Q Acoustics 2010i review

An update makes the Q Acoustics 2010i a budget belter Tested at £120

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The 2010is are excellent performers and set the standard at this price and size level

Pros

  • +

    Refined yet entertaining

  • +

    impressive resolution

  • +

    well-judged tonal balance

  • +

    build

Cons

  • -

    The larger 2020is are tempting if you can accommodate something larger

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If you’re looking for a small, high-quality pair of budget speakers, meet the 2010is.

There wasn’t a whole lot wrong with the much–liked 2010s; nevertheless, the boffins at Q Acoustics decided they could do better. They’re not wrong.

The ‘i’ version has a new tweeter, uprated mid/bass driver cone and revised crossover to accommodate the changes. That new tweeter is now decoupled from the cabinet to minimise possible ill-effects from any vibrations caused by the mid/bass driver.

The cabinet remains unchanged with the exception of the new front-panel trim; considering how nicely made the enclosure is, that’s not a problem.

Connection is done through a pair of neatly designed single-wired terminals on the bottom panel.

Sound quality

These speakers sound a lot like their bigger brothers, the Award-winning 2020is – no real surprise when you consider their shared engineering content.

There’s the same combination of refinement and increased level of attack, and a similar degree of insight into recordings.

Not surprisingly, the larger speaker pulls ahead when it comes to scale, dynamic authority and outright bass extension.

Still, at this price and size level there’s little around that can worry the 2010is.

Verdict

They’ll work quite happily at the end of a Denon D-M38 micro system, but if you stretch your budget to the likes of Marantz’s 6004 CD/amplifier combination you’ll find these speakers deliver a brilliant performance for the money.

Few rivals sound so composed and detailed yet – thanks to a beautifully judged and refined balance – remain so unfussy about partnering equipment.

The original 2010 was a terrific speaker for the money. This ‘i’ version is even better.

MORE: Best hi-fi speakers 2015

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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