What Hi-Fi? Verdict
Best traditional package up to £700, Awards 2014. This Award winner is a must-hear for anyone who wants an attractive and affordable 5.1 system that also works well with stereo and multichannel music
Pros
- +
Understated but smart looks
- +
better cable management
- +
big, detailed and cohesive sound
Cons
- -
For the money, very little
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
In only a few years Q Acoustics has become a serious force when it comes to – for the most part, affordable – speakers. So whether it takes stereo or home cinema form, a new range is a big deal.
This is our first look at the company’s new 2000i 5.1 system. It replaces last year’s Award-winner, so naturally we have high hopes…
MORE: Awards 2014 - Best speaker packages
The system comprises two pairs of 2010i speakers, a 2000Ci centre channel and the 2070Si subwoofer. There’s a £50 price hike – but upgrades to justify the difference.
You’ll have to look closely to spot the upgrades, but they’re not to be down-played.
Worthwhile design tweaks
Like the 2020i speakers, the 2010is have a new tweeter (including a new decoupling ring), a different material for the mid/bass driver and a revised crossover. The front baffle has had subtle tweaks, too.
A recessed plate on the bottom of the speaker means the speaker terminals are tucked away nicely and don’t protrude from the rear of the speakers.
All the speakers here – with the exception of the subwoofer – can be wall-mounted, too, with Q Acoustics’ new ‘tilt and turn’ bracket aiming to make it nice and simple.
But impressively, it’s in the sonic department that the biggest leaps have been made. We simply don’t expect the scale that this system can deliver for this sort of money.
The satellites are cohesive and exciting, dynamic and detailed, while the sub digs deep but stays in control. Music is similarly confident, the front pair of speakers proving capable of rhythm and good timing, while basslines are controlled but powerful. Vocals are clear.
Has the best got better? Simply put, yes.
MORE: Awards 2014 - all the winners
See all our speaker package Best Buys
Follow whathifi on Twitter
Join whathifi on Facebook
