Q Acoustics 5020 Speakers (Pair)

Q Acoustics 5020 speakers sit above the 5010 speakers and are larger stand-mount speakers in the 5000 range. They offer more power handling and are slightly larger for better bass response. Although they may be referred to as bookshelf speakers, they will perform at their best on proper speaker stands.

The 5020 embodies significant advancements in speaker design. These include the C3 continuous curved cone bass/midrange driver, along with an enclosed tweeter enclosure and cabinet design derived from the high-end Concept range. 

5020 is also a minimalist design with some interesting features such as the rubber-coated baffle, that reduces the chance of any cabinet resonance – in a choice of four finishes.

Advanced bass/midrange driver

The advanced C3 continuous curved cone driver needs a powerful motor to drive it properly. As a result, the 5000 series feature substantial magnets, and larger than normal voice coils. Consequently, the power handling is increased by 50%, up to 100 watts, in fact. This gives a wide dynamic range and more bass than you would expect from a speaker of this size.

Sweet treble from a 25mm tweeter

The tweeter is a sealed design that is also found in the new concept series. It is isolated or floating from the baffle. There are no pressure modulations, that could interfere with the bass/midrange unit. The inner chamber is also vented to lower distortion and the crossover point is lower, this makes for better integration with the bass unit.

Continuous curved cone driver

Extensive research and expert engineering has led to the continuous curved cone. This combines the bass performance of a straight conic cone with the high/midrange control of a flared cone. This advancement with a single, smooth continuous profile, also has excellent dispersion characteristics.

The frequency response is well controlled and the distortion is reduced. Deep bass dynamics are also better and the bass is tighter, allowing for more versatility in room placement.

Minimalist design stand-mounted speakers

The 5020 features elegant lines as well as a minimalist design. The curved edges prevent refraction and match the unobtrusive nature of the new drivers. The contemporary good looks are also enhanced by the baffle design. The baffles are coated with butyl rubber with black acrylic trim. The rubber helps to suppress any vibration. The result is a clean and clear sound.

Ported or enclosed designs?

There are two types of speaker cabinet designs. One has an opening to the outside world, while the other is sealed. Ported speakers feature an opening. This improves the bass response. The ports can be either to the rear or front. Some larger speakers such as subwoofers have a port underneath that fires at the floor. 

Alternatively, there are sealed designs. Sealed designs need more amplifier power for a given amount of bass. However, the bass is tighter and more articulate. There may be less bass from sealed designs and you may need a subwoofer to extend the low-frequency response. Sealed speakers often feature active bass control or Digital Signal Processing to boost the bass. The choice of which to use is down to personal preference.

About Q Acoustics

Q Acoustics has rapidly established itself, with various innovative and high-performing speakers. They have won many awards from the world’s leading audio critics. The first speaker produced was the 1000 series. These were a range of competitively priced speakers that rapidly became best sellers. Since then the 2000 range, 3000 range and more have redefined what can be achieved at each level they have entered. Today they produce affordable passive speakers as well as high-end home cinema and active systems.