Updating its original 3020 stand-mounted design, Paul Rigby reviews the Q Acoustics 3020i speakers
I loved the last iteration of the 3020 stand-mounted speakers from Q Acoustics. In fact, you can see the review of those very speakers HERE.
For the price, there was – still is – very little out there that can even think about competing.
Who better to set themselves that very challenge than Q Acoustics itself then? Which is exactly what it has done, adding a letter ‘i’ at the end of the name, as a flourish.
Taking the new stand (also shelf and wall-mounted) speakers out of the box, what hits you about the 3020i speakers is just how different they are in design and look. Frankly, the family resemblance is receding fast. The original 3020 design looked neat, tidy and efficient in terms of its lines and curves. The 3020i speakers look completely detached from that original design direction.
In what way? I was offered a review pairing in a wood finish and, in that mode especially, they look stunningly beautiful. For this price point, the design just takes your breath away. They really do look like pieces of furniture, such is the attention to detail and finish. They look like a pair of £2,000 speakers.
Featuring a sensitivity of 88db, they are also larger, 25% larger, in fact spanning 170 x 278 x 282mm while the weight has risen to 5.5kg per speaker. Which promises much for bass, of course – but we’ll see about that in a moment.
Inside the cabinets you’ll find P2P bracing, supporting parts of the cabinet itself, there’s also a 22mm decoupled “High Frequency Driver” with a wide surround that may help sound dispersion. Again, we’ll see. A mid/bass unit is slung underneath spanning 125mm.
I like the new binding posts. They’ve been inserted to improve the “structural integrity” to the enclosures and feature sockets deep enough to accept 4mm Banana Plugs. The design means that the speaker can be positioned very close to a rear wall, if required. I found them solid and robust.
Finishes include Graphite Grey, English Walnut, Carbon Black or Arctic White. All are finished with a chrome bezel around each driver plus included magnetic speaker grilles if you need them.
SOUND QUALITY
I began sound tests via Nat ‘King’ Cole and the title track from the original 1965 album, L.O.V.E (EMI).
The 3020i’s response is quite fascinating, especially when compared to the previous model. The original 3020 is quite dry in the upper mids, compared to the 3020i, which puts some emphasis on the 3020’s detail. That is, there is a slight claustrophobic quality to the original 3020 which enables the ear to pick up finer detail on the right channel’s strumming guitar and certain areas of Cole’s vocal.
Let me go into more detail on this area. Early in the song, Cole sings these lines, “L is for the way you look at me/ O is for the only one I see/ V is very, very extra-ordinary”…and so on. When he sings each letter, he adds a vocal sustain and his voice drops to a bass growl. There’s vibrato in there. On the original 3020s that vibrato is better translated than the 3020i speakers. It’s easier to hear and aurally track. So, in some respects, the 3020i loses a certain amount of precision. Instead, the 3020i adds a host of other changes.
To begin, there is a slight sweetness in the midrange from the 3020i and a smooth aspect which gives the impression of the music flowing with zero friction. The rhythms just ease by like a lazy river on a Summer’s day. It’s quite mesmeric.
Next, the 3020i adds a sense of air and space where there was relatively little with the original 3020 speakers. This means that the mix is better translated in terms of natural reverb. For example, there was a lot more reverb off the Cole voice from the 3020i design, via the the backing orchestra.
Thirdly, the structure of the soundstage is such more superior with the new 3020i speakers. The stereo image is just as strong as before but, via the 3020i speakers, the Cole vocal adds much more dimensionality. That is, the Cole voice is pushed way back, giving the soundstage a greater 3D effect. That helps to isolate the Cole vocal so it reverb doesn’t clash with the orchestra.
Finally, there is a greater sense of tonality via the 3020i speakers. Piano has a realistic complexity, brass has a humanistic vibration during crescendos while the upright bass presents a startling resonance which tells the ear that the double bass is a big box, basically.
I moved to more dynamic a fare and an original cut of Greenslade’s excellent Time And Tide, from 1975 and Warner Bros.
The slight sweetness from the 3020i speakers added a touch of warmth to the drums but there was also an attractive organic nature to each drum strike and, more than that, when the drummer roamed across his kit in a slow, lazy manner, hitting different drums in turn, the tonal contrast between each drum was easily displayed, providing a rich, layered soundstage.
The infusion of air around each instrument helped to lift each, adding to the overall pace of the music, while giving the presentation a rather epic feel. The piano sounded positively ‘grand’, for example.
CONCLUSION
If you prefer a slightly drier sound and, hence, more focus on pure detail then you might want to stick with the 3020 originals. That said, apart from the slight smoothing sweetness from the 3020i speakers (which is a Marmite type of attribute), there are so many new extras and sonic benefits that flow from the 3020i designs that you really won’t be disappointed. Despite the detail aspect I mentioned, the 3020i has no vices. No blooming of the bass, no brightness in the mids and no pinched treble while the extra midrange insight and tonal realism gives these speakers an expensive feel. How the company produces this sort of performance from the given price point is beyond me.
Q ACOUSTICS 3020i SPEAKERS Price: £249 Tel: 01279 501111 Website: www.qacoustics.co.uk TO BUY, CLICK BELOW: UK - https://amzn.to/3ejlTGb USA - https://amzn.to/385uonk EUROPE - https://amzn.to/3elEdOU
GOOD: midrange insight, tonal realism, smooth mids, imagery, design
BAD: Some might dislike the slight midrange sweetness
RATING: 8
Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Group, The Audiophile Man: Hi-Fi & Music here: www.facebook.com/groups/theaudiophileman for exclusive postings, exclusive editorial and more!]
REFERENCE
Rega Planar 3 turntable
Rega Brio-R amplifier
Spendor A1 speakers
Black Rhodium cables
Blue Horizon Professional Rack System
Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components
All vinyl was cleaned using an Audio Desk’s Ultrasonic Pro Vinyl Cleaner
80 Comments
Geoffrey
13th June 2018 at 6:52 amYou say it like it’s a bad thing
Paul Rigby
13th June 2018 at 9:32 amYou’ve lost me Geoff, sorry – say what about what?
Geoff
13th June 2018 at 8:40 pmHello Paul,
Sorry about that. What i meant was that the careful tuning and sweetening of the sound isn’t a bad, negative thing in my book. In real life and in a real room, where these speakers will end up, they will sound amazing and not harsh like many others.
Best regards
Paul Rigby
14th June 2018 at 10:18 amHi Geoff – gotcha. My principe intention was to alert the reader the the existence of ‘sweetness’. I do know that some users dislike it. That said, it does slightly dull detail extraction, especially when compared to the earlier model. Nevertheless, as I say, there’s too many other positives going for the 3020i for me to get upset by the ‘sweet’ addition 🙂
Joe
13th June 2018 at 11:07 pmIs the walnut version wrapped in real wood veneer or vinyl?
Paul Rigby
14th June 2018 at 11:47 amGood question Joe – I’m not sure. Let me ask Q Acoustics and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Paul Rigby
14th June 2018 at 1:09 pmGot this from Q Acoustics, Joe: “It’s a wrap around vinyl finish on all models with the walnut version having a 3D wood effect (textured) veneer finish.”
Rafael Pagán
19th June 2018 at 2:19 amHello! Would you prefer these over the Dali Spektor 2?
Paul Rigby
19th June 2018 at 10:25 amHi Rafael – good question but I have yet to compare the two directly, I’m afraid. Both are excellent and both would make ideal choices.
Pete
19th June 2018 at 7:23 pmI enjoy your website, Paul. Is the Concept 20 (‘deeply groovy, 9/10’) a better, stronger loudspeaker? Any additional help you can give will be appreciated. Thank you.
Paul Rigby
20th June 2018 at 7:46 amThanks Pete – I have not had the opportunity to compare both so my comments arrive with caveats but the Concepts are designed to be better, yes. They feature a greater build budget and facilities. I’m sticking my neck out a bit but, as a rule of thumb, I would plump for a Concept over a 3020 class.
Paul Findlay
20th June 2018 at 1:15 amHi Paul, I bought the 3020’s a couple of years back after you recommended them to me and I have to say I absolutely love them… I was in Richer Sounds the other day and you can now pick them up for just £99! I am thinking of adding another set of speakers and wondered what you thought about pairing a set of 30201’s with the 3020’s? Thanks
Paul Rigby
20th June 2018 at 7:47 amGlad to hear that Paul – these proposed new speakers, is this purchase for a second system or an upgrade to a current system?
Paul Findlay
20th June 2018 at 10:15 pmThese would be as an upgrade to the existing system. I was thinking of adding these to my existing setup i.e. 4 speakers, 3020/3020i left channel + 3020/3020i right channel – or would you not recommend that? Thanks
Paul Rigby
21st June 2018 at 9:41 amHi Paul – is this for a surround-type system?
Paul Findlay
21st June 2018 at 9:05 pmHi Paul, no not really, just to add to the existing front facing stereo sound.
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2018 at 9:58 amAlthough I see the 3020i speakers as superior to the 3020 models I would encourage you to reach higher in terms of sound quality, if you intend to spend your hard earned money. That is, if you want to upgrade, I would look towards a pair of £500-£1000 speakers. The move to the 3020i speakers would be more a sideways step, in terms of the money you would be spending. That cash could be saved and better invested.
Paul Findlay
22nd June 2018 at 12:55 pmOkay thanks Paul, what would you recommend around the £500 price point? I imagine there is also quite a difference in quality at the £1000 end, what would be your recommendation there and would I be in danger of overdoing it with the speakers at that point compared to the rest of my setup? Rega RP3 with AT440mlb, Rega phono mini, Marantz 6003 amp. Your advice gratefully received, thanks.
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2018 at 1:23 pmI would look at these: https://www.qacoustics.co.uk/q-acoustics-3050-floorstanding-speakers-pair.html
Others to look at around the £500 mark include the Focal Aria 906 and Quad S-1.
You’re right, when you get about the £600-£700 mark you need to be looking to upgrade the other components first. In fact, something to consider, there is a strong case to do that right now. You have a balanced system ‘as is’. The logical upgrade path from here is to upgrade the turntable and then work you’re way along and down to the speakers.
Paul Findlay
22nd June 2018 at 3:23 pmYeah that makes sense, where would you start with the turntable as “the next step up”? I’ll look to start there and drop you a line along the way if that’s okay? Thanks Paul
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2018 at 3:37 pmSure, no problem. what’s your budget Paul?
Paul Findlay
22nd June 2018 at 3:58 pmHadn’t really thought about it like that, more like choose what to go for and then work towards finding the funds. I know that could potentially mean ridiculous money but I’m looking at a realistic next step up from the RP3?
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2018 at 4:28 pmI would look to secure your system for a longer term so that you don’t need to upgrade for a while so something along the lines:
http://www.analogueseduction.net/funk-firm/funk-firm-little-super-deck-turntable-with-funk-firm-f5-tonearm.html
http://www.analogueseduction.net/avid-turntables/avid-ingenium-turntable.html
http://www.analogueseduction.net/pro-ject-turntables/pro-ject-2xperience-sb-turntable-with-s-shape-tonearm.html
http://www.analogueseduction.net/rega-turntables/rega-rp8-turntable.html
I’m not recommending the retailer as such – although there’s nothing wrong with them – just using their site as a reference.
Paul Findlay
22nd June 2018 at 5:08 pmSome investigating to do then… thanks for all your help Paul
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2018 at 5:27 pmNo problem, let me know how you get on.
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2018 at 5:29 pmSome extra resources for you, Paul:
https://theaudiophileman.com/rp8/
https://theaudiophileman.com/ingenium-avid-turntable-review/
https://theaudiophileman.com/gett/ [a cheaper deck but it gives you a flavour of the company]
pj
24th June 2018 at 9:09 pmHi Paul: A very nice, passionate review.
I must ask (and readers must be aware) that when drawing comparisons to the earlier (3020) Q model, was the same ‘reference ‘ system (and listening room) used ?
A fine ending paragraph you offer up:
” …If you prefer a slightly drier sound and, hence, more focus on pure detail then you might want to stick with the 3020 originals. That said, apart from the slight smoothing sweetness from the 3020i speakers (which is a Marmite type of attribute), there are so many new extras and sonic benefits that flow from the 3020i designs that you really won’t be disappointed. Despite the detail aspect I mentioned, the 3020i has no vices. No blooming of the bass, no brightness in the mids and no pinched treble while the extra midrange insight and tonal realism gives these speakers an expensive feel. How the company produces this sort of performance from the given price point is beyond me.”
What I wish to know, is what component (or loudspeaker ‘changes are responsible for : ” …That said, apart from the slight smoothing sweetness …” (?)
To me, a “smoothing sweetness” infers a. well, ‘sweetening’ coloration -substituting accuracy with (deceiving) pleasantness. Any further comments you could add to this ?
peter jasz
Paul Rigby
26th June 2018 at 10:25 amHi pj – yes, the same system was used. Yes, there is a slight reduction in ‘accuracy’ at the 3020i extremes of the frequencies which the original 3020 possess, as I mentioned in the review, but that extra detail from the 3020 speakers comes at a price, I list those factors in the review. That is, the 3020 gives you this one benefit but the 3020i speakers add a further 6-7 benefits. Hence, on balance the ‘i’ wins.
GS
10th August 2018 at 10:03 amI’m thinking of upgrading my old MS 902i Avant speakers which are over 10 years old now. The design and look of these 3020i’s is great but would they offer a significant sonic improvement? The old 902i’s are great all rounders but starting to look a bit tatty.
My current setup is;
PC optical out
DAC Magic
Cambridge Audio Azur 640A
MS902i on Partington Super Dreadnought Stands
Thanks
Paul Rigby
10th August 2018 at 12:07 pmHi GS – if anything, I would see the 3020i speakers in a similar vein to your MS speakers but I would look at the 3020i as fixing (the MS top end could be a little excitable at times) or enhancing what you already have. The 3020i design would certainly slot nicely into your system.
GS
10th August 2018 at 1:58 pmOK thanks for that.
I’ve also been toying with the idea of trading in the Cambridge Audio Azur 640A for a Rega Brio.
This would be a significant increase in terms of outlay but will this be matched by a marked improvement in terms of sound quality do you think, even with the existing speakers?
Paul Rigby
10th August 2018 at 5:04 pmHi GS – yes, the Brio will work well with the 3020i speakers – get the latest version of the amp if you can, the older Brio was known as the Brio-R (still excellent but the new one is better).
Clive
16th October 2018 at 8:23 pmHi great website. I have a pair of 2020i , concept 20, 1010i , and 2 pairs of 3010. So I can say I like the q acoustics sound, my question is what sounds best concept 20 or the new 3020i?
Paul Rigby
18th October 2018 at 10:46 amGood question Clive but I would still plump for the Concepts overall in terms of overall sound quality.
Clive
18th October 2018 at 2:56 pmGreat thanks. Even my girlfriend noticed the difference between the 2020i and concept 20 which is a good sign. So next question concept 20 or 40? My room is about 5m X 4m but 1 side is open plan so 5m X 12m. Ps I’ve got a big subwoofer.
Paul Rigby
18th October 2018 at 3:01 pmDepends on how the speakers react to your room – if you can get away with it, the 40s. Actually, I’d recommend trying the 40s without the sub for a while to see if the sonic balance is improved. You can always switch it back on if you miss your sub.
Clive
18th October 2018 at 3:13 pmThanks I didn’t think that would be an easy answer. Problem is I am English but I live in North Sweden, and I can test them at home first but thanks anyway 😀.
Clive
18th October 2018 at 3:17 pmOops can’t test them at home first.
Roland
19th November 2018 at 9:18 pmHello!
Superb review! I am planning to build my first system and i think of buying 3020i’s. What amp could you suggest not to break the budget and to be future-proof?
Paul Rigby
20th November 2018 at 9:51 amThanks for your kind words Roland – before we get to the amp, what’s your source?
Dr Kenneth Fraser
8th August 2020 at 10:38 am,Hi Paul, ive just bought the 3020i Q Acoustics on Amazon at £168!!!!!! Brand new, i needed a small speaker system to go on top of a cabinet,the front end of system is Marantz cd6006 (uk version) , couple with a perfect condition Marantz pm66 Ken Ishiwata amp, speaker cable will be audio reference silver. Dye to Covid 19 restrictions im kind of flying blind,but my wide sonic appreciation will probably help with nothing i can envisage being particulary audibly offensive with this set up. I look forward to long sessions with everything from Vivaldi and Wagner, to Donovan, Dire Straits, Nick Drake, to Nightwish,and Dio., my thanks for your review here, and look foreard to r3ading more of them.
Paul Rigby
8th August 2020 at 12:57 pmMy pleasure, glad you got a good deal there and happy to hear that you’re all set to enjoy your music 🙂
John
10th December 2018 at 6:28 amHello Paul,
Thank you for the review. I want to buy my first speakers and want to understand how to buy them. I understand that at this budget level, 3020i’s are one of the best. But in terms of selecting the amps, I didn’t understand the infrastructure enough. I want to connect my 3020i’s to TV and use it with multiple purposes (Music, movies and tv..). And for music, my main source will be Spotify and TIDAL. So having features such as Bluetooth or wifi would be very useful for me. I understand that there are stereo receivers that satisfies these features. Is there any stereo receivers that you can recommend in my case? and is there too much difference between stereo amplifiers and receivers. For stereo amplifier, blue aura v40 is recommended to me.
Thank you very much for your help, I’m trying to learn.
John
Paul Rigby
10th December 2018 at 10:44 amNot a problem, John. First question before we can proceed…what is your budget?
Paul
31st December 2018 at 2:53 pmHi Paul thanks for the interesting review. It was nice to read some of your in-depth findings rather than reading some of the large review sites which seem to take up half of the review by just rehashing the specs!
As an amateur music producer and bedroom DJ (house and electronica) I am looking to replace a cheap and nasty HiFi setup with some quality products and was wondering if you would recommend the 3020i for this purpose? If so I would looking to spend around £250 on a seperate amp, woukd you have any recommendations for this?
Many thanks
Paul Rigby
31st December 2018 at 5:08 pmMany thanks, Paul – well, the 3020i certainly is quality 🙂 The Cambridge Topaz AM10 would be a good choice for £200.
Diogo
28th January 2019 at 12:31 pmI am looking for a nice/not too expensive amplifier for Q Acoustics 3020i. Any suggestions? Many thanks
Paul Rigby
28th January 2019 at 1:58 pmHi Diogo – Thanks for your question. What source are you proposing to use in your hi-fi system? And what is your overall budget?
Michael
6th March 2019 at 3:40 pmHi Paul,
I’m considering upgrading my current audio system (90% of the time I’m listening to records) which consists of a Denon receiver, a Fluance TT and a pair of Orb Audio Mod2 speakers (2 pairs of speakers like this https://www.orbaudio.com/products/mod2-single-pack) and I’m wondering if these Q speakers which I’ve been looking at would be a decent upgrade or a lateral step. I love my Orbs but they’re 10 years old now and the sound can be a little muddy at times, though that depends on the vinyl I’m listening to. Thanks!
Paul Rigby
6th March 2019 at 5:28 pmI would say a definite ‘yes’ on that one, Michael. They would be an upgrade. Assuming you’re going to use the 3020i speakers as part of a 2-channel, stereo system set-up.
Michael
7th March 2019 at 1:28 amGood to know. Thanks Paul. Looks I’ll be upgrading soon!
Paul Rigby
7th March 2019 at 10:25 amGlad I could be of help – if you have any more issues, give me a shout.
Adrian Lanigan
22nd April 2019 at 5:59 pmHi, I’m trying to decide between these and a pair of Q-Acoustics 3050 Floostanders. I’m using a turntable as source and Okyno A-9110 amp.
Would the 3050’s be a better bet than these? The room is around 12ft x 13ft, so not huge.
Given the price would be more or less the same as the 3020i + stands I’m wondering which you’d reccomend?
Paul Rigby
23rd April 2019 at 10:58 amHi Adrian – without knowing the shape, design and layout of your room, it’s tough to be absolutely certain I’m afraid but my hunch would be to stick with the stand-mounted speakers which would allow you to ‘pump up the volume’ without producing too much bass excitement in your room. That said, if bass is very important to you and is critical in how you perceive music then go for the floorstanders and pay careful attention to positioning. One general note, please give my room damping feature a quick read. That can help balance the general acoustics: https://theaudiophileman.com/damping/
Adrian Lanigan
23rd April 2019 at 11:04 amThanks very much for your reply, yes I think I’ll go with the 3020i in this case.
Adrian.
Paul Rigby
23rd April 2019 at 11:39 amNo problem, Adrian.
Sharon
21st May 2019 at 1:57 pmHi Paul
I have a Denon DM40 and my main source is my turntable and CD or Mp3 through the Denon , I had some speakers inherited from a long gone relationship which are just not great.. I would like new ones I have a budget of 250 , I will have them literally on a shelving unit, a very solid one that also has my turntable on and stores my Albums …I was thinking of the 3020i as the room is small 12×12 ft what do you think ?
Paul Rigby
21st May 2019 at 3:41 pmHi Sharon – absolutely but, if you can, put them on some half decent stands. That will add to your budget, I know but it will enhance the sound. So, as soon as you’re able, please address that. Removing the speakers from the shelf will also help your turntable because the speakers will be adding vibrational noise to that, harming sound quality. Atacama do a nice combination of quality/value: http://www.atacama-audio.co.uk/c/hifi-racks
Sharon
21st May 2019 at 4:26 pmThank you that is really helpful
Nuno
20th August 2019 at 12:41 amHi Paul,
I have a small room, só I am looking after a standmount speakers. My budget is 300/600 € and I would like to know if the Epos K1i would be a better choice.I guess the q acoustic nas a nice technology, só I might save some money if I choose the 3020 i.
Paul Rigby
20th August 2019 at 10:37 amHi Nuno – the Epos speakers are nice but there’s better designs out there in terms of sound quality. If you have the choice, go for the 3020i speakers.
Tim
20th August 2020 at 12:57 pmHi Paul. Great review. I’m setting up my first vinyl system (to mostly listen to rock and indy music via Rega Planar 1) and am tossing up between the q acoustic 3020i and the B&W 607s. There’s a fairly large price difference, so I’m wondering if – as a novice – I’m better off opting for a more budget amp (I’m leaning towards the Onkyo A9110B) and the B&W 607s, or will it be a better to go for the 3020i and spending the difference on a better amp? Cheers, Tim
Paul Rigby
20th August 2020 at 1:17 pmHi Tim – what’s your budget for both the amp and speakers please?
Tim
20th August 2020 at 1:38 pmNot sure if my initial response made it through – somewhere in the £500 – 600 range.
Paul Rigby
20th August 2020 at 2:55 pmYes, got both thanks Tim. I’ve look at a Cambridge AX35 for £299, a Rega Fono phono amp for around £90 and the 3020i speakers. Grab the best QED cabling you can from Amazon to hook them together.
Tim
20th August 2020 at 3:57 pmThanks, very much appreciated!
Marcel Kooijman
3rd January 2021 at 6:19 pmHi Paul, I now have an audiolab 6000a play amplifier and the 6000cdt CD player. As speakers I now have the QA 3020. I would like to upgrade and am in doubt between the 3020i and the concept 20. Here in the Netherlands, the price difference between these 2 speakers is about 130 euros. 220 euros for 1 pair of 3020i and 350 euros for a pair of concept 20s. Which of the 2 is the best choice for my audiolab? I want to put the speakers on the stands of my 3020’s.
Paul Rigby
5th January 2021 at 1:43 pmThen I would look at the 3030i speakers, Marcel.
Marcel Kooijman
5th January 2021 at 2:25 pmPaul, you mean the 3020i? Is that in my situation and regarding te price difference the better choice?
The 3050i are too big for me. I also have a sub the 608 from B&W. I use that in my HT setup.
Paul Rigby
6th January 2021 at 10:53 amNo, the 3030i speakers: https://theaudiophileman.com/3030i-speakers-review-q-acoustic/
They would be superior to the 3020i and Concepts.
Jon Swygart
27th January 2021 at 3:59 pmHi Paul,
I really enjoyed your review very but I would also like some further advice please.
I am planning to build a budget system with a Rega Planar 1 as the main source, I also hope to stream music from my phone and hook the speakers up to my tv.
I am thinking of buying a Yamaha RN602 amp and Q Acoustic speakers, either the 320’s or 320i’s. My dealer has offered a deal on the 320i’s for just £30 more than the320’s. What are your thoughts on this set up?
Secondly can I place the speakers on the unit next to the tv or should I be thinking about speaker stands or wall mounts?
Best wishes
Jon.
Paul Rigby
27th January 2021 at 4:23 pmHi Jon – the Yamaha will certainly provide a wide selection of wireless facilities for you, sure.
I’d spend a bit more too and opt for the 3020i speakers, if you can.
I would also go for stands, if possible. It will improve the sound quality across the board.
Jon
27th January 2021 at 4:44 pmHi Paul,
Thanks for the reply. Are there any alternatives to the Yamaha amp that you would recommend for my needs? My overall budget for for turntable, amp and speakers is £750
Paul Rigby
29th January 2021 at 12:04 pmHi Jon – the SA3 arrives with optical to connect to your TV and an optional Bluetooth dongle for £99: https://theaudiophileman.com/sa3-integrated-amplifier-review-iotavx/ while another option is Onkyo’s 2-channel option, the 9010.
Jon
29th January 2021 at 1:53 pmThanks for the advice Paul. You’ve given me plenty to consider. Keep up the good work with the website, you’ve really produced an invaluable resource for people like me who are dipping their toe into world of hi-fi for the first time.
Best wishes Jon.
Paul Rigby
29th January 2021 at 3:13 pmThanks Jon!
Nachi
2nd June 2021 at 1:20 pmHi Paul,
Great review. I am looking to build my first Hi-Fi system with a budget of £250-£300. I like to invest in things which last long. This means I would probably want to spend a good chunk on the speakers and then the rest on the amp (good chances of amp needing upgrade, 5-6 years down the line, due to technological advances). I would like to use this system with TV and Spotify. Also, good bass is a preference. Advice please. Many thanks.
Paul Rigby
7th June 2021 at 9:54 amWhat source are you planning to use?
Cecilia
7th June 2021 at 7:52 pmHi Paul, thanks for your great review, I am a complete beginner but a great lover of music with a tight budget, I hope to build up my hifi system for under 200 pounds… I want to use it for spotify/vinyle recorder/TV, is it possible at all? What would you recommend?
Paul Rigby
8th June 2021 at 9:36 amHi Cecilia – for that budget, I’d be looking at a low-cost, all-in-one system. In this case, I think a mini system would offer a good blend of facilities at a low cost. Something like the Denon D-M41DAB which offers a host of features for just over your budget (if you shop carefully on the Internet – here’s one example, I’m not necessarily recommending you buy from here but this serves as an illustration: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/audio/hifi-systems-and-speakers/denon-dt-1-bluetooth-traditional-hi-fi-system-grey-10188095-pdt.html?istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istFeedId=2f489429-2329-4fcd-941a-a6a497a10e1d&istItemId=wlltmxxlq&istBid=t).