Overall: I just added the 40b's to my desk set up and have been blown away! They're paired with a Naim Uniti Atom and Paradigm Defiance V10 sub.
Bass: Bass was okay with just the pair of 40b's, but I have yet to hear any bookshelf speakers that don't cost $2500+ each that didn't require a sub in the system for proper bass response. Proper bass requires volume. The Defiance V10 was an easy addition to the system. My home theater system has dual SVS PB-16 Ultra's...so you could say bass is important to me!
Sound Quality: They sound great! Really nice soundstage too. Fills my space easily without losing any resolution or separation. I've been listening to them 4-8 hours a day as my desk and haven't experienced any listening fatigue either. I've been playing all kinds of music and enjoyed them for all of it.
Appearance: They also look great in person, much better than in pictures. Since I have them on my desk just a few feet away from my face looks are important. Without the speaker grills they look really premium and interesting. The lower driver has a great geometric laser cut design that looks superb
Before buying I auditioned them against comparably priced Sonus Faber, B&W, and Focal speakers. To me the Paradigms were the best.