Comments wanted about Q Acoustics Concept 40 vs Monitor Audio RS6

[TheMaestro]

I own an Arcam Solo [ stereo ] older model, I believe 2006 / 2008.

And I own a set of MA RS6.

It took me a long time to decide but I'm very happy with the sound this combo is giving me.

However I'm still curious about people's opinion on those two models. I have read so many good reviews on both of them.

I love to read your preferences with motivation. Would the Concept 40 for instance still be an upgrade / improvement?

Thanks for any input.

 

[CnoEvil]

I would say it's more of a sideways move.....which can be worth doing if you much prefer the presentation.

The Concept 40 is quite different to the RS6....it is smoother and more refined, but you might find it lacked a little excitement compared to what you have.

 

[TheMaestro]

I would say it's more of a sideways move.....which can be worth doing if you much prefer the presentation.

The Concept 40 is quite different to the RS6....it is smoother and more refined, but you might find it lacked a little excitement compared to what you have.

Do you mean, there is not too much difference quality wise but more a "different flavor" in sound?

 

[CnoEvil]

I would say it's more of a sideways move.....which can be worth doing if you much prefer the presentation.

The Concept 40 is quite different to the RS6....it is smoother and more refined, but you might find it lacked a little excitement compared to what you have.

Do you mean, there is not too much difference quality wise but more a "different flavor" in sound?

Yes, that is what I'm saying.

 

[insider9]

I personally wouldn't change them unless you could go a level higher. Than again the amp will be a limitation should you do that.

It's all good to wonder but enjoy what you have. We've all been there, sometimes you "upgrade" a good sounding system and won't get the sound you like for months.

 

[TheMaestro]

I personally wouldn't change them unless you could go a level higher. Than again the amp will be a limitation should you do that.

It's all good to wonder but enjoy what you have. We've all been there, sometimes you "upgrade" a good sounding system and won't get the sound you like for months.

Much appreciated.

If I would decide to take another step up in due time, which integrated amp would be a good match with the Concept 40 to take full advantage of them?

Considering I like Barry White, jazz, soul and seventies disco.

Thanx for the input!

 

[rainsoothe]

I personally wouldn't change them unless you could go a level higher. Than again the amp will be a limitation should you do that.

It's all good to wonder but enjoy what you have. We've all been there, sometimes you "upgrade" a good sounding system and won't get the sound you like for months.

Much appreciated.

If I would decide to take another step up in due time, which integrated amp would be a good match with the Concept 40 to take full advantage of them?

Considering I like Barry White, jazz, soul and seventies disco.

Thanx for the input!

Hi. For the Concept 40, you might wanna stay clear of soft/smooth/overly warm sounding amps. I would audition the new Naim Uniti Atom (or whatever is up the scale), or look for used or ex-dem Naim Unitilite or Unitiqute 2 + Nap100. Alternatively, Hegel H80 or Parasound Halo Integrated or first gen (which means used) Naim Supernait all have DACs, so you could use a blu-ray player with digital out (if you need CD playback) or a laptop to act as your source (this also goes for the Uniti range, as they don't have CD player - the exception being the Unitilite).

As for speakers, I think Focal Aria 926 or Spendor A5R (or A6R if your room isn't boomy in the bass department) are well worth considering, and have some of the Concept 40 smoothness, but are better at letting loose.

 

[insider9]

If I would decide to take another step up in due time, which integrated amp would be a  good match  with the Concept 40 to take full advantage of them?

I'm sure I9 will give his own answer...but my shortlist would be:

- Creek Evo 100A

- Rega Elicit R

- Possibly Arcam A30

I'd go with Cno's advice here. I take it it's the A32 or A38.

Ironically OP opted for Solo over A32 a while ago. If memory serves me right.

 

[CnoEvil]

If I would decide to take another step up in due time, which integrated amp would be a good match with the Concept 40 to take full advantage of them?

I'm sure I9 will give his own answer...but my shortlist would be:

- Creek Evo 100A

- Rega Elicit R

- Possibly Arcam A39

 

[CnoEvil]

I'd go with Cno's advice here. I take it it's the A32 or A38.

Ironically OP opted for Solo over A32 a while ago. If memory serves me right.

I meant the A39, as it's a bit more lively and dynamic than previous generations (which might be a little "pipe and slippers" with the Concept 40s).

 

[insider9]

I'd go with Cno's advice here. I take it it's the A32 or A38.

Ironically OP opted for Solo over A32 a while ago. If memory serves me right.

I meant the A39, as it's a bit more lively and dynamic than previous generations (which might be a little "pipe and slippers" with the Concept 40s).

I thought you might have as others are current models.

OP whatever you decide it would be best to upgrade at the same time. This way you can demo the pairing and will be sure of results.

 

[jonathanRD]

If I would decide to take another step up in due time, which integrated amp would be a good match with the Concept 40 to take full advantage of them?

I'm sure I9 will give his own answer...but my shortlist would be:

- Creek Evo 100A

- Rega Elicit R

- Possibly Arcam A39

I would add the Exposure 3010S2D to this list if you have a dealer that stocks them near you.

 

[newlash09]

I've been living with the concept 40's for almost one year here. And to be honest I haven't tested them out with kit they deserve. But in my suboptimal setup with the marantz sr6011, or the Sony str dn 850 or the blue sound powernode ...I feel a distinct laid back warmth to the sound. It is clear, refined and precise . But to my cotton ears , I feel the bass is a little behind what everything else is happening with the other drivers, though it goes deep. So it really comes down your personal choice I guess. If you listen to music all day long, these are untiring speakers. And when you look for excitement , they will give a bit too. But you'd have to add a Naim into the setup to get that...or probably a Cyrus... But very refined they are...never make an unpleasant sound in any track at any volume what so ever...

 

[newlash09]

Not with standing your room of course..is Naim nait 5si with the concept 40's. Please try to audition the same. Thanks and all the best..

 

[Andrewjvt]

Best sound I heard this year was a 5.1 q acoustics 2020i fronts and 2010i rears with the standard sub. The amp is the cheapest slimline av revier marantz or yamaha make.

Just goes to show that in the right room how good cheap product can sound.

My point is tbe concept 40 with right amp and space can sound very good

 

[newlash09]

The qacoustics have always been brilliant speakers. I urge maestro to try them out. IAM quite sure he will not be disappointed. He just has to match a Naim or Cyrus to get Pacey sound if that is what he wants. Other wise these are wonderful speakers. And if it makes maestro happy with a bargain, I paid 1580 pounds for them in India
And they are going for about 800 pounds in the UK I guess. A very good deal indeed...

But at the same time may I mention that you can have the QA sound for much less if you went with a qa7000lri and a sub. But you would need a avr to with good room correction to blend those two.