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Upgrade from Proac Response 1SC?

I never thought I'd be asking this, but what bookshelf speaker might be a step up from these? I've had and loved them for a little over 10 years now, but with a recent major upgrade in my electronics (will be listed at end of post) I think they're just a bit too small for what's now driving them. I've heard a pair of Sonus Faber Olympicas (way out of my price range) and some Revel M-106's (not sure they're a step upwards from the Proacs). Would like something I can live with for a long time to come, but hoping not to exceed about $3000. Impossible mission? Maybe...
Advice and suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
Hegel H-200, Cambridge Audio 751BD, Bryston BDA-1 DAC, REL S2 sub. Clarus Aqua speaker cables & interconnects (mostly).
cooper52
cooper52 OP
183 posts
 
crwindy, I’m curious about your impressions of the Merlin VSMs and how they compare to the Proacs. I’ve read a lot of good things about Merlin speakers and even considered trying a pair of TSMs but never quite got to it. It appears there won’t be any more made though, following the death of Merlin’s owner last year, so I’d have keep an eye on the used market. They do come up on Audiogon sometimes.
soix
9,456 posts
 
It seems like the Proacs do some things that really appeal to you that are tough to find in other speakers.  I agree with Zd that it might be very worthwhile trying some different integrateds that may better blend the top end with the rest of the sonic picture.  On the solid state side I'd try Ayre or Plinius, and for tubes maybe ARC or VAC.  Also, not sure what you're using for interconnects and speaker cables, but that may be another avenue to explore.  Best of luck. 



mofojo
2,290 posts
 
Cooper52, I happen to have a very nice pair of Merlin TSM mmm on Audiogon right now. They are wonderful speakers and priced right if you are interested. Only reason I am parting with them is my wife decided I'm back in the big room since it is walled off from the kitchen. She can stay in there where she belongs ;-). Even though they still sound great in this room it is a little large at 26x24x14. In my old room of 25x16x8 they did everything I could ask from 50hz or so up. 
mmbl622
58 posts
 
Diapason Adamantes III (used) or Diapason Reference (new) from Italy, sound so beautiful!! 
badri
69 posts
 
@cooper52 I heard both the D2 and the D20r this weekend. Side by side, the D2 sounded *just* a little strained and the D20R had much more of a "live-sounding" feel. Think this is what some folks refer to as "presence". It felt like a living breathing thing in the room rather than a speaker playing music exceptionally well.

I am not sure if this is because the D2s had not broken in yet.

I am leaning towards the D20R right now - with my only concern being a floppping/huffing bass when driven loud by a relatively low powered 35w/ch PrimaLuna classic amp. I fully intend to buy the 20R - what they did with the midrange was just magic. I don't think I have relaxed more visibly into the sound of a speaker than I did with these. They are liquid and just envelop you in a blanket of sound.

My challenge will be to get a good SS amp to grip the bass - but that will be another journey, I guess :)
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