Upgrade bug! What first?

[bstan]

Might I add. Having been out of the game for a long while, and having no real listening options outside BB Magnolia, I skipped the 6-series and bought the B&W 7-Series thinking I was buying quality (in January 2022 they were marked down 50% at the time to $799 from $1599. Seemed like a lot at the time). My complaint about the 707's is not so much the sound quality, but that they do not have enough air displacement to pressurize my open-concept space. They are very nice speakers, but no longer meet me needs.

As for the subs, they do a decent job and i'm satisfied for the moment. Getting the second sub made a huge difference. I cant 'hear' them, but they are there.

 

[Bobby Bass]

Might I add. Having been out of the game for a long while, and having no real listening options outside BB Magnolia, I skipped the 6-series and bought the B&W 7-Series thinking I was buying quality (in January 2022 they were marked down 50% at the time to $799 from $1599. Seemed like a lot at the time). My complaint about the 707's is not so much the sound quality, but that they do not have enough air displacement to pressurize my open-concept space. They are very nice speakers, but no longer meet me needs.

As for the subs, they do a decent job and i'm satisfied for the moment. Getting the second sub made a huge difference. I cant 'hear' them, but they are there.

one option to consider for small tower speakers are the Arendal 1961. Small for a tower but measured well on tests and positive reviews on sound. Can order through their web site. Arendal has a 60 day trial period with free delivery and free returns if you’re not satisfied.

 

[bstan]

Let's focus on new front speakers. Let any decision about a receiver wait until you choose front speakers.

Why Q Acoustics? I get that they have a small foot print. But there are plenty of other floor standing speakers that have a similar foot print.

They're a UK brand. Are you in the UK, the USA, or elsewhere? Did you hear them at a dealer? If you did listen to them, what about them appealed to you?

I'm not at all familiar with them, but I haven't shopped for new speakers for a while. Here's what Q Acoustics says about the 5040 (unknown price) and Concept 50 models (retail price $3,000 per pair). I read them over quickly, but didn't see anything in particular that make them stand out.
https://www.qacoustics.com/collections/5000-series/products/5040-floorstanding-speaker
https://www.qacoustics.com/collections/floorstanding-speakers/products/concept-50

I did find a Stereophile review of the Concept 50, with measurements
https://www.stereophile.com/content/q-acoustics-concept-50-loudspeaker-measurements
At first glance, I see nothing unusually good or particularly bad about them. There are some issues I have with the frequency response and impedance curves. In particular, there is a highly visible blip in the impedance curve (figures 1 & 2) at 162 Hz. It should be smooth in that range. That blip shouldn't be there, and suggests audible issues.
View attachment 62530

In figure 4, there is something at 162 Hz. It shouldn't be there at all. But I can't say whether it's audible and objectionable. The rest of the mid-range looks OK. But the tweeter's response looks ragged. For that price, $3,000 a pair, there are other speakers that deliver better performance.
View attachment 62531

Thanks for the feedback. My reason for looking at the Q's is multifold. First, other than BB, there are not convenient locations where I can audition various speakers, which leaves me relying on reviews. Second, I have less than 11`" between the entertainment center and arm of the sectional sofa to the left side, so unless I buy new furniture or start moving windows, the left front has to squeeze into that spot. in fact, I was strongly considering the Focal Chora 826's but sadly they are too wide. Third, we like the aesthetic design. Yes, unlike one of our friends here who thinks the WAF should be dealt with through therapy, 27 years of marriage and the variety of products available today tells me we shouldn't have to settle on a large black box for quality sound. The Q's have been well-received in most of the online reviews i've come across; reportedly a neutral, uncolored presentation; nice midrange; tight, controlled bass (I have two well-hidden subs that fill out the low end rather nicely). Lastly, I was looking at a used pair of Concept 50's for ~$1600. Yes, if I were spending $3k I'd be looking elsewhere.