My lowbrow cheap seats speaker shootout.

[Adam N.]

We're getting ready for our lowbrow stereo speaker shootout! Q Acoustics 3020i v Pioneer BS22, v Elac Debut 2.0 B6 v Boston HD9.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PNcoPimik1KCqh6j6

 

[2ndGenSansui]

That's my kind of shootout!

I am running a pair of Elac B6.2 in my main system, and I also have a pair of the the ubiquitous Pioneer BS-22s. Extremely curious to see how the Q acoustics compare. Keep us posted!

 

[Adam N.]

Universally the Q Acoustics 3020i speakers won. Comparatively the Debuts sounder chestier, or compressed. The Qs sounded more open. The Q's lacked the bass of the 6.2s but in our subwoofer supported application it doesn't matter.

The HD9s sounded great with a wide soundstage but harsh on top.

We also tested BS22 and HD7s. Everyone liked the BS22s and although they were more tame they were easy to listen to, split a bit but worse bass but less compressed than the Debut B6.2. The HD7s were fairly likeable but bright or tinny, with some redeeming qualities. The bass that there is good and the speakers is tight but spoiled by it's tweeter.

All the speakers were good.It was a really fun day.

 

[musichal]

I'd not even heard of the brand, but they certainly do look great, and there are some positive reviews out there, too. Makes me wish I needed another pair of bookshelf speakers, instead of just the pair in the garage and others in closets. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ultumax]

I have the Andrew Jones floor standers of most recent model they sound excellent for the $100 ea I paid. I think you got bookshelf version.
Any stands out if your shootout ?

 

[Adam N.]

We'll do floorstanders in a later test. Probably Snell EII VS New Large Advents.

It looks like we have a little audio society in the making with live tests in people's homes. With snacks!

The Qs were the clear winner. As applicable in this house with these ears.

One thing that really came out was that I am impressed with any of these speakers on their own, for what they are. When you listen side by side you really hear diffrences. I always kind of liked Bostons but now they sound hash and tinny on top but they do have kind of a WOW thing when you turn them on. Overly bright.

The Q's stay and we're really happy witht them. The Pioneer BS22s sound really great in our Den listening area. which is really small, maybe 8x10. Room acoustics really matter. I am less and less sure about a universally "better" speaker and more and more sure about a 'better appliclicable" speaker for a given listener and room. That said the Qs still won hands down.

 

[sqlsavior]

I wonder how a Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 pair would do in comparison with the Q's...

 

[Adam N.]

I'd encourage you to find out! The test was pretty simple to run.

I've gotten advice from my local audio club CAS about how the test could've been run better.