I haven't heard that particular Proac model, but doing my best to add anything:
Every Proac I've heard (and I auditioned the Proac D20R) has a similar sonic signature: it sounds definitely "sculpted" to me, a sort of richness in the lower mids, then a dip near the upper, and a rise in upper frequencies. So you get this combination of richness lower down, soundstage depth (dip) and some sparkle on top.
It's a very nice sound to be sure. Though I didn't get along at all with the D20R, where I found the ribbon tweeter didn't mesh well enough, and left a somewhat steely character compared to the mids.
In contrast, the Devore 93s, which I auditioned numerous times, give a subjective sense of richness throughout the whole sonic range. They just have a bigger, fatter, meatier sound, instruments more life-sized where the Proac is more reductive. I found the Devore's top end sounded really great too in terms of sounding open with good shimmer for cymbals etc.
For me I choose the Devores in a heartbeat over the Proacs. The Proacs for me always sound like "very nice speakers" where the Devores seem to feel a bit more like a live performance.
I'm quite sure you'll hear a different take from Proac owners.
But...hey...that's me.
I've been wanting to hear the Super 9's too!
mpomerantz, have you auditioned any of the speakers you mentioned?
Every Proac I've heard (and I auditioned the Proac D20R) has a similar sonic signature: it sounds definitely "sculpted" to me, a sort of richness in the lower mids, then a dip near the upper, and a rise in upper frequencies. So you get this combination of richness lower down, soundstage depth (dip) and some sparkle on top.
It's a very nice sound to be sure. Though I didn't get along at all with the D20R, where I found the ribbon tweeter didn't mesh well enough, and left a somewhat steely character compared to the mids.
In contrast, the Devore 93s, which I auditioned numerous times, give a subjective sense of richness throughout the whole sonic range. They just have a bigger, fatter, meatier sound, instruments more life-sized where the Proac is more reductive. I found the Devore's top end sounded really great too in terms of sounding open with good shimmer for cymbals etc.
For me I choose the Devores in a heartbeat over the Proacs. The Proacs for me always sound like "very nice speakers" where the Devores seem to feel a bit more like a live performance.
I'm quite sure you'll hear a different take from Proac owners.
But...hey...that's me.
I've been wanting to hear the Super 9's too!
mpomerantz, have you auditioned any of the speakers you mentioned?