Cam,
The biggest differences you would hear with the QS8s are a more diffuse rather than pin-pointed sound field and more immersion and realism. I used to have direct radiating speakers for sides and I thought it was so cool to be able to pin-point gunshots and other effects. When I set up my QS8s, I wasn't sure I liked what I heard. But after a couple of movies, I realized that the envelopment and diffusiveness contributed to a more immersive, realistic and ominous (in some cases) environment. Now, I would never trade them for direct radiators.
Some say that having full range surround speakers results in higher quality since bass doesn't have to be routed to the sub. But others say that managing bass in the room becomes more difficult. I don't have an opinion on this but I do know that I would trade any bass benefits for more immersion/realism/envelopment.
