Q Acoustics 1020

Advantages: Deep bass, weighty sound. Relatively cheap.
Disadvantages: Actually discontinued (seek out newer mx3s), treble and detail can sound a little less exciting compared to other speakers.

...Although these speakers have now been replaced by the newer mx3s (which are similar, but have been tweaked a little over these m3s), they are the speakers I currently own, so I thought I'd review them (since no-one else has and there's not even a Tannoy category! (shame on you, Ciao!)). I bought these speakers just over a year ago, to go with an Arcam Alpha One amp. I listened to some other speakers as well, such as the Q35s from KEF (I think) and the Mission 733e, and also Acoustic Energy AE120SEs, but since the latter are normally £600, we'll leave them out of the discussion. The m3s are nice enough looking floorstanders, with isolation spikes and bass reflex ports. They are a two way design (1 tweeter and 1 mid/bass driver) with single inputs (i.e. not bi-wireable). Basically, I settled on these because of the price (£230, the Q35s... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Clear and distinct; very bright sound; great for classical music
Disadvantages: Maybe too good for pop and rock music?

...I was very impressed with these speakers, although should point out that I'm far from an audio expert. But the sound was extremely clear and well-defined, which is all I wanted (my previous speakers, Q Acoustics 1010s, were slightly muddy and indistinct). Mid-range and top-end are very well-defined, to the extent that the speakers sounded almost too bright to my ears, especially when playing pop and rock music. Added to the fact the speakers lack bottom-end due to their size, maybe they're just too precise for pop and rock? However, I listen to classical music and these speakers seemed nearly perfect to my ears. Close your eyes and you really can believe you're in the audience, rather than hearing a recording. That's surprisingly rare. I have to boost the bass on my amp very slightly to help warm up the sound, however. The speakers... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: plenty of inputs excellent value and sound
Disadvantages: remote could be better

...Hi fi stereo amps do not seem to be as abundant as they once were but with a good pair of speakers, they still provide an excellent audio solution. Fortunately the Acoustic Solutions sp 101stero amplifier can be found at Argos and elsewhere at a very reasonable price. It embodies most of the features you would expect from a hi fi amp and now comes with a remote control unit. There are six audio inputs - a phono input for magnetic cartridges and five line inputs allowing you to connect plenty of audio sources. There is a line out also to connect to tape deck rec or pc sound card line in. The unit is well built and the sound is great - in fact, I have just bought another one for upstairs now called sp 103. Highly recommended.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful