Upgrade from Proac Response 1SC?

Update: Since my original post, I've auditioned a few speakers, including several models from Fritz Speakers (he was kind enough to bring them over to hear in my own living room and though I found much to like in the Carreras, I still thought the Proacs appealed to me more), a pair of Harbeth C7ES3s and Devore Fidelity Gibbon 3XLs. I haven't jumped at any of these. Interestingly (and contrary to much popular opinion) I just couldn't fall in love with the Harbeths though I did appreciate the things they do so well, namely that beautiful midrange presentation. The trouble was that they rounded off too many of the sharp edges for my taste. The details are all there, but wrapped in soft velvet. The Devores are obviously excellent speakers, but I think the mistake we made was hearing the Harbeths first, before the Devores. The latter's smaller drivers and smaller soundstage were an unfair contrast to the Harbeths. Without hearing the Devores in my own living room I couldn't bring myself to make the commitment, and there wasn't an option for in-home demo. After the audition, I did some more listening to the ProAcs, and am again reminded what it is that I like so much about them. Still haven't heard the Merlins yet.

Part of the problem is that its a difficult speaker to upgrade from. They're so unique its hard to look at those speakers from an upgrade/downgrade perspective. I can't think of another company that makes a rough equivalent to the 1SC. Maybe Living Voice vs full size ProAc's, but I don't think they make small speakers. Maybe you can list some specific qualities that you need to improve upon over your 1SC's, and start there.

Also, maybe you should consider keeping the ProAc's and upgrading something else in the system. The 1SC's being driven by my VAC 30/30 sounds exceptional. Moving to an amp like that, and possibly a matching preamp can do a lot for the system. Dynamic contrast, image size and scale, depth, are all things that can get better without even changing the speakers.

I have a pair of near mint Proac Response 2.5 sitting in a closet in burr oak that I might consider selling.
Since buying a refurbished pair of Quad esl57 I just don't use the Proac's anymore. A good home for them would be nice, since they were so good to me.

Any interest just let me know.

I'll give you $500 for them plus whatever the shipping is.

Cooper52,

As an owner of many Proac speakers, past and present, I have a few thoughts to share with you.

I have owned Proac Tablettes, Studio 1, Response 2, Studio 140, Response 2.5 and currently the Proac response D-40r. So that is a lot of Proac speakers, and needless to say I also like Proac speakers.

I responded earlier and indicated that the Response D-30r would be a significant upgrade with a great sound similar to your current speakers. I mentioned that a local dealer had a pair of demos, but those are now sold.

I also think the Response 2.5 mentioned by Yashu would be an upgrade, particularly in the bass region. the response 2.5 has great low bass extension, but is not very efficient and does require some power. I used a pair of Quicksilver V-4 monoblocks (120 wpc) which was a great match.

I bought a pair of Harbeth Compact 7Es-2 and tried them, but they did not do it for me either. I have also heard the Devore Fidelity Gibbon 3XL, and I thought the bass extension was lacking.

I have not heard the Merlins so I can't comment.

If you can find a pair of of demo or used Proac Response D-30r I think you would like them a lot, and you might also consider the Response 2.5.

Best of luck in finding the right speaker for you.

Jim Perry