Best match with Proac Response Series

You are a couple of days early--my VT 100 mk III shows up tomorrow! I've got the Response 2s, which are mated now with a pair of Quicksilver Silver Edn mono amps. I decided to upgrade and liked the way the ARC/ProAc combos provided resolution without sterility. I also did some net research on other's opinions and found out that ARC/ProAc seems a safe bet since I gather ProAc voices their gear with ARC hardware. I also saw an article noting that ProAc's US sales went up substantially at some point when Cary was selling some of its amps paired with the RS1s. I've never heard that combo, but that sounded like a pretty good endorsement you might want to check into. (Left me scratching my head a bit, however, 'cos the RS1s are only 84 dB efficient or so and I thought Cary produces amps that like very efficient speakers)

In this vein, I ended up with *two* VT 100 mk IIIs (long story) and, just for kicks, emailed the guy I originally bought my RS2s from, who has a *long* relationship with ProAc, and asked his opinion regarding bi-amping and the benefits of using an external x-over (my preamp is a Theta Casablanca which can be configured as an external x-over). The response (no pun intended) was to "passively bi-amp horizontally." Oh yeah, and to "get an ARC preamp."

A great amp with the response 2.5's is the Cary 805C(50 watts SET). This combo won best sound under $50,000 at the 1996(?) Sterophile audio show in NY in a system setup by Audio Connection, a high end store in Verona, New Jersey(they carry both brands). I had an opportunity to listen to this combo for an extended period of time and it was easy to see what all the fuss was about. It's just one of those magical synergestic combinations with great imaging, a midrange to die for and,yes, can play loud with excellent bass. The audio research VT-100 is an excellent amp which makes a great match with the 2.5's, but you really owe it to yourself to at least give the 805's an audition, you just might be smitten.

i've heard proac 2.5's driven to great effect w/an arc 100.2 s/s amp & the toobed arc ls16. the owner of this system purchased the arc stuff based upon the recommendation of the usa proac distributor. supposedly it's what the owner of arc uses to drive the 2.5's in his home rig...

doug s.

hmmm, i wonder what was so bad w/my prewious post to garner negative wotes. i've had ample opportunity to hear the proac/arc combo, & it sounds excellent. it's what the usa proac distributor recommends for the speaker. it's what they said the owner of arc listens to in his home. if anyone can enlighten me as to where i went wrong here, perhaps i can do better next time... NOT!!! ;~)

doug s.

I just auditoned an Audio Electronics Super Amp Sig. DJH edition with my 2.5s and it makes great music. Proper extension at the freq. extremes, wonderful soundstaging, and lots of natural instrumental color. In my opinion, a terrific amp for $2,000.00. Lots of tubes rolling options with this DJH version, also. Not a lot of power and drive, though, watch out for large rooms.