ELAC Debut 3.0 B6.3 vs Q Acoustics 3020i / 3030i need first-hand impressions 🙏

[Rupam]

Hi all — posting here because there are no local showrooms where I can audition these. I’ve shortlisted two options and will be pairing whichever I buy with a

Denon AVR-X1800H (7.2 ch, ~80 W/ch).
Room is 12 × 14 ft.
Use: 90% movies / 10% music.

I will add a sub later (so the bookshelf pair will be mainly left/right/front surrounds depending on config). I will get the matching centre channel later because of budget constraints. For surrounds, I will manage with my old speakers for the time being.

Gear / constraints

AVR: Denon AVR-X1800H — 80 W/ch, Dolby Atmos capable.

Shortlisted speakers:

ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 / DB63 (newer gen).

Q Acoustics 3030i — sensitivity ~88 dB, nominal imp 6 Ω (min 4 Ω), FR 46 Hz–30 kHz, recommended amp power 25–75 W (AVR 2-ch driven 50–145 W).

Q Acoustics 3020i — smaller sibling: sensitivity ~88 dB, FR ~64 Hz–30 kHz, recommended 25–75 W. (worth as it's on sale.

please reply with your impressions if you’ve auditioned/own these. Or suggest alternatives in same price brackets.

Since I want to be able to audition the speakers, I have some questions.

Which of these speakers gave better soundstand and slam which are important for movies ?

1. Which had better soundstage & imaging for immersive effects?

2. Tonal balance
I prefer warm sound. So do any of these sound too bright or too forward in the upper mids?

3. Bass & sub pairing

Which one integrated better with a sub? Which required less sub volume to feel “full”?

4. Match with Denon AVR-X1800H

Any known synergy / issues pairing these with Denon receivers. So you recommend this AvR? (Audyssey config, speaker sensitivity/power matching, dynamic headroom)?


My own thinking is that since my room is small (12×14) — so I don’t need giant speakers. Bookshelves are fine, but bass extension will depend on speaker and sub.

ELAC 3 claims slightly deeper extension (44 Hz) but is a bit darker on paper (sensitivity 87 dB). Q Acoustics 3030i claims 46 Hz and 88 dB — sensitivity difference is small and not a dealbreaker. The Denon’s 80 W/ch should drive any of these fine, though Q Acoustics lists a recommended stereo amp range lower (25–75 W) but also an AVR 2-ch driven spec up to 145 W — so the Denon fits comfortably.

I’ll definitely add a sub — so full-range LF extension from the standmounts is less critical than midrange clarity, dynamics, and timbral accuracy.

What I have gathered from YouTube videos is that (tell me why I’m wrong!)

For movie-first use in a small room with a sub, I’m leaning toward the Q Acoustics 3030i for its praised midrange clarity, imaging and the 6.5" woofer — should combine well with a decent sub for effects. But ELAC is often called a punchy value option and can be more dynamic for action.


Please help


Thanks — I’ll order online if without audition. Really keen on hearing real-world impressions (especially comparisons between these three models) before pulling the trigger.

 

[keroo1099]

I can only tell you about the 3020i as I was using a pair until very recently. They were paired with a 200W Class D amp, Creek pre and a Teac UD 503 DAC, but because I didn't have the space had to be placed on spikes on top of the stereo rack which had a 40mm granite top. I also didn't have much wiggle room for adjusting toe in/out and think it would sound a lot better on dedicated stands

The sound signature is decidedly warm but balanced. The midrange is sweet and non offensive, and this speaker sounds good with all genres of music. The bass is pretty good for a small speaker but a sub will definitely help. The top end does loose a little fizz and detail but doesn't sound dull (the B&Ws 607's had a lot more air but I found them tiring after a demo). In short, it has no real fault that sticks out and grates over extended listening.

Even with my compromised speaker position I managed to get a decent soundstage where I could get the speakers to disappear. In terms of scale, they sound like a much bigger speaker and can easily fill a 20'x15' but it doesn't like being cranked to rock level volume and music stars getting a hard edge.

I haven't heard the Elac's but compared to the B&W 607's and the Wharfdale diamond 12.1 I preferred the 3020i.

Good luck on your search.

 

[Nero9]

Hi rupam, long time no see.

So you already decided and it's good choice, you just need validation now xD

I would suggest QA 3030i, one of my friends using it and very happy. they have wide soundstage and warm signature, smoother tonal balance, you feel fullness even without sub and gives you that cinematic experience, it occupies lot of space though.

Elac don't have experience.

 

[Rupam]

@keroo1099 Thanks a lot for sharing such a detailed review of the 3020i. Really appreciate the way you broke it down, especially since I don’t have a chance to audition them locally. The way you described the sound signature and compared it with the B&W 607s and Wharfedales really helps put things in perspective.

Just curious though – did you also use them for movies, or was it mostly music listening? Since my usage will be around 90% movies, I’m keen to know how they hold up with dialogue clarity, dynamics, and overall cinematic impact.

I’ll also wait to hear from others who might have experience with the ELAC Debut 2.0 or 3.0, just to balance out the feedback before I decide.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your impressions!

 

[Rupam]

Hi rupam, long time no see.

So you already decided and it's good choice, you just need validation now xD

I would suggest QA 3030i, one of my friends using it and very happy. they have wide soundstage and warm signature, smoother tonal balance, you feel fullness even without sub and gives you that cinematic experience, it occupies lot of space though.

Elac don't have experience.

Yeah @Nero9 I was soo busy with lots of work and family. nice to hear from you after long time Thanks for your suggestion on 3030i. Wide soundstage and fullness without sub sounds good for movies. Space I can manage.

What do you think about my Denon X1800H AVR? Is it a good match for 3030i or Elac, or should I see other options in this range?

 

[keroo1099]

@keroo1099 Thanks a lot for sharing such a detailed review of the 3020i. Really appreciate the way you broke it down, especially since I don’t have a chance to audition them locally. The way you described the sound signature and compared it with the B&W 607s and Wharfedales really helps put things in perspective.

Just curious though – did you also use them for movies, or was it mostly music listening? Since my usage will be around 90% movies, I’m keen to know how they hold up with dialogue clarity, dynamics, and overall cinematic impact.

I’ll also wait to hear from others who might have experience with the ELAC Debut 2.0 or 3.0, just to balance out the feedback before I decide.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your impressions!

Never used them with movies, but I guess you will need a center speaker for clear dialogue.

In my current setup (stand mounted speakers + 1 sub) sound through the TV is much clearer when combined with the stereo (TV becomes a juggad center).