Proac D-30R


I recently had a chance to listen to a Proac D-48R and
the D-20R. Both put on a good show at their respective
price range. The D-48R is too big for my room (and wallet)
whereas the D-20R would be a better fit However the D-30R
is also an option. Has anyone had a chance to compare
the D-20R to the D-30R? Did you feel the price difference
was justifiable?
cmach
I'm in a similar position, considering both the 20R and 30R among a handful of other speakers. I auditioned both speaker with John at Audio Concepts in Dallas recently. My short answer is, yes, if your budget can stretch to the 30R, it's worth the reach.

Both speakers are neutral, detailed, accurate like crazy, and present a wide soundscape. The imaging on both is nuts. The ribbon tweeter is a beautiful thing and didn't fall off much as I moved around the room, though the sweet spot is certainly enhanced. This was my first experience with ProAc and I understood what the "natural sound" slogan is all about, with such a present and embodied midrange on vocals and acoustic instruments of all kinds.

The big difference is the bass. The driver on the 30R is a different material, and the cabinet itself is larger, too, which for reasons I'm too inexperienced to explain produced a more balanced and accurate low end, much more than I expected from a 2-way. On Jazz and roots rock I found the overall effect superior to Triton One and a few others I've heard recently. In fairness the 30R is $3k more than the T1.

The 20R isn't vacant down there, but it seemed recessed and a little messy even with a wonderful little ARC VSi60 to drive it (a stunning amp for both speakers by the way). I guess there's a reason everybody says ProAcs love tubes.

In a smaller room, you might be more than pleased with the 20R, but if the 30R is possible, I'd do it. I am probably 10 days away from buying a pair myself.

Amaglioc,

Thanks so much for your feedback. After careful consideration I'm pretty much decided on the D-30R
as well. Its no longer if but when I get them. Good luck
with your purchase and keep us updated when you get them.
Milpai, so many in such a short time I've thoroughly confused my ears. Lets see, in addition to ProAc Response D20R and D30R, I've heard: Revel F208, Paradigm Prestige 95f, BW 804d2 and 803d2, Sonus Faber Venere 2.5, Martin Logan 60XT, and ML Theos powered by such a beautiful Mcintosh tube amp that I was hypnotized.

I'm taking notes and putting tie between auditions but so many speakers are in such poor rooms and badly positioned that it's very hard to rely on any impressions. So it goes.
Cmach,

I certainly will, and I'm anxious to hear about your experience with the 30R. Do you know what you'll use to power it? What I heard with the ARC VSi60 in Dallas was beautiful, but I might ask to hear a few others amps as well.