I had the Q acoustics 3050 (1st version) and loved the tonality, now I have the special 40. Makes sense to me that you mentioned Dynaudio speakers in this review 🙂
Hello Jay, I purchased my Concept 50's about two weeks ago. Had the same problem with "blooming" bass output. As per your vlog I did the same thing, moved the speakers 2 ft from the back wall & 1 1/2 ft from the side walls. Made a massive difference in the bass and overall sound. These are excellent speakers for the $4450.00 CDN price. Should have stuck with the gloss black but ended up with the "Aston Martin" silver colour. My previous speakers were the Concept 40 and at $2000.00 they were worth every penny and much more. Will consider the Brunoco tube amp next year, but at the moment will have to continue on with my MOON 240i and my HOLO Audio Spring 3 Dac. Will look forward to the next video. Cheers!
I rock the 3020is and a Pioneer A-9 to drive them. Amazing sound but, I am contemplating whether to get the Q Acoustics Concept 500s or KLH model 5 to really let that amplifier breathe because I see 3020is as a solid stepping-stone speaker. I love my Pioneer A-9 so much, the warmth, authoritative bass, and pure physical aesthetics.
If you are not able to have the speakers more than 1 foot from the wall, would placing sound defusers, behind the speakers, on the wall help? Or would, in my case plasterboard over hollow wood frame wall allow for more or less distance from the wall?
I find it very refreshing to see a company that is prepared to give a quality product for a reasonable entry point....10/10 To Q Accustics for tailoring for the needs of hifi enthusiasts who do not have to break the bank to achieve quality looks and sound.👍
Why don't you do a video on how to do a set up using the mic and laptop to get the best sound in your room? I don't think that many people would know the proper way to do or the right equipment to use & how to save the settings. Thanks for the video.
Another reviewer that I have come to like a whole lot, Andrew Robinson, speaks very highly of the Q Acoustics Concept 50. I am giving thought to buying them. Interested to hear what you have to say, Jay's iyagi. Your reviews are also high on my list.
I have been playing these now for just over 6 months with an Advance Paris A12 and the combination is really nice. The sound is wide/deep and so free of the speaker. amazing. And at a certain level it really locks in (about 80 DB) and even gives you a pure live feel (listening to Hot August night or Metalica live sets!)
I’m waiting for Q Acoustics to update the concept line with the 5000 series woofers that supposedly produce even lower distortion. Also, the concept 500 tower is a much larger cabinet with dual constrained layer damping as opposed to a single layer in the concept 50, and 6.5” woofers instead of 5” and has higher power handling if you need to make your ears bleed. I think the concept 50 is the sweet spot in diminishing returns imo.
I have these and I think I still need to placement better and try different setups to get the best out of them. They are very clear speakers and have better imaging than my other speakers. It takes some getting used to the sound, it sounds a little different than the LS50 and Linton speakers. Doesn't sound bad with anything I don't think. Thanks for the review!
Add more toe than Jay is describing about another 5-10 degrees and about 2ft/60cm from the rear wall and at least 30-45cm/1/1.5ft from the side walls. I hope you're using a tape measure on both speakers as this is very important that both are exactly the same..Then sit down and enjoy 🙂
Jay, I've been following you for awhile. This I think is your most evolved video, mostly because it is the best organized. You cover all the bases and do it succinctly. I have these speakers and can second everything you said. Your choice of tracks is exceptional. They really play as good as you described. I often play those recommended by other reviewers and say to myself: "What the hell are they listening to?", or "They really need a hearing test!". Perhaps it is because my taste in audio reproduction is very similar to yours, but as you have evolved I find your content the most helpful. You also come across very, very professional yet casual at the same time, unlike some previous videos where you sounded as if they just let you out of a cage after being in solitary confinement. Keep it up. Growth is the most important thing and you are doing it. I almost forgot. I use a Wilsenton R8 (EL34), a Schiit Aegir (Class A), and a Fosi Audio V3 (with Sparkos op amps). You'd be surprised to hear that the Fosi V3 gives the others a run for the money. However, that is only if you replace the stock op amps with Sparkos duals. Add 2 for $120 and you have an exceptional $200 amp that may take you by surprise. I'd love it if you got it and used it in comparisons.
I have the concept 30 stand mount speakers which use the same drivers / tweeter. Everyone is missing out, they are spectacular speakers. Wish I could swing the 50s
Here are some test tracks (with very loud hi-hats) to find out whether the treble is piercing or not: 1) Trans-Island Highway by Donald Fagen. 2) Never Ending by Benee 3) California Dreaming by Diana Krall.
Hi, thx for the great review! What do you think in comparison with the Polk r700? And do you think the Willstenton r300 is a good match too? Greetings from Germany
The Wharfedale Dimiond 12.3 speakers. There's been many 5 Star reviews US and the UK & Europe. Very well made speakers nearly 50lbs each. Don't buy one make sure you'll paying for 2 speakers. Excellent sounding and great quality.
Excellent review - exactly why i love my Concept 500 - it just works well with everything, not like many other speakers that i had, which were excellent at one thing, and then not so good at some other. Or prefer one type of music. But, if i had to mention one thing, then it would be component matching. Need the right amp to come alive.
I scored concept 500s for 2500 euros a pair and picked up concept 90 center with them. 500s sound absolutely awesome but concept 90 has some directivity issues off center being 2-way mtm.
Have you tried it with the Vincent SV-237MKii? I have it paired to my Klipsch RP-8000F and I was wondering if upgrading to the Q 50 would be a good idea and what would be the difference. I believe the Q 50 will be more tolerable than the Klipsch in terms of brightness/forwardness? I actually love my current combo for a small room, but was wondering how it can get better.
You have $22,000 monoblocks. Maybe you could review the Avantgarde Duo or Trio with basshorns. Or the larger Acapella speakers with the ion tweeter. A completely different experience than all of these boxed speakers. You'll be welcomed to a far closer exhibition of the live performance without any of the often wrongly assumed horn coloration. The dynamic range astounds anyone that spends some time with these loudspeakers.
Hi mate! Love your videos. If the price were no issue, do you prefer the Polk R700, Monitor Audio Silver 500g, Q Acoustic Concept 50 or the Klipsch RF-7 iii? I want a floorstanding speaker pair that will be 70% music and 30% movie. Cheers for any input.
If it were up to me, I’d narrow my search down to three, Polk R700 is a big tower for less money that has bass and scale for days but sacrifices some nuances and refinement in the upper frequencies. If you don’t care for nuances or refinement but like a good deep bass and scale that a big speaker gives you, this is an amazing choice for both music and movies Klipsch RF-7 iii is great for movies with the crisp dialog and has pretty good bass. Id use a sub for movies tho! If you like a lively rock n roll sound but with more refinement than the lower klipsch lines, this is a great choice. But I’d personally choose this if I watch more movies. Q acoustics concept 50s are great for music because it has more refinement, nuances and soundstaging/imaging/focus that a small tower gives you while having impressive bass for its size and even movies are great on it but I’d still add a sub if I am watching movies.
@@JayiyagiThanks for the detailed response. On a side note, I went with your recommendation from a prior video of yours [Polk R200 with the Bluesound Powernode] for my bedroom setup. Except I found a pair of R500 for cheaper than the R200, love the set up for medium level music listening, especially late at night for a controlled experience. The Polk reserve line tweeter is exceptional to my ear, which is why the R700 has interested me for a larger room setup I plan on having, though I wonder if it'll just sound like R500 with more bass (considering I already have an SVS sub lying around which I can use). My gut says that Q Acoustic Concept 50 might not feel like a substantial jump in sound presence/dynamics over the R500. They are actually fairly similar to my untrained ear when I heard the concept 50 for a brief listening session. Though based on your review it appears that when I invest in higher end equipment - the concept 50's will be superior in all categories to the R500.. just in my head that they're both running 5.25 inch drivers 😅. The RF 7 iii's on the other hand, I haven't heard them and wouldn't get the chance where I live, but can get a great deal on them... I might be leaning in that direction for the sheer power they offer. If your previous comment expressed distaste for the Klipsch RF 7 iii's I might have been worried.. but I know that the Klipsch RP8000F ii reviews well and I do like the 'live' punchy sound of it ~ one can only assume the RF 7 iii does it all better (I hope). Appreciate the advice to newbies like me 👍
@@Jayiyaginot the OP but thanks for the detailed input as I’m in the same position as the OP. The Polk R700 is on sale right now for $899 each so it might be a good time to buy.
You, Andrew Robinson & Michael Lavorgna from Twittering Machines are describing pretty similar things about the Concept 50. I just got them a few months ago from the UK, where they been on sale for 1950€ including shipping and customs. An absolutely no brainer.
Excellent review! Jay, if you have to make a pick between the Q acoustics 50 and the KLH MODEL 5, which would you pick. I'm torn between the two speakers, and I'll rely on your choice to finally make a pick. I want an all-rounder. Thank you.
I think the concept 50 images like a stand mount speaker because it is configured like a stand mount speaker. Look at the concept 50. It looks like a MTM stand mount speaker perched on a stand. All the drivers are up in the top upper quarter of the speaker.
How sharp are the highs? All cool technical stuff aside, for a dedicated room, how would you compare the sound of these to the Kef Q950? Not that I'm in love with them, it's just the best that I can afford and that my Denon x3800h would drive and that I could actually listen to them before I buying because it was on display in the showroom. How would you compare this to the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series (the best sound in that showroom)? It's taking a big leap of faith to buy speakers that I haven't listened to first, so i'm really trusting you. Thanks.
Thanks Jay, another great review. Just wonder if you have listened to Canadian co. PSB's Imagine X2T towers as a comparison to these Q's? (I haven't listen to the Q's yet) Currently the PSB's are priced at $1,300 cdn and I think they sound amazing for the price. I believe this could be one of the best values out there today for the price. Cheers!
Hi Jay, i really enjoy your reviews generally. have a quick question I thinging for pairing the Concept 50's with the Hegel H120, I am a huge fan of both these products, your thoughts? Thanks keep up the great work!!
what if people have soft carpet flooring? wobble stability issues? nice vid btw and i do like your advice on speaker placement ideas. How far apart u recomend having these ? Do u run your tests without Room EQ? wondering for large rooms, if Concept 50 bass kinda weak a Nice Bookshelf speakers in same price range when combined with a SUB maybe an even better option ?
Q Acoustics is coming out with really good stuff. I just got the 5020 bookshelves and the 5040 mini floor-standers, to my ears, they are unbeatable at their price points.
What constitutes an affordible speaker for an audiophile? 5 grand each/pair , 10k each/pair? I have an Onkyo 7100 receiver with Paradigm 6000se floors and a Paradigm Defiance v10 sub. I must be called an entry leval audiophile then or maybe my ears are being called that.A budget constitutes what one can afford wouldnt you think? Great videos as always.
Hi Jay I enjoy your honest reviews. I am wondering, how much of an upgrade the Concept 50 would be compared to Revel M106 with an SVS subwoofer in a small room? I'd like to get rid of the sub.
I'm looking to take my next step from the Tekton Lore Reference, which I also got based on your vids. Do you feel these offer appreciable improvement over those? Thanks Jay.
Is it not true that all movement of the speaker that is caused by movement of the cone within the speaker is effectively distortion since the signal is not being projected into the room? In other words, the speaker is moving instead of the air moving. This wastes the signal. Note that I'm not talking here about isolating the speaker from room vibration, etc. Thanks, Jay.
Indeed I heard excellent demo's of this speaker some time back. In the end when it came down to buying for my small room, they placed second for me behind Dynaudio Evoke 10.
@@johnleonffu9946 All I can suggest is the sound character would be like the first amp Jay tried in the video. Nothing acutely faulty about the amplifier or the speakers, but the combo sounds too plain.
I'm running T9x with Concept 50's, no complaints at all but I would be super curious to find out if a pair of T5x would actually be better solution. I'm kind of convinced, in my head, that it would be
I like metal music. Maybe mosh-pit days are behind me 😅 but still, I love the energy. Can concept 50s play this kind of music without ecsesive fatigue and hide some of recording imperfections ? Will they work with audiolab 9000a? Has anyone tried this setup?
not sure if it will work with audiolab 9000a but I can tell you that the concept 50s might be what you have been looking for. Demo them if you get a chance!
Hi I’ve owned the concept 50’s for several months now using an Audiolab 6000a, Bluesound node, Q Acoustics B12 Subwoofer and the Rega Duet speaker cable and I absolutely love the energy of this setup without any hint of fatigue. Over the last month I’ve auditioned amplifiers costing several £££ more than my current 6000a in the hope of trying to extract the best out of the concepts given their price category I tried the Audiolab 7000a, it was ok but I didn’t notice a huge improvement over the 6000a. I then tried the 9000a and the improvements were noticeable with better instrument separation and it just had more of engaging listening experience over the 6000a, albeit subtle. I also tried the Naim Unity Atom on the concepts which definitely didn’t sound nowhere near as musical as I got from the Audiolab range. Next up I tried the new Rega Elex Mk4 and again the soundstage just wasn’t as wide or engaging to listen too. So going back to your question about “If the 9000a would work” I definitely think it’s the perfect partnership for the concept 50’s over all the Amps I tried, however the 6000a is no slouch and not far behind imo but the 9000a is enough of an improvement for me to purchase one. Hope this helps 👍
Wow! What a review and juicy bundle of information. Thank you very much.😊 I like the design of concept 50s and audiolab. It is a music to my ears knowing that they match sonically.❤
Iv heard a lot of good things about this speaker but what are your thoughts if you have to compare these with the totem tribe towers. I know the totems are 5k but from an overall sound perspective, would you take these over the totems??? Want to hear your thoughts .. thanks
Totem tribe towers are more “pure” sounding and extended in the highs than the q-acoustics concept 50s. I consider the totem tribe tower’s tone to be quite unbeatable and the ultimate slim towers. Concept 50s are more easier to listen to than the tribe towers if you are sensitive or prone to fatigue but I’d still have to give it to the tribe towers just for its pure tone alone, if it was a comparison without price in mind.
And yet, in all fairness…the one speaker you did not mention in comparison with the Q’s, was the one Tower you rated closest to the Tribe, and also the one closest in footprint to the Q, the KLH Kendall. At half the price of the Q’s, the Kendall’s best them in almost every aspect. But I have to say the bracing and decoupling technology, along with their esthetics makes for a satisfying purchase as a good “all around speaker system”.
On par. I’d say the Pendragon has more clean extension and (warmer midbass than the double impacts) but the concept 50s are a lil more warmer and muscular sounding. Concept 50s are more easier to listen to, has advantage of it being slim to create a nice soundstage (especially that dept). The pendragons have more scale due to its size. Also finish wise, concept 50s finish makes the pendragon’s finish look like a toy in comparison. many find tektons ugly due to its not very classy finnish and tweeter array but if you are ok with that, it’s basically a steal
My kid could stumble over the long feet of the speaker if was placed in the living room. It’s such a shame for this magnificent narrow speaker to have dangerously long legs.
The more expensive a speaker gets, the more it becomes a case for bragging rights and a fool being easily parted from his money. KLH Model 5 is an excellent speaker for $2k plus. I cannot tell the difference between this model and the "higher end" models, so in accordance with the advice of Audio Masterclass..."Audiophiles, you are wasting your money" utube clip, I do not intend to go for anything more than the KLH. I am not an audiophile, and will wrassle to the ground anyone who accuses me of being one. Thank you
I get you! But KLH isn’t available in Europe. The Q Acoustics Concept 500 should go on sale in a few years and be 50% off. It’s just a great speaker regardless of price. I am rocking the Closer Acoustics OGY (Jay’s Iyagi reviewed them with high praise) and their under $2k. Personally, the best speakers I heard around $2k were the LMDHP AM21 LB25. But it’s a niche DIY product that you can buy assembled.
*thanks for stopping by! Did you experience something similar or different with Q acoustic speakers? Let me know in the comments, curious to hear from you!*
Q Acoustic Concept 50: www.qacoustics.com/products/concept-50?sca_ref=2880885.hvjHsWR6Gk
Amplifier recommendation:
BRUNOCO TERRA: Brunoco: 58787f.myshopify.com/products/terra-6l6pp-integrated?sca_ref=3824421.LMxVRnoykZ
HEAVEN11 Billie amp: heaven11audio.com/shop/billie-amp-brushed-black/?v=3e8d115eb4b3
Denafrips Thallo: www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-thallo-poweramp?currency=USD
Related videos:
Q Acoustic Concept 300 review: ruclips.net/video/LMPp7MHYn2Y/видео.html
MonAcoustic Platimon review: ruclips.net/video/OjDA3o7xUcE/видео.html
Buchardt S400 MK2 review: ruclips.net/video/PJRBMCA3FzI/видео.html
Dynaudio Heritage review: ruclips.net/video/nBo17ditf3k/видео.html
Dynaudio Evoke 10 review: ruclips.net/video/_URvUPiRN8Y/видео.html
Arendal 1723 THX review: ruclips.net/video/7c22mfsEDgs/видео.html
KLH Model 5 review: ruclips.net/video/ACCS3Q_TcZM/видео.html
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0:00 Best Affordable Speakers?
1:35 Q-Acoustic Build Review
4:41 Best Setup for Audiophiles!
8:27 Q Acoustic Speaker Sound Review
I had the Q acoustics 3050 (1st version) and loved the tonality, now I have the special 40.
Makes sense to me that you mentioned Dynaudio speakers in this review 🙂
Hello Jay,
I purchased my Concept 50's about two weeks ago. Had the same problem with "blooming" bass output. As per your vlog I did the same thing, moved the speakers 2 ft from the back wall & 1 1/2 ft from the side walls. Made a massive difference in the bass and overall sound. These are excellent speakers for the $4450.00 CDN price. Should have stuck with the gloss black but ended up with the "Aston Martin" silver colour. My previous speakers were the Concept 40 and at $2000.00 they were worth every penny and much more. Will consider the Brunoco tube amp next year, but at the moment will have to continue on with my MOON 240i and my HOLO Audio Spring 3 Dac.
Will look forward to the next video. Cheers!
I rock the 3020is and a Pioneer A-9 to drive them. Amazing sound but, I am contemplating whether to get the Q Acoustics Concept 500s or KLH model 5 to really let that amplifier breathe because I see 3020is as a solid stepping-stone speaker. I love my Pioneer A-9 so much, the warmth, authoritative bass, and pure physical aesthetics.
If you are not able to have the speakers more than 1 foot from the wall, would placing sound defusers, behind the speakers, on the wall help? Or would, in my case plasterboard over hollow wood frame wall allow for more or less distance from the wall?
I find it very refreshing to see a company that is prepared to give a quality product for a reasonable entry point....10/10 To Q Accustics for tailoring for the needs of hifi enthusiasts who do not have to break the bank to achieve quality looks and sound.👍
I have the Concept 50 connected to my Technics SU-G 700M2, very happy with the pairing.
Why don't you do a video on how to do a set up using the mic and laptop to get the best sound in your room? I don't think that many people would know the proper way to do or the right equipment to use & how to save the settings. Thanks for the video.
Another reviewer that I have come to like a whole lot, Andrew Robinson, speaks very highly of the Q Acoustics Concept 50. I am giving thought to buying them. Interested to hear what you have to say, Jay's iyagi. Your reviews are also high on my list.
This new offering from Q Acoustics looks utterly amazing! If I did not have a pair of DynAudio Contour 20s I would be all over these!
I have been playing these now for just over 6 months with an Advance Paris A12 and the combination is really nice. The sound is wide/deep and so free of the speaker. amazing. And at a certain level it really locks in (about 80 DB) and even gives you a pure live feel (listening to Hot August night or Metalica live sets!)
nice! thanks for sharing!
I’m waiting for Q Acoustics to update the concept line with the 5000 series woofers that supposedly produce even lower distortion. Also, the concept 500 tower is a much larger cabinet with dual constrained layer damping as opposed to a single layer in the concept 50, and 6.5” woofers instead of 5” and has higher power handling if you need to make your ears bleed. I think the concept 50 is the sweet spot in diminishing returns imo.
I have these and I think I still need to placement better and try different setups to get the best out of them. They are very clear speakers and have better imaging than my other speakers. It takes some getting used to the sound, it sounds a little different than the LS50 and Linton speakers. Doesn't sound bad with anything I don't think. Thanks for the review!
Awesome! Hope me setting up my speakers gave you some ideas for setup in your room :)
@@Jayiyagi Yes it was helpful, thank you!
Add more toe than Jay is describing about another 5-10 degrees and about 2ft/60cm from the rear wall and at least 30-45cm/1/1.5ft from the side walls. I hope you're using a tape measure on both speakers as this is very important that both are exactly the same..Then sit down and enjoy 🙂
@@garth56this is true. My concept 500s are also very focused and have to be placed exactly the same way.
I have the Lintons and might replace them with these. Different in what way would you say?
Jay, I've been following you for awhile. This I think is your most evolved video, mostly because it is the best organized. You cover all the bases and do it succinctly. I have these speakers and can second everything you said.
Your choice of tracks is exceptional. They really play as good as you described. I often play those recommended by other reviewers and say to myself: "What the hell are they listening to?", or "They really need a hearing test!".
Perhaps it is because my taste in audio reproduction is very similar to yours, but as you have evolved I find your content the most helpful. You also come across very, very professional yet casual at the same time, unlike some previous videos where you sounded as if they just let you out of a cage after being in solitary confinement.
Keep it up. Growth is the most important thing and you are doing it.
I almost forgot. I use a Wilsenton R8 (EL34), a Schiit Aegir (Class A), and a Fosi Audio V3 (with Sparkos op amps). You'd be surprised to hear that the Fosi V3 gives the others a run for the money. However, that is only if you replace the stock op amps with Sparkos duals. Add 2 for $120 and you have an exceptional $200 amp that may take you by surprise. I'd love it if you got it and used it in comparisons.
Thank you. I appreciate it!
Omg.... lol
Great review, Jay!! I just ordered a pair of the Concept 50's from The Music Room, in part based on your review.
I have the concept 30 stand mount speakers which use the same drivers / tweeter. Everyone is missing out, they are spectacular speakers. Wish I could swing the 50s
What amp do you use? :)
Love my Concept 30's
Long awaited jay! 😄
Thanks for being a patreon Boon!
I got these a few months ago and appreciate the praise coming from your channel. Thank you.
I have the Concept 50s and absolutely love them!
Could you tell us what amp do you use?
Here are some test tracks (with very loud hi-hats) to find out whether the treble is piercing or not: 1) Trans-Island Highway by Donald Fagen. 2) Never Ending by Benee 3) California Dreaming by Diana Krall.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jay, I have been using Concept 40 in piano black finish since 2016 & love them, only £899 back then.
Hi, thx for the great review! What do you think in comparison with the Polk r700? And do you think the Willstenton r300 is a good match too?
Greetings from Germany
Yeah my question too. R700 has more bass
There is a nice used pair of these selling at TMR for just $1750. Pretty great deal hope this helps somebody save some $. Cheers!
Wish I liked the appearance, looks like there is a lot of R&D invested in these modestly priced speakers.
That's a steal for these!
Thanks for the heads-up. I looked into these and ended up just buying a pair or of open box new Concept 50's on discount.
Have you ever heard the Wharfedale 12.3 towers? I don't own them, but from what reviewers have said, the mid-bass/midrange is WORLD CLASS
The Wharfedale Dimiond 12.3 speakers. There's been many 5 Star reviews US and the UK & Europe. Very well made speakers nearly 50lbs each. Don't buy one make sure you'll paying for 2 speakers. Excellent sounding and great quality.
Excellent review - exactly why i love my Concept 500 - it just works well with everything, not like many other speakers that i had, which were excellent at one thing, and then not so good at some other. Or prefer one type of music.
But, if i had to mention one thing, then it would be component matching. Need the right amp to come alive.
@hudo, what amplifier do you use with you Concept 500?
I use a Michi x5 with my concept 500s .Iso acoustics Gaia 2 isolating feet really improve the sound .
I scored concept 500s for 2500 euros a pair and picked up concept 90 center with them. 500s sound absolutely awesome but concept 90 has some directivity issues off center being 2-way mtm.
Have you tried it with the Vincent SV-237MKii? I have it paired to my Klipsch RP-8000F and I was wondering if upgrading to the Q 50 would be a good idea and what would be the difference. I believe the Q 50 will be more tolerable than the Klipsch in terms of brightness/forwardness? I actually love my current combo for a small room, but was wondering how it can get better.
Good question. I'm also interested in the answer. 😮
I like these new angles and perspective on your space =)
Also sounds a bit more fluid and natural talking about these. Nice work!
I've never listened to Yello before. Very nice song. Thanks for sharing. Great work on the Concept 50 review!
thanks! Enjoy!
You have $22,000 monoblocks. Maybe you could review the Avantgarde Duo or Trio with basshorns. Or the larger Acapella speakers with the ion tweeter. A completely different experience than all of these boxed speakers. You'll be welcomed to a far closer exhibition of the live performance without any of the often wrongly assumed horn coloration. The dynamic range astounds anyone that spends some time with these loudspeakers.
Concept 500 review please, if you can get a unit.
Hi mate!
Love your videos.
If the price were no issue, do you prefer the Polk R700, Monitor Audio Silver 500g, Q Acoustic Concept 50 or the Klipsch RF-7 iii? I want a floorstanding speaker pair that will be 70% music and 30% movie. Cheers for any input.
If it were up to me, I’d narrow my search down to three,
Polk R700 is a big tower for less money that has bass and scale for days but sacrifices some nuances and refinement in the upper frequencies. If you don’t care for nuances or refinement but like a good deep bass and scale that a big speaker gives you, this is an amazing choice for both music and movies
Klipsch RF-7 iii is great for movies with the crisp dialog and has pretty good bass. Id use a sub for movies tho! If you like a lively rock n roll sound but with more refinement than the lower klipsch lines, this is a great choice. But I’d personally choose this if I watch more movies.
Q acoustics concept 50s are great for music because it has more refinement, nuances and soundstaging/imaging/focus that a small tower gives you while having impressive bass for its size and even movies are great on it but I’d still add a sub if I am watching movies.
@@JayiyagiThanks for the detailed response.
On a side note, I went with your recommendation from a prior video of yours [Polk R200 with the Bluesound Powernode] for my bedroom setup. Except I found a pair of R500 for cheaper than the R200, love the set up for medium level music listening, especially late at night for a controlled experience.
The Polk reserve line tweeter is exceptional to my ear, which is why the R700 has interested me for a larger room setup I plan on having, though I wonder if it'll just sound like R500 with more bass (considering I already have an SVS sub lying around which I can use).
My gut says that Q Acoustic Concept 50 might not feel like a substantial jump in sound presence/dynamics over the R500. They are actually fairly similar to my untrained ear when I heard the concept 50 for a brief listening session. Though based on your review it appears that when I invest in higher end equipment - the concept 50's will be superior in all categories to the R500.. just in my head that they're both running 5.25 inch drivers 😅.
The RF 7 iii's on the other hand, I haven't heard them and wouldn't get the chance where I live, but can get a great deal on them... I might be leaning in that direction for the sheer power they offer. If your previous comment expressed distaste for the Klipsch RF 7 iii's I might have been worried.. but I know that the Klipsch RP8000F ii reviews well and I do like the 'live' punchy sound of it ~ one can only assume the RF 7 iii does it all better (I hope).
Appreciate the advice to newbies like me 👍
@@Jayiyaginot the OP but thanks for the detailed input as I’m in the same position as the OP. The Polk R700 is on sale right now for $899 each so it might be a good time to buy.
You should give the Sonus Faber Lumina V speakers a listen, I used to own them for double duty movies/music and they were fantastic
You, Andrew Robinson & Michael Lavorgna from Twittering Machines are describing pretty similar things about the Concept 50. I just got them a few months ago from the UK, where they been on sale for 1950€ including shipping and customs. An absolutely no brainer.
the concept 500 is really are great speakers!, cleanest cabinet i ever hear by far. but they are very heavy.
Excellent review! Jay, if you have to make a pick between the Q acoustics 50 and the KLH MODEL 5, which would you pick. I'm torn between the two speakers, and I'll rely on your choice to finally make a pick.
I want an all-rounder. Thank you.
Hard one. I don’t think you can go wrong either way but q acoustics is more of an “all-rounder speaker”
KLH.
I think the concept 50 images like a stand mount speaker because it is configured like a stand mount speaker. Look at the concept 50. It looks like a MTM stand mount speaker perched on a stand. All the drivers are up in the top upper quarter of the speaker.
Great video Jay! These speakers are on a short dream list for me.
Hi Jay
Thanks for this great review. I have a Bryston 4Bcubed matched with a Michi P5 Pre. How do you think these would pair with them?
How sharp are the highs? All cool technical stuff aside, for a dedicated room, how would you compare the sound of these to the Kef Q950? Not that I'm in love with them, it's just the best that I can afford and that my Denon x3800h would drive and that I could actually listen to them before I buying because it was on display in the showroom. How would you compare this to the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series (the best sound in that showroom)? It's taking a big leap of faith to buy speakers that I haven't listened to first, so i'm really trusting you. Thanks.
Thanks Jay, another great review. Just wonder if you have listened to Canadian co. PSB's Imagine X2T towers as a comparison to these Q's? (I haven't listen to the Q's yet) Currently the PSB's are priced at $1,300 cdn and I think they sound amazing for the price. I believe this could be one of the best values out there today for the price. Cheers!
The bookshelves are beauties.
I wonder if the Concept 30 carries over that warm, gutsy sound you're hearing in the Concept 50.. or is it thin and puny in comparison? 🤔
There definitely great sounding speakers I like them
Hi Jay, i really enjoy your reviews generally. have a quick question I thinging for pairing the Concept 50's with the Hegel H120, I am a huge fan of both these products, your thoughts? Thanks keep up the great work!!
Among Polk R700 at 2100 € , Sonus Faber Lumina V at 2500 € and Concept 50 at 2400 € what you would choose?
Great review!
Thank you!
what if people have soft carpet flooring? wobble stability issues? nice vid btw and i do like your advice on speaker placement ideas.
How far apart u recomend having these ?
Do u run your tests without Room EQ?
wondering for large rooms, if Concept 50 bass kinda weak a Nice Bookshelf speakers in same price range when combined with a SUB maybe an even better option ?
The all new QUAD REVELA 2 Speakers are a Game-Changer !
No
There's no such thing as a game changer. Simply your perception. Theres limits to what a small box can achieve.
great job Jay!
Q Acoustics is coming out with really good stuff. I just got the 5020 bookshelves and the 5040 mini floor-standers, to my ears, they are unbeatable at their price points.
Can you name all the speakers you compared them to?
Probably not.? But the Wharfedale Dimiond 12.3 speakers sounded a lot better. And for nearly half the money depending on where you lived.
I can't make up my mind, should i go for the meta 2 bookshelves or the 50s?? please help. btw love the content,
Great review. I have a love affair with my pair of Concept 30's. I do use a pair of subs to compliment them but this has me thinking...
What constitutes an affordible speaker for an audiophile? 5 grand each/pair , 10k each/pair? I have an Onkyo 7100 receiver with Paradigm 6000se floors and a Paradigm Defiance v10 sub. I must be called an entry leval audiophile then or maybe my ears are being called that.A budget constitutes what one can afford wouldnt you think? Great videos as always.
Hi Jay I enjoy your honest reviews. I am wondering, how much of an upgrade the Concept 50 would be compared to Revel M106 with an SVS subwoofer in a small room? I'd like to get rid of the sub.
I'm looking to take my next step from the Tekton Lore Reference, which I also got based on your vids. Do you feel these offer appreciable improvement over those? Thanks Jay.
Is it not true that all movement of the speaker that is caused by movement of the cone within the speaker is effectively distortion since the signal is not being projected into the room? In other words, the speaker is moving instead of the air moving. This wastes the signal. Note that I'm not talking here about isolating the speaker from room vibration, etc. Thanks, Jay.
Any comments on the Denafrips Athena? I would be interested in your take.
Indeed I heard excellent demo's of this speaker some time back. In the end when it came down to buying for my small room, they placed second for me behind Dynaudio Evoke 10.
cool! What did you like better about the evoke10s?
Main point of difference for me is that the Evoke 10 treble does not sound rolled off. Somehow smooth but still reasonably well extended.
Based on your experience, do you think the Hegel 190 would be a good match?
I haven’t tried but I think it may be an OK match but not a great one
Why so? This was going to my question too.
I have Hegel 390. Ive heard that Q acoustics don't mix well with Hegel. Do you know why? or do I mis understood it?
@@johnleonffu9946 All I can suggest is the sound character would be like the first amp Jay tried in the video. Nothing acutely faulty about the amplifier or the speakers, but the combo sounds too plain.
James Blake tunes are GREAT for testing speakers.
Concept 50 vs LS60 wireless?
Hi. I have yet to have heard of any of the artists that you mention. Wait what? Greetings from Boxford, MA
Kef does the same thing with their cabinets. They are first simulated. Also, we pay "a lot of money" for isolation devices because we're morons.
Moronophiles xd
hey, can you pls advise here:
Polk R700 + R400 vs Q Acoustics Concept 50 + Concept 90
AVR is Anthem MRX 740, no other external amplifier
All in all a good review, all though you keep comparing a stand mount to a floor standing speaker, 🤔
Great review! Which will be a better subwoofer for this concept 50? Rel T5x or Rel T7x for a small to middle room. Thanks!
I'm running T9x with Concept 50's, no complaints at all but I would be super curious to find out if a pair of T5x would actually be better solution. I'm kind of convinced, in my head, that it would be
I have the Rel TX 9 and it works great.
Jay did you go to the Room of gershman Eon Art and oracle at Montréal audio show ? 1:56
I like metal music. Maybe mosh-pit days are behind me 😅 but still, I love the energy. Can concept 50s play this kind of music without ecsesive fatigue and hide some of recording imperfections ?
Will they work with audiolab 9000a? Has anyone tried this setup?
not sure if it will work with audiolab 9000a but I can tell you that the concept 50s might be what you have been looking for. Demo them if you get a chance!
@@Jayiyagi I will. Thanks. :)
Hi
I’ve owned the concept 50’s for several months now using an Audiolab 6000a, Bluesound node, Q Acoustics B12 Subwoofer and the Rega Duet speaker cable and I absolutely love the energy of this setup without any hint of fatigue.
Over the last month I’ve auditioned amplifiers costing several £££ more than my current 6000a in the hope of trying to extract the best out of the concepts given their price category
I tried the Audiolab 7000a, it was ok but I didn’t notice a huge improvement over the 6000a.
I then tried the 9000a and the improvements were noticeable with better instrument separation and it just had more of engaging listening experience over the 6000a, albeit subtle.
I also tried the Naim Unity Atom on the concepts which definitely didn’t sound nowhere near as musical as I got from the Audiolab range.
Next up I tried the new Rega Elex Mk4 and again the soundstage just wasn’t as wide or engaging to listen too.
So going back to your question about “If the 9000a would work” I definitely think it’s the perfect partnership for the concept 50’s over all the Amps I tried, however the 6000a is no slouch and not far behind imo but the 9000a is enough of an improvement for me to purchase one.
Hope this helps 👍
Wow! What a review and juicy bundle of information. Thank you very much.😊 I like the design of concept 50s and audiolab. It is a music to my ears knowing that they match sonically.❤
Jay, do you think these speakers would likely sound good with the Vincent integrated that you reviewed?
Yes. Especially if you use the tone controls to fine tune things.
Try listen DEAD CAN DANCE live album TOWARD THE WITHIN. All acoustic instruments, great voices, real reference sound.
Thanks for sharing!
Would these pair well with a Marantz Model 40n? I like a warm, full and smooth sound that’s easy to listen to.
There 6 ohms and too forward not laid back like a Wharfedale.
Jay have you heard of the new MartinLogan Motion B10 (bookshelfs) new as far as I know --JG
how's this sound compared to your TYPHON speakers
have you heard Tannoy Revolution XT 8F or KEF Q950 ? these are both sub $2k. have fun :-)
yes I have. I do personally prefer q acoustic's tonal balance but those are also fantastic choices
What about the Polk R700?!
From what i heard the polks have more bass but the q's are better built, but overall pretty similar speakers I think.
Q Acoustic 5040 & the 5050 are 6 ohms and are a little bit bright. The Wharfedales are 8 ohms and better for listening and are more laid back.
nothing about membrane material, magnets, cabinet material, crossover?
Hello Jay, please consider the Sunrise Lab V8 amplifier. You will be in for a pleasant surprise.
How would you rate these vs Magnepan .7’s
Iv heard a lot of good things about this speaker but what are your thoughts if you have to compare these with the totem tribe towers. I know the totems are 5k but from an overall sound perspective, would you take these over the totems??? Want to hear your thoughts .. thanks
Totem tribe towers are more “pure” sounding and extended in the highs than the q-acoustics concept 50s. I consider the totem tribe tower’s tone to be quite unbeatable and the ultimate slim towers. Concept 50s are more easier to listen to than the tribe towers if you are sensitive or prone to fatigue but I’d still have to give it to the tribe towers just for its pure tone alone, if it was a comparison without price in mind.
And yet, in all fairness…the one speaker you did not mention in comparison with the Q’s, was the one Tower you rated closest to the Tribe, and also the one closest in footprint to the Q, the KLH Kendall. At half the price of the Q’s, the Kendall’s best them in almost every aspect. But I have to say the bracing and decoupling technology, along with their esthetics makes for a satisfying purchase as a good “all around speaker system”.
The 13th element on the Periodic Table is aluminium
Better than Tekton Pendragon?
On par. I’d say the Pendragon has more clean extension and (warmer midbass than the double impacts) but the concept 50s are a lil more warmer and muscular sounding. Concept 50s are more easier to listen to, has advantage of it being slim to create a nice soundstage (especially that dept). The pendragons have more scale due to its size. Also finish wise, concept 50s finish makes the pendragon’s finish look like a toy in comparison. many find tektons ugly due to its not very classy finnish and tweeter array but if you are ok with that, it’s basically a steal
Another game changing giant killer. What happened to KLH, Burchard, Arendal? Which one is the “real” giant killer?
You should try Concept 500.
I know! I should
What about Kef and Bose and Arendal and JL audio & B&W?
Bose is garbage
Like slim and smaller floor standing speakers.
These Q's vs. Alperion Verus 6.5 towers? $3,000
You said there are nearfield measurements at the end of the video. Where is it?
I never said there was a nearfield measurement. I think you are referring to the quasi anechoic measurement which is at 8:33
Hope that helps!
@@Jayiyagi Ok yes thats what i was looking for. I assume quasi anechoic is nearfield though right?
Thomas likes McIntosh tube amps with Q Acoustics.
Cool!
Really great video! How would you compair them with the Totem tribe towers?
Hmmmm klh 5 or concept 50? Tough one lol
AGD monos!! Wow!
WOW indeed!
Is it possible to put different feet on these? Look terrible, in my opinion 😊. Great review, Jay✌🏼
Yes. You can actually tighten the speakers so that it no longer uses to “wobble” mechanism and use your own isolation devices but I didn’t do that
@@Jayiyagi that’s very interesting. Thanks for your reply
Or maybe casters.
Do you think Vincent audio amps would pair well with these?
@Jayiyagi what music streaming service do you use ?
I'm an old fashioned roon user :)
@@Jayiyagidid u use something like a NODE?
They look a lot like the Jamo 707i.
Which subwoofer would you pair this ? what about pairing this with REL-T9X ?
How about the wilsenton r800i in a medium size room
Yea those would work
Hmm remind me of Elac velas
My kid could stumble over the long feet of the speaker if was placed in the living room. It’s such a shame for this magnificent narrow speaker to have dangerously long legs.
" shockingly affordable"?
Riiiiiight
hey man, do you think it could be a good pairing with pathos classic remix amp ?
Folded old socks also wobble.
The more expensive a speaker gets, the more it becomes a case for bragging rights and a fool being easily parted from his money. KLH Model 5 is an excellent speaker for $2k plus. I cannot tell the difference between this model and the "higher end" models, so in accordance with the advice of Audio Masterclass..."Audiophiles, you are wasting your money" utube clip, I do not intend to go for anything more than the KLH. I am not an audiophile, and will wrassle to the ground anyone who accuses me of being one. Thank you
I get you! But KLH isn’t available in Europe. The Q Acoustics Concept 500 should go on sale in a few years and be 50% off. It’s just a great speaker regardless of price. I am rocking the Closer Acoustics OGY (Jay’s Iyagi reviewed them with high praise) and their under $2k. Personally, the best speakers I heard around $2k were the LMDHP AM21 LB25. But it’s a niche DIY product that you can buy assembled.
SHOCKING