What's the next level from Proac Tablettes?

[JJJH74]

Hi,

 

I was wondering on peoples opinions on what the next level of speaker is from Proac tablettes.  I run Tablettes 50's with a Luxman LV105u amp and a Denon DP-790 turntable, I love the sound i get out of my system but I always what the next level would be and how much better the sound would be and what it would cost.  In the room I have it would need to be bookshelf speakers possibly with a sub but not a necessity.

 

Any recommendations?

 

 

[doogie44]

Rather than start delving into the vast array of potential speakers available, I think the most cost-effective addition to a synchronous system you already like would be a good subwoofer. As a REL fanboy I suggest the T5x or the T7x but ideally you could borrow one from a dealer and see what it brings to the party? Others will chime in to spend your hard-earned but from my experience this dimension of sonic improvement is usually a given with a good sub.

 

Just my 2c worth

 

 

[rantan]

Hey Joe.

 

Welcome to SNA.

 

It is difficult to make specific suggestions without asking what you feel is lacking in your current system.  Of course and as always, an estimated budget will help greatly, so I and others can make suggestions.

The Proac speakers do respond very well to better amplification and as a preliminary idea,  I would look at replacing the amplifier prior to the speakers and then see ( hear ) the results.

I am very happy to offer further advice, as would many other members, so please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Cheers.

 

[JJJH74]

Thanks for your responses, I might try and get a sub to try out with my system first.

 

[doogie44]

In case I wasn't clear, the subwoofer brings more musical realism to the whole speaker output. From a recent REL review (my emphases):

 

I’ve been using REL subwoofers for about 10 years now... They will certainly add major low frequency extension to whatever speakers you choose to mate them with, but that’s not what REL is about. This is about adding scale to your system.

Laurie Anderson said in the song “Language is a Virus,” that “paradise is exactly like where you are right now, only much, much better.” That’s what adding a REL (preferably two) to your system will do if you have it properly positioned and set up. You won’t find yourself thinking “that subwoofer sounds killer!” You won’t even know it’s there. But your system, enabled thusly will reveal more music than it ever has, and not just down low.

Beginning one of many listening sessions with a pair of T7is in a 13 x 15-foot room with a pair of Raidho X-1 speakers as my initial references, Dave Pike’s rendition of “Bluebird” has more body, more realism than I am used to, even with the spatially superior Raidhos. The Raidho’s small woofers just don’t go down much past about 55-60hz with authority in this room, so using the RELs in this context is picking the low hanging fruit. The string bass is now fleshed out with authority, yet when the low keys on the piano are struck, you can feel it in your chest, and your soul. Adding a $2,000 pair of small RELs transforms an already lovely pair of $6,000/pair small monitors into full range masterpieces.

https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-rel-t7i-subwoofer/

 

These kinds of effects are consistent over a wide range of speakers and systems. Every REL review will state variations on this theme.

[Steff]

FWIW, Clef HiFi in South Melbourne are currently having a 30% sale storewide, and stock a wide range of Proac speakers. You could always call ahead with a request to audition a few, they're very accommodating at Clef. The Standmounts I listened to were very fine indeed.  Better than the KEF LS 50 Meta I listened to side-by-side but also three times their price. Probably in KEF R3 territory.

• Not knowing anything about your room, set up, etc. I would at least caution re: subwoofer addition.
• If you like the sound that you have, perhaps don't be in a rush to change anything. More expensive gear doesn't necessarily mean a happier listener: there's a lot of FOMO and fretting about sound quality in this "hobby". Take time to research and audition items.
• Can you think of a sound quality limitation you're aiming to fix (e.g. soundstage width, treble, etc.)? It's good to have an aim in mind - many SNA posters here will happily help you spend $100,000+ but what do you have in mind?!
• I understand that many are wedded to the vinyl sound (I also love it) but also want to suggest addition of a digital means of playback (e.g. anything from a wiim pro to an Eversolo A6) - certainly in my system vinyl cannot match the dynamics of digital media (redbook CDs mostly, and some FLAC via USB). This would be my first stop: compare your vinyl playback with CD playback.

 

Let us know how you go!

Edited May 21, 2024 by Steff

[JJJH74]

Yeah I've been to Clef years ago they are very accommodating and that's where I first heard the proacs.  I also heard the LS50 maybe 6 years ago and I didn't like them as much as my proacs but I might be biased.  I haven't heard the meta's.  My current room is about  4m x 6m so not too big.

 

 

[klm]

Without discounting already offered advice, I would merely say that you really have never heard how fantastic your ProAc’s can sound . The LV105u was an expensive novelty amp in the late 80’s given using tubes as a novel visual voltage regulator device not in the signsl path but as a marketing tool and so it remains a midfi Japanese integrated. It is competent and admired but any half decent amp construct current will very quickly show its limitations.

An alternative opinion only to consider.

Edited May 21, 2024 by klm

[oldrose]

16 minutes ago, klm said:

Without discounting already offered advice, I would merely say that you really have never heard how fantastic your ProAc’s can sound . The LV105u was an expensive novelty amp in the late 80’s given using tubes as a novel visual voltage regulator device not in the signsl path but as a marketing tool and so it remains a midfi Japanese integrated. It is competent and admired but any half decent amp construct current will very quickly show its limitations.

An alternative opinion only to consider.

+1 from me to purchase a better amp than the Luxman before changing speakers. Those ProAc’s can really make the most of quality amplification making you forget the limitations of such a small cabinet. Take them in to a dealer for a listen with amps they recommend.

[rantan]

36 minutes ago, klm said:

. The LV105u was an expensive novelty amp in the late 80’s given using tubes as a novel visual voltage regulator device not in the signsl path but as a marketing tool and so it remains a midfi Japanese integrated

 

Indeed.

I used to sell these and they were popular at the time, but being a product of the "Alpine Era" they are a Luxman in name only and nothing like the genuine Luxmans of the present era. I really agree that a better amplifier will work wonders.

[Keith_W]

I have some experience with the ProAc Tablettes, and in my opinion they have two flaws (1) no low bass and (2) they suffer from dynamic compression (i.e. they don't go very loud). These aren't necessarily flaws if you don't play music which have low bass and they are loud enough for you already. They do however image very well. I was surprised how much of an improvement the new D2 (replacement for the Response 1SC) was when I heard them back to back at @buddyevplace. They sounded bigger, and had a much improved tweeter. Imaging characteristics was about the same. New ProAc's aren't the same as old ProAc's, the tonality is slightly different. They moved away from Scan-Speak and I don't know what drivers they are using now. Listening to the new ProAc at his place made me think I was recalling old memories of the 1SC with rose tinted glasses. The new ones are so much better. 

 

Anyway, you need to ask yourself what is it you are unhappy with your current speaker. If you have a clear set of goals, choice of a replacement is so much easier. 

[buddyev]

Just to clarify @Keith_W comments about my Proac set up.  I back up all he says above except it is the DB1 i have and which is the new equivalent  for the 1sc. The D2 is a much bigger speaker. 

Edited May 21, 2024 by buddyev

[JJJH74]

Thank you all for your comments.  It's interesting how we all look at it from different angles.  Now I just need to figure out which path I take.  For now I think I have to be happy with what I've got.

[JJJH74]

Just an update, I bought some Klipsch Heresy iii to go with my set up. Had for them just over a week and really enjoying them at the moment.

[maximus]

I've had the 1SC'S and Tablettes in the past, tiny drivers that don't play loud and limited to types of musical genres, but their major strength is a disappearing act better than most speakers,  spooky when you get it right.

 

I can understand why you preferred the Heresy's, bigger bass and scale, easy to drive as well.

[JJJH74]

I just need to get some money together for a tube amp now. 
The tablettes will still get used with an old sansui amp I have. I still love the sound of the tablettes.