Product FAQs

Please see the below questions and if you have further technical questions, you can visit the Knowledge Base.

What are the differences between the active, passive and powered speakers?
In a passive loudspeaker system the low-level audio signal is first amplified by an external power amplifier before being sent to the loudspeaker where the signal is split by a passive crossover into the appropriate frequency ranges before being sent to the individual drivers. This design is common in home audio as well as professional concert audio. A powered loudspeaker works the same way as a passive speaker, but the power amplifier is built into the loudspeaker enclosure. This design is common in compact personal speakers such as those used to amplify portable digital music devices. In a fully active loudspeaker system each driver has its own dedicated power amplifier. The low-level audio signal is first sent through an active crossover to split the audio signal into the appropriate frequency ranges before being sent to the power amplifiers and then on to the drivers. This design is commonly seen in studio monitors and professional concert audio. To read the full article, please visit https://www.qacoustics.co.uk/blog/2020/08/03/q-acoustics-explains-difference-active-passive-speakers/


What floorstanding speakers match bookshelf speakers?
All the speakers within each ‘Series’ have the same sound characteristic. For example; the 3010i, 3020i bookshelf and 3050i tower speakers have the same tonal balance, but the power handling and bass extension increases as you go up the range.

What center speaker matches with my 5.1 set up?
All the speakers within each ‘Series’ have the same sound characteristic. For example, the 3090Ci center perfectly matches the 3010i, 3020i and 3050i models.

Will the loudspeakers I use for my new home theater system sound good when listening to music?
Very definitely yes! All Q Acoustics speakers are simply designed to be great speakers. That means they produce outstanding results for both music and home theater.

Are small speakers as good as large ones?
Yes. All the speakers within each ‘Series’ have the same sound characteristic. For example; the 3010i, 3020i bookshelf and 3050i tower speakers have the same tonal balance, but the power handling and bass extension increases as you go up the range.

What receiver or amplifier works best with Q Acoustics loudspeakers?
There is no specific brand. Q Acoustics speakers will produce great sound when matched with any good quality amplifier or receiver.

What type of speaker wire should I use?
We design, engineer and voice all Q Acoustics speakers with QED cables. In We recommend you use good quality speaker cable, but avoid very thin ‘bell wire’ cables.

Where do I place the surround speakers in my room for the best performance?
We have written a blog which hopefully gives you all the information you would need based on your room layout as to where is best to position your speakers. http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/blog/2016/04/08/how-to-set-up-your-hi-fi-speakers/

Why are there two sets of terminals on my speakers?
This allows you to bi-wire or bi-amplify your speakers if you wish. Take a look at our blog to help you explore the benefits of bi-wiring: http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/blog/2016/06/08/bi-wiring-speakers-exploration-benefits/

How do I maximize my bass performance?
Placing the rear of the speakers close to a wall will exaggerate the bass response.

What is Bi-Wiring?
In effect, bi-wiring electrically moves your speaker’s crossover from the back of your speakers to the back of your amplifier. This makes a small improvement to sound quality. Take a look at our blog to help you explore the benefits of bi-wiring: http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/blog/2016/06/08/bi-wiring-speakers-exploration-benefits/

What is Bi-Amping?
Bi-amping means you have an individual dedicated power amplifier for each tweeter and bass unit in your speakers. This can deliver a substantial improvement in sound quality.

Where should my Center speaker go?
The center channel speaker anchors the movie’s dialog to the screen. So it should be aligned with the center of your screen, usually above or below the screen.

Can I use a different speaker range for my surround speakers?
Yes of course, but there will be a slightly different sound characteristic.

How long is my warranty?
Passive Loudspeakers: 5 years from the date of purchase, or 4 years if product is not registered with us.
Active Loudspeakers & Subwoofers: 2 years from the date of purchase or 1 year if product is not registered with us.
Register at your product now for an extended warranty: http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/register

Subwoofer positioning – how should I position my subwoofer?
Firstly, safety is the most important thing. Position the subwoofer where you won’t trip over it (or the cables connecting it). If this means you still have a choice of positions then, without altering any volume levels, try it in the various positions. Wherever sounds best, is best. This will probably also be the position where it sounds a little louder.How high on my wall would you recommend I have my surround speakers?We have written a blog which hopefully gives you all the information you would need based on your room layout as to where is best to position your speakers. http://www.qacoustics.co.uk/blog/2016/04/08/how-to-set-up-your-hi-fi-speakers/

Would it affect the sound quality if the speaker were closer to a wall than specified in the manual?
Yes. But Q Acoustics speakers are supplied with sponge rubber ‘Port Bungs’ to compensate for precisely this situation.

How do I run my speakers in?
Simply play them as normal. We expect them to be ‘run in’ after around 72 hours use.

Do I need to run in my subwoofer?
You don’t ‘need’ to run in any speakers, but we expect speakers to sound a little better after approximately 72 hours of use.

What happens if the amplifier rating is less than the power handling of the speaker?
It is possible to damage speakers with any amplifier, high power or low power, if you really want to. Naturally this should be avoided. A lower power amplifier should be OK unless you overdrive it, causing it to ‘clip’. A good rule is: if it sounds distorted then you are causing damage.

Will it damage my speakers if I have an amp that is more powerful than the power rating of the speakers?
It is possible to damage speakers with any amplifier, high power or low power, if you really want to. Naturally this should be avoided. A higher power amplifier should be OK but please be sensible. A good rule is: if it sounds distorted then you are causing damage.

Where should I locate my subwoofer to get the most output?
Firstly, safety is the most important. Position the subwoofer where you won’t trip over it (or the cables connecting it). If this means you still have a choice of positions then, without altering any volume levels, try it in the various positions. Wherever sounds best, is best. This will probably also be the position where it sounds a little louder.

What is the correct height for the speaker?
Ideally, the small high frequency (tweeter) speaker should be at approximately your ear height, when you are in your usual listening position.

How can I tell if the amplifier is clipping?
If the music sounds distorted, this often indicates that the amplifier is clipping. If this is the case, please immediately reduce the volume. Failure to do so may lead to damage to the speaker’s drive units.
Why is the bass in my Media 4 soundbar so low?
If the soundbar is placed on a flat surface you must make sure the supplied rubber feet are installed so the subwoofer can perform correctly.
Do I need to program my soundbar?
No, but one of the reasons the M4 (Media 4) sounds so good is because it’s a purely stereo product. This means the product sending the digital signal to the M4 must be configured (via the set-up menu) to send a PCM Stereo signal.
There's no sound when my Media 4 soundbar is connected using the optical cable method?
One of the reasons the M4 (Media 4) sounds so good is because it’s a purely stereo product. This means the product sending the digital signal to the M4 must be configured (via the set-up menu) to send a PCM Stereo signal.