ProAc or Harbeths?

Wonder if D38 can match Bass of HL40.1 as an 8 inch is hard to do the work of an 12 inches? Which one is easiler to the amp?

I actually have HL5s now and liked it! I would love to have a bit more dynamics. The Bass is a bit loose as well. I have AudioSpace EL34 and Audio Research VT100. Interesting the cheaper AudioSapce matched better with the HL5! More open sounding and better Midrange. I think the ProAc would match the performance of the VT100 better. Wonder if the HL40.1 being more neutral and have better details will do the same? We don't have Harbeth dealers so I just need to ask around and get a lot of opinions!

Thanks for the inputs, guys. I have listened to the ProAc and like it but I was thinking the 40.1 is the flagship model while D38 is only middle in range! Would the 40.1 performs better than the ProAc? Good point about amp matching as I will be using VT100iii. I am not sure if that amp can totally control its bass? I have listened to D28 but I think the D38 is better in all areas. If I can listen to the Harbeth then I will be sure but it is too hard to find in Sydney!

I have got the opportunity to bring my VT100iii to test out the D38R and within minutes, I have come to the conclusion that it does not provide enough juice for that speaker. Having enough volume and sounding well controlled is two different things, the combination has good top end air but the bass and sound staging could have been much better with other matchups. The Harbeths HL5s mating with cheap Audio Space EL-34nova has much more magic in the mid-range. I don’t think modern ARC and Harbeths are good match. I am back to square one and will be selling the VT100iii!

My encounter with the D38r was brief so I cannot give recommendation. I can only tell of my opinion. I have also listened to d38 in that room with simular gears and I think they sounded a little different. The R has much more details but may be it needs more room to breathe; I found the highs took my attention, not bright but a little louder. I listened with VT100 and CJ 250. No problem with low volume and the mids are beautiful; much better than Cremona M and Sophia 2. Somehow, the bass is a bit undefined. The shop is about 4 x 5 meters sq.