Welcome, zx (may I call you zx?
)
What a sad thing to happen to such a lovely theater. However, as one of our illustrious forum members says, a natural disaster is just the Lord's way of saying it's time to upgrade.
I notice you had direct radiating speakers for surrounds. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, and many prefer it, particularly for multichannel, hi rez, music. However, I think you will be amazed and delighted by the movie experience with the QS speakers. And, you won't be disappointed by them, in the least, for music.
Regarding enclosing the speakers in columns and placing them behind a false wall, it is my opinion that most speakers are designed to operate in open space with the most minimal interaction with surrounding surfaces as possible. That interaction can significantly alter the sound of the speakers. That is not to say enclosing the speakers can't be done effectively, but it has to be done by someone who knows what he's doing.
I would think enclosing the QS speakers in columns would be particularly tricky, though not impossible, due to the drivers on the top and bottom of the speaker.
In the Axiom FAQ you'll find the
Ten Biggest Mistakes of Home Theater Shopping. Number 9 says:
"
9. Don’t let your spouse or companion persuade you to hide your new speakers inside an antique armoire or entertainment unit. Why buy really good speakers if you're going to place them inside shelving units or armoires? It's the old law of boundary effects. The more surfaces near a speaker, the greater the likelihood of unpleasant sound colorations occurring. A speaker needs to operate more or less in free space. Smaller speakers sound their best on stands. Leave the armoire for electronics and storing CDs!"
You might also want to peruse
How Speakers Radiate Sound: Why Wall Units are the Enemy Also, in your specific case, you have a set of speakers with a beautiful finish that is worth showing off.
