Q Acoustics 5000 range of loudspeakers takes the cabinet and driver technology from the firm's flagship Concept range while introducing the company's new C3 (C-cubed) Continuous Curved Cone profile mid/bass driver design which, they say, "will form a technical platform for years to come".
The five models in the series are the 5010 bookshelf; 5020 standmount; 5040 floorstander; 5050 large floorstander; and the 5090 centre channel. The range sits between the 3000i range and the Concept series.
Q Acoustics boasts that its C3 Continuous Curved Cone technology "successfully addresses shortcomings in one of the basic geometrical elements of drive unit design" and apparently delivers the bass performance of a straight cone with the high/mid-range frequency prowess of a flared cone.
Q Acoustics claims that the driver tech has lower harmonic distortion and is integrated more smoothly with the tweeter, while the bass dynamics allow for more versatile placement without adversely impacting the sound.
The characteristics are due to powerful magnets coupled to large voice coils to increase motor strength - the apparent result is a fifty percent increase in power handling and control over a comparable driver with a 25.4 mm voice coil. This, we're told, translates to an improvement in the speaker's dynamic range, especially in the bass region.
The high-frequency driver in each model is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the front baffle to protect it from internal cabinet pressure and resonances from the mid/bass driver. Incidentally, that front baffle is laminated with a layer of butyl rubber and black acrylic trim, providing a damping layer to suppress vibrations.
Furthermore, Point-2-Point (P2P) internal bracing stiffens the cabinet to minimise lower frequency vibrations while focusing stereo imaging and improving the soundstage. Meanwhile, the 5040 and 5050 also have Helmholtz Pressure Equalisers, which reduce internal pressure and standing waves. These were previously seen in Q Acoustics' flagship Concept range, as were the 5000 range's tweeter design and P2P bracing.
The new range features high-quality finishes, including Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood and Holme Oak.
The 5020 standmount and 5040 floorstanding models are available now priced at £599/ €799 and £999/ €1299, respectively. Meanwhile, the 5010 bookshelf and 5090 centre channel models will be available in May for £499/ €649 and £399/ €499. The 5050 large floorstander is still TBC on price and availability. Wall brackets and stands are also available.
The home cinema packages land in May in Satin Black or Satin White. The Q Acoustics 5010 5.1 (2x 5010/pair, 5090, QB12 subwoofer) will cost £1,975/ €2495, and the Q Acoustics 5040 5.1 (1x 5040/pair, 1x 5010/pair, 5090, QB12 subwoofer), is priced at £2,475/ €3145.
Visit Q Acoustics for more information
Posted in: Hi-Fi | Home Theatre
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