ProAc sound with SS vs tubes

@jea48 The dealer did say that it was most likely the amp running out of current. Which makes sense - since I have not heard too many people complain about ProAcs being bass shy.

That said - I would love to hear from other D20R owners or people who have tested it - if they have encountered anything that concerns them about the low-end control on these speakers.

@cmach Thank you for letting me know about your experience. I have gone ahead with a second-hand purchase of a D20R as opposed to buying it new. I managed to get a Mahogany pair that was listed on here, infact! I was worried that the D30R might have been a little too big for my room - though I really wanted them badly - seeing as how their drivers were made of a very different material and might have behaved more gracefully under pressure.

@nicotico @rothwea That’s interesting. I believe the Jolida’s are known for being easy to roll new tubes into. I might call the local repair shop and ask if the circuits internally can power a higher power tube like the 88s or 150s - and if the output transformers are capable of higher current delivery. If they can, I might just get that done.

In the meantime however, I have managed to get a second-hand Plinius Hautonga integrated. I hope that manages to control the bass more effectively. I will have about 1.5’ behind the speakers and more than 3’ from side walls for each of them (leaving about 6’ between them). Hopefully, this is enough space for them to project a good soundstage, image well and also have a controlled bass.

The midrange is what drew me to these speakers. I don’t think I have visibly melted more into the music than when I listened to these. It was the most generous and enveloping kindness of music I had heard in a while. I hope to retain that quality with the Plinius and hope that the magic stays.

@sbrownnw Thank you for sharing your experience. It is certainly bittersweet to hear that!

I am so glad you ended up finding that the Studio 148 worked for you. The D20R has a downward firing port as well - but there was just not the degree of control I would have expected. I am worried that the 20R is going to behave badly in my room - and I will potentially have to move up to the 30R or the 148s such as yourself. Or perhaps - look at the ATC line a lot more seriously seeing as ProAc sometimes use ATC drivers - especially for the midrange - but the ATC are a sealed design known for being "rock music friendly" - whatever the hell that might mean. :) 

I really really really hope the 20R behave better with the power of the Plinius behind them.

*fingers crossed*

@sbrownnw I was hoping you wouldn't say that - hahahahaha :) I was rather hoping to live with the 20R for a while instead of switching immediately. :)

But- thanks for letting me know that the 148 did work with more bass heavy stuff.

I think at the end of the day, it is going to be hard to get something working in a 13x13 room, without a sub, that has a full & beautiful midrange, is extended in treble but not overly bright, has a tight, deep and well-controlled bass response but does not have bass boom, is fast and fits within a reasonable budget. I know I am asking for a lot. :)

@carmenc I know what you mean about the midrange. That is what got me. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. Sat in my chair mouth open, gaping. I don't think I had heard something more elegant and lush. I know that at least for a good chunk of what I listen to (baroque, vocal/choral music, chamber music, modern/contemporary classical) it will be fantastic. For the other bit which is contemporary electronic such as Autechre, Plaid, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, Luke Vibert etc - I have a feeling I am gonna miss some things. But as you said - you can't have it all :) Just hope I don't have a bad case of buyer's remorse! :D

@jperry That confirms what I have been hearing around here and elsewhere. The higher end models in the Response range such as the D30R, the D40R and the brand new D48R all seem to get rave reviews. The 20R alone seems to suffer from bass control issues and is considered by some to be worse than the D18 which it is supposedly based on.

This is why I was wondering if the issue was a case of overall system match and if the 20R bass sounded better controlled with high power solid state electronics.