ProAc Tablette Reference Eight Signature

Great... I have not gotten my issue yet should come soon...

I can't say that my auditioning memory goes back to include your speakers. I have listened to the Refernence 8s against the 1SC. I like each for a different reason. The 8s are more forward and faster than the 1Sc and are just as clean and detailed. They almost have more bass presence and they are not as stand sensitive.

If you are going to spend the 1800 on them, look for an old pair of Signature 50s. These sound better than the 1SC and Reference 8. They are hard to find.

From the description it sounds like the signature version of the ref 8 is quite a bit different than the non-sig. I'm wondering if these will have similar qualities to the sig 50? They have a new woofer design with rare earth neodymium bar magnets so they have plenty of flux to work with...

Bruce,

I've never heard the Reference 8. Is it a smaller monitor like the Tablette 50 Signature? I've always wondered if the Ref 8 sounded closer to the Tab 50 than the 1SC.

As far as sonic characteristics go, I think it comes down to a matter of taste and system synergy. I own both the 1SCs and Tab 50 Sigs and enjoy them both but for different reasons.

The Tab 50 Sig is like a young, gifted, exuberant twenty year old. Whereas the 1SC is that same person but at thirty years of age. Settled, refined and more confident. The Tab 50 Sig is quicker and more energetic than the 1SC and I might favor it if matched with electronics that have a darker character. The 1SC on the other hand I find to be more composed when rendering complex passages and less unsettled by higher volumes. In my listening room they have done better with systems that were a bit forward.

If the Ref 8 is ported like the 1SC and Tab 50, care should be taken with placement as far as proximity to the rear wall. The midbass can get hooty and boomy. I've experienced the same side effect with certain amps that accentuated those same frequencies. The BAT VK200 I'm using now solves all those issues.

I periodically use a sub with both monitors, but have found that it isn't always necessary. Since getting the BAT, I've found that the amp powering the ProAcs has great influence on the quality of the bass and ease of integration between monitors and sub.

I'm sure your Super Tablettes share the same sonic attributes ProAcs are known for...big, expansive soundstage, beautiful midrange and pin point imaging. I notice Reference 8s coming up for sale occasionally. Why not take a chance? Good luck.

Dean

After reading the review in "The Absolute Sound", I drove 2 hours in Bay Area traffic (at rush hour, no less) to hear a pair of the Tablette Reference Eights.

I can now say three things. Wow, traffic was awful. Wow, the review in "The Absolute Sound" was entirely correct, and the speakers are very well described. And, wow, I love these speakers.

I bought them.

There is something amazing about these speakers. It doesn't make sense to me to seek a perspective with terms that describe coloration, or pinpoint issues of "warmth" vs. the "accuracy", or anything like that. These speakers sound natural in a way that allows me to stop hearing the speakers- I am simply drawn completely into the music, in a way that I haven't been in years.

Before I heard these, I tried B&W 805's and a bunch of other mid price ($2000-$4000) designs. My favorites before hearing the Tablettes were the Vienna Acoustic Beethovens, which sounded rich and warm, in a really wonderful way.

But, even putting aside the question of price, I love the Tablettes more.

My advice to Bruce is to take the 1.5 hour drive. The Tablettes are an incredible bargain, which is nice. More importantly, they're a delight, a rare kind of surprise.

Steve