ProAc Ref 8 vs. 8 Signature vs 1S vs 1SC

Hi Beheme,

No the thanks goes to you. I've also noticed your Audio Physic Yara Monitors FS. As I own a pair of their Step SLEs as an alternative sound to the Tablettes I might add that I love them both equally - Yet I know full well that each offers a somewhar different prespective of sound.

I've lived with both of them for around 4 years now. I'll never replace either of them anytime soon. But God knows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Once I own either a pair of Focus Audio FS - 688s or Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors - I finished for life.

Enjoy your ProAcs as I do read between the lines quite well.
And enjoy the Labor Holiday as well.

Cheers!
- Oscar

I think ProAc monitors are a great choice for small rooms. And you can't really go wrong with any of the speakers you listed. If it was my money, I'd get the 8 Sigs over the Ref 8s, with the 1SC and 1S coming in 3rd and 4th. The above poster is right, the 1S series gives you more bass, but you lose some of the magic of the Sigs IMO. I'd say the 1SC has an extremely loyal niche following, but you'd have to listen to them to establish if you fit in that group and it's worth the extra money.

Both Ref speakers have a large soundstage, especially for monitors. And have a more natural sound than the 1S's., with the 8 Sigs having greater depth. I really think the phase plug gives you a more open sound as well. They also are a little more dynamic. Again, they both are amazing speakers for the price. If money is no object, I'd definitely get the Sigs. If you wanna save a few hundred, get the Ref 8s and don't think twice. You really can't go wrong either way.

Beheme,

I am also from Michigan, just outside of Detroit. What stores did you work for? I've been in every audio store in the area many times since 1979, it's possible we've met.

By the way, I first heard Tablettes in 1982 at a high end store in Farmington Hills and thought they were screechy and unlistenable. Same thing with the Sig version I home auditioned in 1997. Ended up with Resonse 2.5s for 7 years and loved every minute of them.

Tomryan, I am from Montreal and never worked in audio! Thanks for the advice, I have set my mind on the 1SC as I found a local pair at a real price and in the finish I wanted. I was set on the Sig 8 since they appeared to be a "better value" but could not find them locally and shipping/duties/paypal fees were pushing them close to the 1SC. They remind me somehow of my beloved Signums but with more bite and a more open sound. I like the ability to tone down the bass with the foam plugs, it helps on some recordings. Overall, they are a perfect fit for my small room. Tks to all.