British audio model Q Acoustics has been on hearth these days within the inexpensive audiophile scene, with choices just like the M20 HD Bluetooth audio system (8/10, WIRED Recommends) gaining widespread acclaim. The corporate’s new 5020 audio system have risen as new contenders in the crowded midrange bookshelf house, however they might find yourself being a number of the extra polarizing audio system to return out this 12 months.
There’s little doubt the 5020 sound spectacular, with a speeding burst of readability, articulate stereo imaging, and a penchant for very good element. The caveat is that to be able to carve out all that definition, the audio system have a tendency to intensify the treble and higher midrange. This will make some content material sound lighter and typically sharper than standard, particularly notable in shouty dialog and choose high-register devices and results.
There’s nonetheless loads of great things occurring right here, however when you’re searching for your subsequent pair of every little thing audio system, you’ll wish to learn on earlier than pulling the set off.
Elegant Blocks of Sound
Pulling the 5020 from their packaging reveals a sneakily attractive design. Deep wooden veneer cupboards bend across the edges in Q Acoustics’ acquainted design, whereas the shiny entrance faces meld with my black TV console and general listening room decor as properly or higher than any audio system I’ve auditioned. Together with the satin black model I acquired, the audio system additionally are available white, rosewood, and oak finishes. A magnetic grille is included for additional minimalist styling.
Behind every speaker, you’ll discover easy terminals prepared to simply accept banana plug wiring, with bass ports and bungs for dampening (these shouldn’t be vital for many rooms). Inside, Q Acoustics says the cupboards use Level-2-Level inside bracing, designed to stiffen the cupboard for minimal vibrations and a extra targeted stereo picture.
A hermetically sealed 1-inch tweeter is matched by a 5-inch midrange woofer under. It’s the bigger driver that’s the pleasure and pleasure of Q Acoustics’ new lineup. Utilizing what the corporate calls a C3 (pronounced “C-cubed”) Steady Curved Cone design, the woofer is geared toward providing the hefty bass response of a standard cone with the higher register prowess of a flared cone.
Whether or not that actually interprets, I’m not so certain. The audio system provide critical high-register readability, and even some good foundational punch within the decrease bass, particularly for hip-hop grooves. Nonetheless, the mid and higher bass in my listening periods was about as mild as you’d count on in a woofer this measurement, if not lighter. In case you’re wanting for lots of low-end push, you’ll most likely wish to add a subwoofer or go for one thing with a bigger cone, like Focal’s new Vestia No1.
Remarkably Clear
There’s no arguing towards the 5020’s breathtaking readability, which may result in some enjoyable and revealing moments in your listening periods. I paired the audio system with my Naim Uniti Atom community amplifier, which can also be identified for impressively fluid and clear sound, and the 2 collectively dissected my music with a surgeon’s precision.
One of many 5020s’ finest options is their soundstage, which isn’t solely comparatively expansive but additionally starkly outlined. The tweeters are fairly directional, so it took a minute to get issues dialed in to the right place. As soon as carried out, the audio system reproduced a razor-sharp heart picture and diamond-cut instrumental separation throughout a sprawling soundstage.