A year after the release of the Q Acoustics 5000 range, the British manufacturer completes this series with the new Q Acoustics 5050 floorstanding speaker. Positioned at the top of the range, it features the same acoustic solutions in a more powerful version, with 6″ drivers delivering 175 watts of power. The perfect recipe for a good compromise between hi-fi and home theater?
Q Acoustics 5000: the range
Launched in April 2023, the Q Acoustics 5000 speaker series is at the heart of the English manufacturer’s range. It stands between the highly acclaimed Q Acoustics Concept high-end models and the multi-award-winning Q Acoustics 3000i series. The perfect combination of these two ranges, the Q Acoustics 5000 line comprises the Q Acoustics 5090 center speaker, the Q Acoustics 5010 and Q Acoustics 5020 bookshelf speakers, and the Q Acoustics 5040 floorstander, in addition to the new Q Acoustics 5050. They promise to set new standards for music and home theater listening, as highlighted in our previous review of the Q Acoustics 5020 and 5040.
Presentation
Big sisters to the Q Acoustics 5040 columns, the 5050s differ in their slightly larger format, at 38cm wide, 101cm high and 33cm deep, compared with 36 x 96 x 29cm for the smaller model. However, their visual footprint is kept to a minimum thanks to minimalist styling with rounded edges inspired by the 3000i series. The two-tone front panel adds a touch of elegance, combining the walnut, light oak, rosewood, black or white cabinet with a black lacquered baffle housing the drivers.
These drivers are surrounded by a black butyl rubber baffle to dampen and absorb unwanted vibrations at the periphery.
The acoustic fabric cover supplied with the Q Acoustics 5050 speakers is identical to that of the Q Acoustics 5040. Black for all finishes, it covers only the upper part of the speaker with the drivers. Its magnetic fastener removes any visible screws or notches from the front panel. This makes it enjoyable to listen to the speakers without the grille.
Behind the minimalist appearance of the Q Acoustics 5050 speakers lie sophisticated technical solutions. As usual, the English brand has paid particular attention to the cabinet, which benefits from numerous reinforcements thanks to internal braces. The latter are mounted using the P2P (Point to Point) principle developed by Q Acoustics to precisely connect the key points of the cabinet to limit internal vibrations and resonance, particularly in the low-frequency range. In addition, Helmholtz resonators are used to absorb and balance pressure differences. The result is a better-focused stereo image and more accurate spatial representation.
Acoustic design
While the Q Acoustics 5040 uses a dual 5″ driver, the Q Acoustics 5050 speakers feature two 6″ drivers for midrange and bass reproduction. The latter provide additional support in the low frequencies, with deeper bass. What’s more, the drivers feature a proprietary C3 Continuous Curved Cone, which has a perfectly smooth, uniform surface. This process enhances bass response while improving midrange precision and control.
The bass extension is further enhanced by the bass-reflex enclosure with rear-firing port. This placement implies leaving an adequate distance from the wall (at least 20/30cm), unless you want to artificially amplify the bass. If room configuration makes this placement impossible, Q Acoustics includes foam plugs with each speaker to obstruct the ports and limit mechanical bass amplification by proximity to the rear wall.
To make the most of the C3 cone, the drivers in the Q Acoustics 5050 speaker feature large magnets and voice coils to maximize magnetic force. The result is a 50% increase in power management and control compared with a conventional driver of the same diameter. Reproduction gains in linearity and distortion is limited for better phasing with the tweeter.
This tweeter is a classic 1″ fabric dome model. As usual, the brand decouples it from the speaker cabinet by means of a silicone surround. This isolates the tweeter mechanically, preventing vibrations from the midbass drivers from being transmitted through the cabinet and affecting its performance. As a result, high-frequency reproduction is free from any disturbance, and the listening experience is smoother and more detailed. Finally, the tweeter’s internal chamber is vented to prevent excessive heating of the coil, which causes distortion.
At the rear, the Q Acoustics 5050 speaker features the new metal terminals introduced with the launch of the range. The latter have an elegant, ultra-slim profile, aligning almost perfectly with the rear of the cabinet. However, handling them requires great precision to avoid completely unscrewing the small clamping ring. In addition, these terminal blocks accept a maximum gauge of 2.5mm². It is therefore preferable to use cables with banana plugs inserted directly into the center of the terminals.
Key specifications
- Type: 2-way
- Enclosure: bass-reflex
- Internal reinforcements: P2P (Point to Point) braces
- Helmholtz pressure equalizers
- Midbass drivers: 2 x 6″
- 1″ mechanically decoupled tweeter
- Frequency response: 37Hz to 30kHz
- Recommended amplification: 25 to 175W
Installing the Q Acoustics 5050 floorstanders
Once out of the box, the Q Acoustics 5050 floorstanding speakers need to be secured to their attractive metal base. The necessary screws and bolts are of course supplied. Depending on the type of flooring, the user can choose to have the speaker rest on decoupling spikes or rubber tips.
For this review, we paired them with the Cayin CS-55A KT88, Cambridge CXA81 and Hegel H95 amplifiers. The sources used were the Bluesound Node (2021) and Eversolo DMP-A6 network players, which were used to play music from Qobuz, as well as Hi-Res tracks shared on the local network. After that, we upgraded our electronics with the Naim SuperNait 3, Cayin CS-100A KT88 and Yamaha A-S2200 amps, without the Q Acoustics 5050 reaching their limits.
Listening impressions
The Q Acoustics 5050 speakers’ sound signature was consistent with the rest of the range, with a natural reproduction that honored the associated electronics. Thanks to the dual 6″ drivers, we enjoyed an even richer listening experience than with the 5040s, with greater volume and fullness. Naturally, bass presence was enhanced, with a more extended soundstage without becoming excessive or demonstrative. It remained tight and firm, adding a beautiful impact to the rhythms. However, there was a slight lack of depth, which can easily be remedied with the addition of a subwoofer. Finally, the low-mids also gained presence, with greater richness and better-defined textures.
With Linkin Park’s latest Papercuts compilation, the Q Acoustics 5050 speakers managed to reproduce the high dynamics of the tracks without distortion or aggression. These new floorstanders were analytical and linear, extracting every bit of information from the sound message with constant, meticulous precision. The 5050s offered a well-balanced reproduction, with perfect a smooth transition between each tonal range. The high frequencies were incredibly clear, optimizing the separation of micro-details. As a result, the highs were reproduced without harshness or sibilance, allowing extended listening without fatigue. The midrange unfolded with neutrality, reproducing all the tessituras of voices and instruments with great naturalness.
The Q Acoustics 5050 speakers also impressed us with their ability to create a full, airy soundstage. On Hans Zimmer’s live performance in Prague, they established a wide, deep sound space that effectively materialized the orchestra. The instruments were precisely positioned and clearly distinguishable, allowing us to follow each musician’s partition through the different layers of the music. This distinction was sometimes less clear when the orchestra performed at its peak. Nevertheless, everything remained perfectly structured, with smooth, natural transitions, giving the impression that the concert was taking place in the room.
Q Acoustics 5050 vs Focal Theva n°3
Offered at the same price of €1,690, the Focal Theva n°3 speakers have the advantage of incorporating two 6.5″ drivers specifically dedicated to bass. As a result, they are more generous in this register, with deeper, more present and more solid lows. Highly dynamic, this Focal speaker remains less analytical and neutral than the Q Acoustics 5050, with a slight tendency to favor the midrange and produce harder highs. The Q Acoustics 5050 is therefore more balanced and accurate.
Who is the Q Acoustics 5050 speaker for?
The Q Acoustics 5050 speakers are ideal for enjoying a natural, balanced reproduction. They will appeal to lovers of rich sound who want to experience with the utmost authenticity the work of the artists and sound engineers. Capable of bringing every subtlety of the original recording to life, these speakers are equally suited to hi-fi and home theater listening, accompanying the other speakers in the Q Acoustics 5000 range.
Q Acoustics 5050: conclusion
A true showcase for the Q Acoustics 5000 range, the Q Acoustics 5050 floorstanding speakers are the crowning glory of this series. They have the same excellent features in an even more powerful format for an effective sound reproduction in large spaces. Richer in the midrange and better balanced than the 5040s, they provide an excellent platform for a complete listening experience, whether for music or home theater sound.
We liked:
- The great dynamics
- The perfect tonal balance
- The rich, textured mids
- The minimalist design
We would have liked:
- More practical terminals
- Even deeper bass
