Introducing 3000 generation c Q Acoustics’ latest affordable, high-performance loudspeaker series, featuring C3 Continuous Curved Cone™ design

British audio specialist, Q Acoustics, introduces the affordable and high performance 3000c loudspeaker series. Building on the formidable legacy of the 3000i – Q Acoustics’ most popular and decorated speaker series – this new range continues the company’s unwavering track record of delivering a sonic performance and high-quality design and build way beyond its class. The 3000c is the perfect entry-point into a modern audiophile world or as a cost-effective speaker upgrade.

This new speaker series features a C³ Continuous Curved Cone™ mid/bass driver design, first introduced in award-winning 5000 series and the M40 powered micro-tower speakers. Q Acoustics latest technical platform elevates the 3000c above its peers to deliver a sound defined by an articulate and fast mid-range, controlled but powerful bass dynamics, and nuanced and detailed high frequencies, alongside an exceptional soundstage not previously experienced at this level.

The 3000c family is comprised of the 3010c bookshelf, 3020c standmount, 3030c larger standmount, 3050c floorstander, with the 3090c centre-channel completing the line-up for a home cinema speaker set-up.

3000c series audio innovations include:

New ground-up C³ (pronounced ‘C-cubed’) Continuous Curved Cone™ mid/bass profile ensures superior bass dynamics and smoother integration with the high frequency driver.
Based on design principles found in the newest Concept series, the hermetically sealed high frequency driver unit is mechanically isolated from the baffle, preventing modulation from the mid/bass driver.
Low colouration cabinets with P2P^TM (Point to Point^TM) bracing, minimising low-end reverberation to improve the stereo image and soundstage.
HPE^TM (Helmholtz Pressure Equaliser^TM) tubes disrupt the build-up of standing waves, smoothing the frequency response and reducing distortion (3050c model only).
Boasts a clean and contemporary aesthetic with sophisticated satin metallic driver trims.
Available in four new finishes: Pin Oak, Claro Walnut, Satin White, Satin Black.

C³ Continuous Curved Cone™ design

Significant advances in the design of a loudspeaker drive unit are rare – but the C³ driver successfully addresses shortcomings in established drive unit design.

Originally made available in the 5000 series of loudspeakers, the C³ unit is the result of extensive research and uncompromised engineering – it combines the bass performance advantages of a traditional straight conic cone with the midrange and high-end control of a flared cone.

The driver’s single, smooth, continuous curve profile delivers numerous positive results. Smoother integration with the tweeter, thanks to its excellent dispersion and well-controlled frequency response, is one – and low-frequency dynamics and control benefit too, which means greater flexibility in the positioning of speakers relative to the wall boundaries of the listening space. Harmonic distortion is reduced, while the scale and accuracy of the soundstage is enhanced. And the C³ driver is more resistant to standing waves within the cabinet than less advanced drive units, too.

Evolution in design

The 3000c series evolves the 3000i’s signature look and feel to reflect developing taste in interior design. Continuing Q Acoustics’ reductive design ethos and echoing the unadorned nature of the C³ profile, the 3000c is more visually minimal with no discerning joints or bolts. A new elegant one-piece driver trim, in satin nickel and satin chrome (white only) offers a sophisticated enhancement at the front of the cabinet, while all new finishes complete the range’s design elevation.

Arriving in four new modern and high-quality finishes, the 3000c series will look at home in any interior living space. The introduction of a new lighter (Pin Oak) and darker wood (Claro Walnut) coverings, alongside new but classic Satin White and Satin Black finishes first seen in the 5000 series, emulates the contemporary design nature of this new speaker family.

The 3050c floorstanding model boasts a stylish solid aluminium stabiliser design first introduced in the M40. Featuring top adjustable spikes for easier levelling adjustment, the entire range also includes a terminal panel trickled down from 5000 series, with low-profile speaker binding posts for easy placement near to a wall.

Cabinet and driver innovations

Every model in the 3000c series features the acoustic cabinet innovations first introduced in the high-end Concept range of loudspeakers, including tweeter enclosure design, P2P™ (Point 2 Point™) bracing and (in the floorstanding 3050c) Helmholtz Pressure Equalisers (HPE™) tube technology.

High-frequency driver design

Based on the design principles found in the 5000 series and the new Concept series before that, the 3000c tweeter unit is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated or ‘floating’ from the baffle. This prevents internal pressure modulations from within the cabinet and from the adjacent mid/bass driver. The inner chamber is also precisely vented for lower distortion, with a lower crossover point for optimum integration through the crossover region.

Mid/bass driver design

The game changing C³ cone is at the heart of the 3000c mid/bass design. The cone’s geometry requires exceptional motor strength for optimal performance, so substantial magnets are coupled to the voice coils. The control exercised by the large magnets ensures good dynamic response, headroom and tight bass. Apart from these benefits the large magnets also ensure that pole plate and yoke are near saturated, which reduces flux-modulation and harmonic distortion.

P2P™ (Point to Point™) and HPE™ (Helmholtz Pressure Equalisers) technology

P2P™ (Point to Point™) internal bracing is fitted to internal areas of the cabinet prone to low-end frequency reverberations. This reinforcement delivers a more focused stereo image, and a wider, better-controlled soundstage.

The 3050c is, like all floorstanding loudspeakers, vulnerable to internal build-up of pressure that causes unwanted standing waves and colouration. To prevent this occurring, specially designed HPE™ (Helmholtz Pressure Equalisers) tubes are fitted inside the cabinet to nullify internal pressure and improve frequency response.

Home cinema set-up

Outside of being accomplished stereo speakers, the new 3000c series can also form a talented but powerful 5.1 home cinema set-up. The system arrives in two 5.1 combinations: the 3010c 5.1 and the 3050c 5.1 speaker packages. At the heart of this home entertainment line-up is the 3090c centre-channel speaker, delivering dynamic and pin-sharp dialogue, while choose from either the slimline 3060S subwoofer or the more powerful Q B12 for hard-hitting but nuanced low-end sounds and a truly immersive cinematic experience.

New sustainable packaging

As a leading audio company, Q Acoustics is constantly evolving its ethos around sustainability. The new 3000c series features sustainable and recyclable egg crate packaging replacing existing EPS (expanded polystyrene) that will provide improved speaker and environmental protection.

Availability and pricing*:

*Pricing is correct at the time of going to press but is subject to change.

Q Acoustics 3010c bookshelf is available in August, priced£329 / € 399 / $399
Q Acoustics 3020c standmount is available in August, priced£399 / € 499 / $499
Q Acoustics 3030c larger standmount is available in August, priced£499 / €649 / $649
Q Acoustics 3050c floorstander is available in August, priced£899 / € 1,199 / $1,199
Q Acoustics 3090c centre channel is available in August, priced£299 / € 399 / $399
Q Acoustics 3010c 5.1 (2x 3010c/pair, 3090c, 3060S subwoofer) is available in August, price TBC
Q Acoustics 3050c 5.1 (1x 3050c/pair, 1x 3010c/pair, 3090c, QB12 subwoofer) is available in August, price TBC

From:

UK: www.qacoustics.co.uk and local independent dealers
US: www.qacoustics.com
Selected international territories

Accessories:

Q Acoustics FS50 floorstands (pair) for the 3010c/3020c arrives in a white or black finish, priced £175/€219/$239 and is available now from www.qacoustics.co.uk (UK), www.qacoustics.com (US) and local independent dealers.

Q Acoustics 3030i floorstands (pair) for the 3030c arrives in a white or black finish, priced £195/€249 /$269 and is available now from www.qacoustics.co.uk (UK), www.qacoustics.com (US) and local independent dealers.

Q Acoustics WB50 wall bracket (single) for the 3010c/3020c/3090c arrives in a white or black finish, priced £22/€27.50/$32.50 and is available now from www.qacoustics.co.uk (UK), www.qacoustics.com (US) and local independent dealers.

Technical specifications*

*Performance specifications correct at the time of going to press but these may change slightly for the final retail version.

	3010c	3020c	3030c
Bass unit	1 x 101 mm (4.0 in)	1 x 120 mm (4.75 in)	1 x 142 mm (5.5 in)
Treble unit	1 x 22 mm (0.9 in)	1 x 22 mm (0.9 in)	1 x 22 mm (0.9 in)
Frequency response (-6 dB)	60 Hz – 30 kHz	60 Hz – 30 kHz	48 Hz – 30 kHz
Nominal impedance	6 Ω	6 Ω	6 Ω
Minimum impedance	3.6 Ω	3.3 Ω	3.8 Ω
Sensitivity (1 m, 2.83 Vrms @ 1 kHz)	84.5 dB	87.0 dB	87.0 dB
Recommended amplifier power	15-80 W	25-90 W	25 – 90 W
Crossover frequency	2.6 kHz	2.6 kHz	2.7 kHz
Effective volume	4.5 L	6.9 L	12.5 L
Dimensions (per loudspeaker) HxWxD	254 x 155 x 251 mm (10.0 x 6.1 x 9.9 in)	279 x 175 x 281 mm (10.9 x 6.9 x 11.1 in)	324 x 205 x 329 mm (12.8 x 8.1 x 13.0 in)
Weight (per loudspeaker)	4.4 Kg (9.7 Ibs)	5.5 Kg (12.1 Ibs)	7.1 Kg (15.7 Ibs)

	3050c	3090c
Bass unit	2 x 142 mm (5.5in)	2 x 101 mm (4.0 in)
Treble unit	1 x 22 mm (0.9 in)	1 x 22 mm (0.9 in)
Frequency response (-6 dB)	42 Hz – 30 kHz	68 Hz – 30 kHz
Nominal impedance	6 Ω	6 Ω
Minimum impedance	3.4 Ω	3.6 Ω
Sensitivity (1 m, 2.83 Vrms @ 1 kHz)	91.5 dB	92.0 dB
Recommended amplifier power	25 – 150 W	25-120 W
Crossover frequency	2.3 kHz	3.0 kHz
Effective volume	41.6 L	6.8 L
Dimensions (per loudspeaker) HxWxD	Inc spikes and stabiliser: 1021 x 315 x 316 mm (40.2 x 12.4 x 12.4 in)	159 x 430 x 216 mm (6.3 x 16.9 x 8.5 in)
Weight (per loudspeaker)	18.4 Kg (40.6 Ibs)	6.2 Kg (13.7 Ibs)