The Q Acoustics Concept 500 is one of the high-end speaker models made by the company. It is specially designed for audiophiles who are critical of sound quality. The critics have shared positive reviews about them and so far so good.
For a pair of high-end floor-standing speakers, the price point is still reasonable and doesn’t really break the bank if you are planning to own one. This doesn’t mean you should just get any amplifiers to drive them though.
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Strengths and Sound Characteristics of Q Acoustics Concept 500
Before checking out which amplifier to choose and match with the Q Acoustics Concept 500, we should learn more about them first. They have a wide frequency response of 41Hz to 30kHz, this does indicate the Concept 500 can deliver deep bass frequencies. It has a nominal impedance of 6 Ohms (min. 3.7Ohms) and recommended power starts from 25W to 200W. They are not difficult to drive nor easy as well. It is best to get a high-powered amplifier since we are looking at a pair of floor-standing speakers with the capability of delivering deep bass responses.
The Q Acoustics Concept 500 speakers have great control over the music they are playing and with composure too. You don’t hear them getting strained with the details and dynamics. And you won’t hear them get overly excited. There is accuracy in the music delivery, but some may find it not impressive enough. Still, this doesn’t mean the Q Acoustics Concept 500 speakers are dull-sounding, you would likely appreciate their honesty, staying true to the audio source, and how they won’t sound piercing when pushed.
Find out more about Q Acoustics Concept 500 at Amazon
These are agile floor-standers, dishing out weighty bass without overwhelming the upper registers. The deep bass responses are powerful enough, still, home theater enthusiasts may find it a little underwhelming. You will certainly need an active subwoofer to produce the missing sub-bass frequencies and to add more low-end output for more excitement when watching a movie. For most music genres, the Q Acoustics Concept 500 would be ideal and you probably won’t need a sub to supplement the bass.
The multi-award-winning Q Acoustics Concept 500 speakers are musically refined. At this price point, the sound quality it can produce is simply amazing and worth every single penny invested in them. They would need a good power source from an amplifier with a similar caliber. We have listed out the best amplifiers to match your Q Acoustics Concept 500 floor-standing speakers. Please take a look at them below. The price points of these listed amplifiers have been taken into account.
Best Amplifiers to match with your Q Acoustics Concept 500
The Marantz PM10S1 will be one of the best amplifiers to match your Q Acoustics Concept 500 speakers. It has no issue driving the Concept 500 floor-standing speakers and with room to spare. The PM10S1 is well-suited for listeners who prefer their music presentation to be refined and yet still sound powerful when required. The dynamics handling of the Marantz PM10S1 is superb as well, making this amplifier really suitable for the Q Acoustics Concept 500s. It does have a hefty price tag though.
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The NAD C388 is one of the best amplifiers to go for especially if you don’t want to get a too expensive amp for your Q Acoustics Concept 500. This NAD integrated amplifier will be capable of driving the Concept 500s. The overall sound quality of the NAD C388 is easy on the ears and this allows you to play your favorite music at high volume levels without feeling listeners’ fatigue. The bass performance of the C388 amplifier will help add more weight to the low-end reproduction of the Q Acoustics Concept 500 floor-standers.
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The Cambridge Audio CXA81 is another integrated amplifier that doesn’t break your wallet. It does have sufficient amplifier power to drive your Q Acoustics Concept 500 speakers but it would be better if there’s a bit more wattage. More importantly, the CXA81 integrated amplifier will help make the music presentation sound bolder without compromising the details. This is good for Q Acoustics Concept 500 owners who want a bit more excitement when listening to their favorite songs. The Cambridge amp uses ESS Sabre ES9016K2M DAC which adds more value to your purchase.
Find out more about Cambridge Audio CXA81 at Amazon
If budget is not an issue, the Yamaha Audio A-S3200 should be top of your list. This integrated amplifier is great for Q Acoustics Concept 500 owners who like cleaner music presentations and can hear plenty of details including the subtle nuances. The retro aesthetics of the A-S3200 will be pleasing for some listeners. This Yamaha amplifier may have clean and clear audio reproduction but it doesn’t sound cringe when played at high volume levels.
Find out more about Yamaha Audio A-S3200 at Amazon
The Cambridge Audio Edge A is an excellent integrated amplifier choice for your Q Acoustics Concept 500 floor-standers. It has a wide and deep soundstage, not to mention, the amazing stereo imaging which will help deliver your music on a larger scale. The stereo imaging strength of the Edge A will be great for Concept 500 speakers, allowing better separation and staging. The dynamic range that the Cambridge Audio Edge A amp can handle is awesome as well, it can attack and return to neutral with swiftness.
The Rega Osiris is one of the best amplifiers to match your Q Acoustics Concept 500 floor-standing speakers and has the power to drive them with ease. This integrated amp does cost a lot and will require you to have a high budget. It is capable of delivering powerful low-ends with authority, the bass delivery is still tight and agile though. The bold music presentation of the Rega Osiris will help make the Q Acoustics Concept 500 loudspeakers sound a bit more exciting without affecting the precision.
In Conclusion
The listed amplifiers here are all well worth your time and consideration. Perhaps you should work on your budget first then arrange an audition with the amplifiers which you find have the most potential. You might want to audition the selected amplifiers in your own listening room together with your Q Acoustics Concept 500 loudspeakers, as this will give you an accurate test result.
