John Pickford
Small is beautiful – so the saying goes – and it’s certainly true of Q Acoustics’ new 3010i bookshelf loudspeakers. The smallest model in the company’s revised 3000 range, this speaker is actually slightly taller and 25% deeper than its predecessor. Our review samples sport a lovely graphite grey finish (black, white and walnut finishes are also available) and the cabinets’ attractively rounded corners make a refreshing change from the multitude of four-square boxes out there. Magnet-attached grilles are provided; however, they are best removed for ultimate sound quality.
Internally braced to create a strong, acoustically inert cabinet, to improve structural integrity Q Acoustics dispenses with conventional panel cutouts for the speaker terminals. New low-profile binding posts aid close-to-wall positioning even when banana plugs, rather than spades or bare wires, are connected. Similar to many compact speakers, bass performance is improved by some reinforcement from a rear wall – though placing flush against the wall may necessitate the use of the foam bungs provided, to block the rear firing port.