speakers/1409066/q-acoustics-3020i-review-devastatingly-fine-sound-for-219","source":"Expert Reviews","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"These New Bookshelf Speakers From Q Acoustics Sound Like A Bargain","link":"https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2018/06/18/these-new-bookshelf-speakers-from-q-acoustics-sound-like-a-bargain","source":"Forbes","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"3020i Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/q-acoustics-3020i-bookshelf-speaker-review.14568/","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Enclosure type: 2-way reflex
- Bass Unit: 125 mm (5 in)
- Treble Unit: 22 mm (0.9 in)
- Frequency Response (+3 dB, -6 dB): 64 Hz – 30 kHz
- Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
- Minimum Impedance: 4 Ω
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Stereo Amplifier Power: 25 - 75w
- AV Receiver (2 ch. driven): 50 - 75w
- Crossover Frequency: 2.4kHz
- Effective Volume: 6.1 L (372 cu in)
- Dimensions H/W/D: 278 x 170 x 282 mm (11.0 x 6.7 x 11.1 in)
- Weight: 10.59 lbs (4.8 kg) per speaker
Description
The Q 3020i is a bookshelf or stand mount speaker from Q Acoustics core loudspeaker offering, designed to deliver beautiful sound into your home, using the latest technological enhancements applied to the full 3000i series.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Q Acoustics employs point-to-point (P2P) bracing and Helmholtz Pressure Equalizers (HPE) in their speaker cabinets, reducing internal air pressure and unwanted resonance.
- They are known for their "Continuous Curved Cone (C3)" driver design in mid/bass drivers to blend bass and midrange performance seamlessly.
- Q Acoustics consistently prioritizes a clean, modern, and minimalist aesthetic across their product lines.
- The brand offers a sonic signature that is often described as a balance of warmth, refinement, and detail, proving easy to listen to over long periods.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Q Acoustics M40
- Positioning: The entry-level, cost-effective micro-tower speaker designed for compact spaces.
- Description: Offers a compact design with built-in amplification, making it ideal for small rooms or as a secondary system. Its C3 Continuous Curved Cone design provides smooth integration and controlled bass, similar to the 5040 but in a more compact form. Unlike the Q Active 400, it lacks wireless streaming capabilities, making it more suitable for users with simpler connectivity needs.
Q Acoustics 3050C
- Positioning: The mid-range floorstanding speaker in the 3000c series, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Description: Features the C3 Continuous Curved Cone for superior bass dynamics, similar to the 5040, but with a larger cabinet for more powerful sound. It includes P2P bracing and HPE technology for reduced distortion, offering a more refined soundstage than the M40.
Q Acoustics 5040
- Positioning: The compact floorstander in the 5000 series, designed for those seeking high performance in a small footprint.
- Description: Uses the C3 Continuous Curved Cone for enhanced bass and smooth high-frequency integration, similar to the 3050C but with a more advanced design. It features P2P bracing and HPE technology for improved sound clarity, offering a more sophisticated sound than the M40. Unlike the Q Active 400, it is not wireless, making it ideal for traditional hi-fi setups.
Q Acoustics Q Active 400
- Positioning: The high-resolution wireless audio system, offering a modern, versatile listening experience.
- Description: Provides true wireless connectivity with multiple streaming services, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who value convenience. Its BMR drive units deliver a wide soundstage, surpassing the M40's compact design. Unlike the Concept 500, it integrates seamlessly with modern smart home systems.
Q Acoustics Concept 500
- Positioning: The flagship model, designed for audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of sound quality.
- Description: Combines P2P bracing and HPE technology for exceptional audio precision, offering a more refined sound than the 5040. Its advanced cabinet design minimizes vibrations, providing a superior soundstage compared to the 3050C. Unlike the Q Active 400, it is tailored for traditional high-end audio systems, making it ideal for those with a higher budget and a focus on ultimate sound quality.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
17
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
40
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
29
Founding Year
2006
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
Q Acoustics
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What if you spend more?
Q Acoustics
5020
899
899
/
18
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
3020c
502
502
/
3
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clear and detailed sound
- Controlled, taut bass reproduction
- Well-made and nicely finished
- Assertive and direct sound
- Impressive powers of resolution
Product Considerations
- Class leaders offer a more involving listen
- Rhythms could be more fluid
- Partnering needs real care
- Slightly lacking in both dynamic and low-end power
- Some limits to bass extension
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 3020c are excellent at pulling out instrumental textures, outshining previous standmount members of the 3000 series by a considerable margin
- Dali Oberon 1 speakers have far more dynamic shading and differentiation, granting a greater sense of drama as a result
- Elac Debut 3.0 DB63 have the all-around sonic talent to really take the fight to the Q Acoustics
- The tweeter in the Q Acoustics 5020 manages to convey a little more energy and sparkle and manage a little more refinement at the same time
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 3020c are capable speakers with clarity, agility and punch. They are a good option for those who admire a standard of build and finish that belies the asking price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
5010
749
749
/
3
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Inert cabinets due to serious cabinet construction
- Treble presentation projects into the room, giving a sense of holographics
- Flexible in terms of subwoofer pairing
- Wide soundstage
- Detailed, dynamic sound
Product Considerations
- Treble might be too forward for people with sensitive ears or those preferring a darker sound
- Bass is respectable for the driver size, but is not a 'bass monster'
- Treble can become a little harsh when pushed above 85dB
- Mid-range might be too neutral for people wanting coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dali Oberon 1, the 5010's treble is energetic, but less sharp than the Oberon 1
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5010 is a great-sounding speaker in a small size that is built well. With good detail and a dynamic sound, it is a nice choice for people with space concerns.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
3030c
999
999
/
1
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass performance
- High frequencies are very well expressed
- Very easy to drive with different amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The midrange is a little bit thick and cloudy
- The cabinet in the 3000 series speaker is not as inert as the 5000 series speaker
- Limitations in midrange resolution can impact soundstage and imaging
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 3030c has greater bass impact due to extra cabinet volume and cone surface area, compared to the Q Acoustics 5020
- The Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 has a more natural and articulate midrange, but less bass impact and treble refinement
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 3030Cs are recommended because they offer excellent bass and well-expressed high frequencies at a sensible price. They are a competent speaker that will appeal to people who enjoy a punchy bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
3010c
470
/
Released
2024
A compact and discreet loudspeaker that won't draw attention to itself - at least, not until it starts performing. If you want a small, easy-to-position speaker that sounds way bigger than it looks, this bookshelf model fits the bill (and your space) perfectly.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sounds clear, spacious, and solid
- Has tuneful, punchy bass
Product Considerations
- More testing time and comparisons are needed
- It is unknown if the series will inherit the 5000's more demanding nature with partnering kit
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Rivals at this price point, compared to Wharfedale Diamonds (12.1 standmounter and 12.3 floorstander)
- Rivals at this price point, compared to ELAC Debut 2.0 range (B5.2 standmounter)
Takeaway: The 3010c bookshelf speakers sound great and use trickle-down technology. It could be a good option for anyone seeking quality audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Product Page
Product Page
SVS
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Era 100
230
/
Released
2023
Featuring next-gen acoustics and new levels of connectivity, Era 100 transforms any room with the finely tuned stereo sound and rich bass your music deserves.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers stereo sound, unlike the Sonos One, due to angled tweeters
- Has a larger woofer, resulting in deeper bass
- Features Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility
- Easy to set up and use with the Sonos app, which integrates many music sources
- Includes Trueplay room tuning, now available for Android users, which optimizes the speaker's sound based on its placement in the room, and adjustable EQ
Product Considerations
- The Apple HomePod 2 provides more natural warmth of human voices
- A separate adapter is needed for a wired connection, and it's not included in the box
- Lacks Google Assistant support
- Android users may find the Quick Tuning feature is not as capable as the iOS version
- Isn't designed for outdoor use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Era 100 has better sound quality with cleaner bass and can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, compared to Sonos One/One SL
- Era 100 is more affordable and compact but lacks Dolby Atmos support, compared to Sonos Era 300
- Era 100 is cheaper but doesn't have a built-in battery for portability, compared to Sonos Move 2
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile wireless speaker with great sound, enhanced bass, and easy integration with streaming services. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, all-in-one speaker that delivers both convenience and quality audio for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Product Page
Product Page
SVS
Ultra (Bookshelf)
399
/
Released
2024
The SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers are the rare speaker design that deliver effortless full-range sound and an expansive soundstage with pitch-perfect accuracy and pinpoint imaging. A true reference quality speaker, critics and music lovers celebrate the absolute transparency while home theater speaker fans laud the room-energizing dynamics and palpable bass output. It’s an amazingly balanced speaker that radiates acoustic power while rendering the finest details with precision and refinement.
Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.
Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.
Read
Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.
Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.
Read
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice cabinets
- Fluid and captivating articulation in the mids, with warmth and clarity to voices
- The bass is good enough that one could conceivably get away without ever having a subwoofer
- Excellent clarity and tonal balance
- Able to use so much high-performance technology in products that cost so little
Product Considerations
- Has aluminum wiring
- Lacks a little bit of detail at the very top—kicks, punches, and gunshots do not quite have enough "snap" to them
- Rated at 8 ohms, but in reality, they are 4 ohm speakers
- Do not have magnetic grills, they have a pin-and-cup grill retention system
- Tendency to sound bright with modern pop and electronic music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker, it is a noticeable step up in linearity
- The Ultra Towers' performance is beaten by perhaps only one or two other models in the same price range
- The SVS's more laid-back character and natural response remains composed compared to the JBLs, where the JBLs start to lose control and break up
Takeaway: The Ultra speakers are a good value because of their high-quality sound and build that offer performance often found in more expensive speakers. One can enjoy great sound without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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