Micah,
I just recently switched from a Besson Prestige to a new Shires Q40 horn. Very identical sound to my Prestige, a bit broader and the horn itself is remarkably lighter in weight, so the sound really jumps out of the horn and projects easily. I actually think the valves are BETTER than my Prestige, it has a much smoother feel from note to note. Feels similar to when I tested MAW valves in my tuba a few years ago. MAW valves would be an interesting "upgrade" for euphoniums to consider! Intonation on the horn is quite good as well. No trigger on it (yet hopefully!) but I don't find I would need it as often as I would on my Besson. I've yet to play it in Brass Band rehearsal due to Covid which I think will be the real test for the horn IMO in terms of what I'm looking for, and what sounds like you might be looking for as well.
Cheers!
Steven Vaughn, D.M.A.
Professor of Tuba & Euphonium, University of Northern Colorado
Principal Tuba - Fort Collins Symphony
Euphonium - Fountain City Brass Band
Eastman 836 CC Tuba
Meinl Weston 2182W F Tuba
Besson 2052 Euphonium