Q Acoustics 5010 Speakers (Pair)

Q Acoustics 5010 stand mount speakers are small in size but big in sound. Even though they are the entry-level model in the 5000 range, they demand attention and boast superb performance, with a sound that is beyond what you would expect from compact and easy-to-position speakers.

The new 5000 series will change your ideas of how a speaker can look and sound at this level. The advanced driver design features a C3 continuous Curved Cone mid/bass driver and the tweeter is 25mm which is sealed and isolated from the cabinet. There is also advanced technology used in the cabinet design from the Concept range.

Four finishes are available and the recommended amplifier would have a power output of 15-90w

Advanced driver technology

The main feature of the 5010’s is the mid/bass driver. This uses the C3 Continuous Curved Cone designed by Q Acoustics. As a result of the design, the 110mm driver packs a lot of punch. The geometry of the cone needs a powerful magnet and motor assembly to drive it, so the motor assembly uses substantial magnets that are coupled to large voice coils. The result is a 50% increase over comparable drivers of this size. Consequently, the dynamic range and bass are improved.

Minimalist resonance-free design

The 5010 has elegant lines and a minimalist design. The cabinet reflects the unobtrusive nature of the new drivers with its contemporary lines. Good looks are also enhanced by the baffle fronts. These are butyl rubber coated with black acrylic trim. The rubber coating helps to dampen and suppress vibration. As a result, there is no resonance to mar the sound.

Isolated tweeter for sweet treble

The high-quality 25mm tweeter, has a frequency response of up to 30kHz and is hermetically sealed from the rest of the unit. It is also mechanically isolated from the baffle to prevent any air modulation from getting into the cabinet. The inner chamber is also vented to lower distortion. Finally, the crossover point is lower than usual for better integration with the bass/mid-range unit.

C3 continuous curved cone

The continuous curved cone design combines the best elements of a straight conic cone, with the better high/mid-range frequency control of a flared cone. Q Acoustics have used extensive research and engineering expertise to create a driver with excellent dispersion and reduced harmonic distortion. The continuous curved profile integrates better with the tweeter and gives deep bass dynamics. This makes placement up against a wall easier.

Ported versus closed cabinet design

Ported speaker designs have a cabinet opening that improves the bass response of a speaker system. This can be either to the rear, as with the 5010, or underneath, with larger floor standers. Some designs have the port on the front, under the drivers.

On the other hand, enclosed designs have no opening to the outside world. Notably, enclosed designs need more amplifier power for a given bass output. They can have tighter more articulate bass but may need a subwoofer to extend the low-frequency response. Finally, enclosed speakers often use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to enhance the bass.

Who is Q Acoustics?

Q Acoustics was founded in 2006. Since then they have won many plaudits from the worlds leading audio critics. The company is renowned for its innovative and high-performance loudspeakers. They have redefined what is possible in every market they have entered. That includes affordable speakers as well as high-end home cinema and active systems. The engineering used is ground-breaking and gives the most life-like thrilling sound possible today. The first speaker produced was the 1000 Series. This was a range of competitively priced compact speakers that rapidly became best sellers.