Q Acoustics 5050 Floorstanding Speakers – Holme Oak (Pair)

Hi end indeed. From brand new they need 2 to 3 weeks running in before they give of their best. Amplification needs to be hi end too. Most amps quote power output into 8 ohms nominal impedance which would usually do but these speakers are 6 ohms nominal and dip as low as 3 ohms across the frequency range. Many amps will clip and must be avoided. I run NAIM amplification which is designed to deliver with difficult loads. I was initially surprised at the physical size, being a good 20cms taller than my old speakers it took a little bit getting used to. My room is maybe on the small side for these speakers, but it means with the efficiency of the design that at low levels they still sound full and musical giving an almost laid-back effortless presentation. That is not to say they lack punch because if you give it the beans, they will pin you to the seat with the best of them. Sound sources are treated agnostically in that it favours no source over another and video sourced sound from films sound as detailed and pinpoint imaged as digital or turntable sourced music. The overall impression is of an accurate and clear sound stage, indeed many tunes revealed detail previously buried in the mix. But these speakers are in no way clinical. Costs have been paired down in the finish, in so far as they look fine but it is not the best veneer finish to the cabinets, but they are easy to live with and look good within the selections of room furniture. This is a British design obviously designed to what is expected in the best of British speakers, but they are built in China taking advantage of the lower build costs in that country. Overall, at the asking price they are astonishing in their value for money and easily compare with floor standing speaker 3 and 4 times the price. Speaking subjectively, I am very pleased with my purchase. Objectively if that is even possible, I can heartily recommend these speakers to anyone, bearing in mind the caveats mentioned.