Opinions about upgrade

Hello and welcome spitzer45,

     First, your Hegel h160 is a very good integrated amp that I'd think are a good match with the Proac D18s.  It may be a good match but I also understand the urge to upgrade or just be curious about what other speakers would sound like in your system.
     I often get this urge myself, whether it's speakers or other audio components, and my intention is not to discourage you but to suggest you find a local dealer that would allow you to audition some alternative speakers in your home and system. 
     It would help to know your budget, room size and music listening preferences(types of music and typical volume levels you listen at.).
     Just off the top of my head, I'd recommend considering the Kef LS50 as an affordable option and the Swiss Boenicke Audio W5 as a more expensive option.  These are both bookshelf type speakers and I think your current Proacs are floorstanders.  Do you have a preference?

Tim

spitzer45,

     Just to be clear, celtic66 is suggesting self-amplified ATC speakers and using your Hegel as a preamp/volume control only by connecting the ATC speakers to the Hegel's Variable L+R outputs via XLR or RCA cables, not speaker wires.

     Tim 

spitzer45,

     The solution is either cables with an xlr on one end and an rca on the other or a male rca to female xlr connector adapter and a regular xlr cable from that to the 40a.

Tim

     

spitzer45,
     You're on the right track by listening to various speakers to find out what you like and don't like.  Discovering you like the ATC midrange is good progress.  
     I'd suggest asking that dealer if you can take a pair of ATCs home for a few days to audition with your amp in your room.
    I'd also suggest taking your time on your search and resist the urge to buy until you do fall in love with a pair of speakers.

Tim