Hi Bundee1. The JM Lab 706/707 are quite a bit diferrent. The 707 uses a 7" double coil woofer which gives stronger bass and balances the sound better. The speaker is rather heavy and the cabinet does not resonant at high volume. The sound from these speakers is very source depedent. Some recordings sound absolutely phenomenal. I personally would use mellow source equipment/cables/amps. The reason I purchased this loudspeaker is that it is a very good match with the the Jolida 102B tube int. amp. An excellent loudspeaker for its $600 retail price. The Kef Q1 is also an excellent loudspeaker. Plays loud, has good bass, and the fit and finish is excellent. Bought mine from Greg at www.Kiefsav.com. For their price a steal. How does it compare with the JM Lab? The JM Lab is a much more refined loudspeaker. The mids are better as well as the highs. The JM Labs have an ability to play loud with an certain ease, moreso than the Kef's. The Jm's have very tight bass that is precise. However, I believe for the money the Q1's at a discount are a better buy. Everything is so system/room/personal depedent that you really have to hear for yourself. I think in your case if you want to spend as little as possible and take a chance I'd go with the Kef Q1's. Bookshelve loudspeakers you could always use somewhere. These would be a nice step up from your PSB's.
If you want to spend a little more and buy used look at older Snell J-IV's and D series. Lots of choices! Happy Holidays to all.
If you want to spend a little more and buy used look at older Snell J-IV's and D series. Lots of choices! Happy Holidays to all.