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
- Nice, wide sweet spot, especially considering its size
- Slightly warm sound, giving a nice vocal presentation
- Mid-range is fairly prominent, which is good for a center channel as it handles the vocals
- High end sounds pretty good, clear, and crisp
- Features a 0.9-inch tweeter and dual four-inch woofers
Product Considerations
- In the bass department, it doesn't play deep or detailed
- Accompaniment with other speakers is needed
- There can be a tonal shift if it is not tonally balanced with other speakers
- It is best to keep the speaker flush with the edge of the table, and pointed at your ear level
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Klipsch speakers have a bright sound, but the 3090ci has a more neutral sound, which can be tonally unbalanced
- The Concept line is better than the 3000i line, the Concept line has gel core, so the cabinets are a lot quieter and you get cleaner, purer sound
Takeaway: The 3090ci has a nice, clear sound that makes it a good choice for dialogue in movies. It is best paired with Q Acoustics speakers from the 3000i line for the best sound.
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
3090Ci
reviews
[{"title":"Q Acoustics 3090Ci Center Channel | Full Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB60OqQmTPQ","source":"Home Theater Hobbyist","datePublished":"2021"}]
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: 2 x 100 mm (4 in)
- Treble Unit: 22 mm (0.9 in)
- Frequency Response (+3 dB, -6 dB): 75 Hz – 30 kHz
- Average Impedance: 6 Ω
- Minimum Impedance: 4 Ω
- Sensitivity (2.83 Vrms@1 m): 89 dB
- Stereo Amplifier Power: 25 - 100 W
- AV Receiver (2 ch. driven): 50 - 165 W
- Crossover Frequency: 2.7 kHz
- Effective Volume: 6.6 L (403 cu in)
- Dimensions H/W/D: 152 x 430 x 216 mm (6.0 x 16.9 x 8.5 in)
- Weight (per speaker): 6 kg (13.2 lbs)
Description
The heart of any home cinema system, the Q 3090Ci has been developed to compliment the 3000i series perfectly, bringing crisp and clear dialogue and onscreen sound to life, 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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Used
Q Acoustics
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What if you spend more?
Q Acoustics
5090
599
599
/
1
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Product Strengths
- Realistic reproduction of vocals from an organic standpoint
- Sounds identical to the 5020s, with more punch
- A new woofer, called the C3 Continuous Curve Cone, provides better dispersion
- The tweeter is isolated as best as possible from the enclosure
Product Considerations
- Designs like the 5090 can result in comb filtering, which is simply cancelizations of specific frequencies depending upon how far off axis the listener is from the center of the speaker
- The reviewer plugged the ports in the back of the speaker to mitigate resonance in the cabinet
Takeaway: The 5090 is an exceptional center speaker that provides realistic vocal reproduction. If you want a center speaker with great vocals that sounds identical to the 5020s, this could be a great choice.
Video review
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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Focal
Theva Center
649
649
/
8
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Sweet and smooth sound profile
- Excellent detail for the price
- Great balance and fluidity across registers
- Impressive dynamics and a wide, dimensional stereo imaging, as it can deliver a stunning soundstage
- Overall balanced tonality
- The tweeter is made from quality materials with great care
- Elegant, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any audio setup, with a sleek aesthetic and multiple color options
Product Considerations
- Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class
- Laid-back sound occasionally obscures some definition
- Deep bass may require a subwoofer
- The tweeter is exposed and needs to be handled with care
- Some reviewers would prefer a solid painted color rather than an imitation wood vinyl veneer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but the Vestia No. 1 has more sparkling detail and pristine treble extension
- More compact and easier to place, though the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 looks more premium
- The L100 presented a more precise center image for vocals and dialog, but the Theva's more laid-back sound profile made them a better listen in most cases
- Stepped in pretty seamlessly for KEF LSX 2.1, which includes SVS's 3000 Micro subwoofer, showing impressive sonic skills, though they don't offer the same thunderous bass
- The rear-ported design is a change from the previous entry-level line, Chora, where the port was front-mounted
Takeaway: The Focal Theva No.1 is a well-rounded bookshelf speaker that offers excellent audio performance and detail for its price, with a sleek design that fits into any space. It's a great option for those looking for a hifi experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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ADAM Audio
A44H
699
699
/
5
Reviews
With a 19-inch width, the horizontally oriented A44H can sit on a standard rack shelf or be mounted above or below a display. The completely new design also enables the A44H to serve as a center speaker in immersive and 3D speaker configurations. Dual 4-inch long-throw woofers and the X-ART tweeter deliver a wide frequency range, while onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities enable you to tweak the sound easily.
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, comfortable, and easy to place, with a lower profile.
- Delivers a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound that delivers an enjoyable experience.
- A rotatable tweeter allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, providing flexibility in different setups.
- On-board DSP-based room correction options, and integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference for refined tuning.
- A wide sweet spot that is immersive and enjoyable to listen to.
Product Considerations
- The bass response may not be as present or suitable for music production with many sub-bass frequencies.
- The dial for input level adjustment is not stepped, which may make precise matching more difficult.
- Some reviewers suggest a sub may be needed depending on the material being worked with, to supplement the 4-inch woofers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ADAM Audio A7X model, the A44H offers a similar response curve.
Takeaway: The A44H monitors offer a unique form factor, versatile placement options, and a detailed sound, making them a great option for smaller spaces or immersive setups. The built-in DSP and integration with Sonarworks provide extensive room correction and customization capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
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Klipsch
RP-504C II
699
699
/
5
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- The RP-504C II is a solid center channel option, especially within a surround sound setup
- It is sonically better, more refined in the midrange and top end than previous generations, offering a balanced and open sound that can improve intelligibility
- The speaker provides good output levels with low distortion and compression, and is capable of handling power well
Product Considerations
- The RP-504C II has poor directivity in the horizontal region, which can lead to speech intelligibility issues for listeners sitting more than ±10° off-axis
- It has an elevated treble response, rising to about +3dB above average sensitivity levels above 2kHz, which may impact linearity
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs RP504C (Gen 1)—the Gen 2 has a different crossover point (650 and 1950 Hz vs 500 and 1500 Hz), refined mids and highs, and the Gen 1 has a gap that's more similar to the gap in the floor standings
- To Klipsch THX—RP-504C II sounds warmer and more natural
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-504C II center channel speaker is a capable speaker that may increase the sonic intelligibility of a sound system. It could be a great choice for a home theater setup if clear dialogue and sound reproduction are priorities, and it has good output levels with low distortion and compression.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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What competes at this price?
Dali
Fazon Mikro Vokal
252
/
Released
The DALI FAZON MIKRO VOKAL is an ultra compact centre speaker featuring our signature wood fibre cone and soft dome tweeter module. The high-gloss aluminium cabinet fits perfectly in any living room, delivering true Hi-Fi in a very small package.
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lively and informative sound
- Speakers integrate well with a subwoofer, creating a seamless coherence
- Opulent and robust design with a high-gloss lacquered aluminum cabinet
- Well-made with quality materials
Product Considerations
- Lacks some solidity
- Smallish soundstage
- Dynamics could be better
Takeaway: The Dali Fazon Mikro Vokal is a stylish and well-made speaker suitable for smaller rooms that offers lively sound and integrates well with a subwoofer. It's a reasonable option to consider if you want both style and sound in a compact form.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Definitive Technology
Dymension DM20
449
/
Released
2023
The Dymension™ DM20 slim center channel speaker provides full-range sound with superior vocal clarity. Its low-profile design accommodates home theater cabinetry or can be wall-mounted.
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Definitive Technology is a hifi speaker brand known for its bipole design, which radiates sound from both front and back to create a more spacious soundstage. Their speakers feature unique technologies like Linear Response Waveguide for better off-axis listening and Intelligent Bass Control for precise bass adjustments while maintaining midrange balance, with many models incorporating built-in powered subwoofers.
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Polk
XT35
299
/
Released
2021
Low-profile, wall-mountable, and affordable, Monitor XT35 maximizes the enjoyment of high-resolution movie and game sound without blocking your TV or remote.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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KEF
T101c Centre
389
/
Released
With a flat screen TV, you want speakers to match. Really flat. More importantly, you also want to fill the room with high definition 3D sound that's every bit as involving as what's on screen.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Dialogue fed through the T101c centre channel sounds natural and full-bodied
Product Considerations
- There is a lack of substance unless a subwoofer is included
Takeaway: The T101c sounds natural and full-bodied, which is no mean feat for such a slim speaker. The KEF T105 will serve well as a stylish, discreet, and capable surround sound solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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Polk
Signature Elite ES35
399
/
Released
2021
With the Signature Elite ES35 high-performance, low-profile center channel loudspeaker you'll enjoy movies, gaming and multi-channel music with crystal-clear dialog and powerful cinematic sound—without blocking your TV. Hi-Res Certified, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and accessibly priced, Signature Elite ES35 fulfills the Polk promise of great sound for all.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent resolution and detail retrieval
- Strong bass performance
- Wide soundstage
- Good imaging capabilities
- Natural and balanced sound signature
Product Considerations
- May not be ideal for those seeking a very warm sound
- Can be revealing of poor recordings
Takeaway: The product offers a balanced and detailed sound that is well-suited for a variety of music genres. Careful attention to associated equipment and recording quality is advised.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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