John Darko
Q Acoustics has announced the latest iteration of its entry-level loudspeaker series: the 3000c range comprises three standmounts – the 3010c, 3020c and 3030c – plus the 3050c floorstander and the 3090c centre channel (for Dolby Atmos system builders). The ‘c’ refers to the UK company’s Continuous Curved Cone technology (or C3) that debuted in the 5000 series, made its way into the M40 Micro Towers and has now been trickled down into all 3000c models.
But what is it?
I spoke with Q Acoustics at Munich High-End 2024 and they told me that a straight-sided cone is great for bass but doesn’t crossover as tidily with the tweeter as a flared cone which, in turn, is weaker on bass. A C3 mid/bass driver design combines the benefits of a straight-sided cone with those of a flared cone.
From Q Acoustics’ white paper on C3:
“The profile of a bass/mid driver cone has always been a compromise. Whilst a straight conic profile has benefits at bass frequencies, it exhibits undesirable break-up modes that will restrict its higher frequency range. A flared cone is a better option to control the cone break-up towards higher frequencies, however the flare shape will not hold its rigidity at low frequencies so well as a straight conic shape, particularly at the outer diameter. The profile of the unique Continuous Curve Cone® (CCC) is the result of a Q Acoustics multi-disciplinary team research project to investigate a new, multiradius complex curve contour cone profile. The goal was to design a profile that would exhibit ‘best of both’ benefits with the bass characteristics of a straight conic profile, and with the mid frequency control of a flared profile.”
The British company further asserts that its C3 drive tech 1) crosses over more cleanly with the tweeter, 2) is more resistant to standing waves building up inside the cabinet, 3) offers better bass dynamics, 4) drives down harmonic distortion to produce 5) a more cleanly defined soundstage.
The tweeter in each 3000c speaker model is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the front baffle and the internals of the cabinet are braced point-to-point. In the 3050c floorstander, Helmholtz Pressure Equaliser tubes are deployed to disrupt the build-up of standing waves.
Shipping begins in August with pricing set as follows:
Q Acoustics 3010c small standmount £329 / €399 / US$399
Q Acoustics 3020c mid-sized standmount £399 / €499 / US$499
Q Acoustics 3030c large standmount £499 / €649 / US$649
Q Acoustics 3050c floorstander £899 / €1199 / US$1199
Q Acoustics 3090c centre channel £299 / € 399 / US$399
Your choice of Pin Oak, Claro Walnut, Satin White or Satin Black finishes.
Further information: Q Acoustics
