The Q Acoustics 5040 sits at the heart of the 5000 series, positioned between the compact 5020 bookshelf and the flagship 5050 floorstander. It is a two-way floorstanding design built around a pair of 125mm C3 Continuous Curved Cone mid/bass drivers and a hermetically sealed 25mm tweeter, delivering a frequency response of 39 Hz – 30 kHz and a sensitivity of 91.5 dB that makes it an easy partner for amplifiers from 25 W upwards.
C3 Continuous Curved Cone Technology
The 5040’s mid/bass drivers use Q Acoustics’ C3 Continuous Curved Cone profile, a geometry that blends the bass extension of a traditional straight cone with the controlled midrange dispersion of a flared design. The result is smoother integration with the tweeter across the crossover region at 2.5 kHz. Larger magnets and 25.4mm voice coils give the drivers a 50% increase in power handling over conventional designs, contributing to the 5040’s dynamic, front-footed character.
Cabinet Engineering
The enclosure uses three complementary technologies to manage resonance. P2P (Point to Point) bracing stiffens the cabinet walls to minimise lower-frequency vibrations, improving stereo imaging and soundstage accuracy. HPE (Helmholtz Pressure Equaliser) tubes reduce internal standing waves by converting pressure energy into velocity — a technique particularly effective in taller floorstanding enclosures with a 27-litre internal volume. The tweeter itself is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the baffle, shielding it from internal cabinet pressure and resonances.
Build and Finish
The front baffle is a dark acrylic panel bonded with a butyl rubber damping layer, contributing to both the speaker’s clean aesthetic and its resonance control. The 5040 stands 967mm tall including its supplied spike feet and rear stabilisers, and weighs 18.0 kg per speaker. The Holme Oak finish is one of four options in the 5000 series alongside Satin Black, Satin White, and Santos Rosewood.
What the Press Says
- “Insightful and entertaining speakers” — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★★ (August 2023)
- What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winner — Best Floorstanding Speaker £500–£1500
- Stereonet Applause Award
| Design | 2-way floorstanding |
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| Mid/Bass Drivers | 2 × 125mm (5.0 in) C3 Continuous Curved Cone |
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| Tweeter | 1 × 25mm (1.0 in) hermetically sealed |
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| Frequency Response (-6dB) | 39 Hz – 30 kHz |
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| Sensitivity | 91.5 dB/w/m (2.83V @ 1kHz) |
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| Crossover Frequency | 2.5 kHz |
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| Nominal Impedance | 6 Ω |
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| Minimum Impedance | 3.0 Ω |
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| Recommended Amplifier Power | 25 – 150 W |
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| Cabinet Volume | 27 L |
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| Dimensions (per speaker) | 967 × 361 × 293mm (inc. spikes and stabiliser) |
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| Weight (per speaker) | 18.0 kg |
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| Finish | Holme Oak |
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| Included | Foam bung, grille, spike feet with covers, rear stabilisers, owner’s manual |
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| Also Available As | Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood |
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