October 2024: Replaced the generic fiber media converter with a Sonore opticalModule + linear power supply and all the detail & transients that went missing with the addition of the ARC Ref6SE preamp have fully reasserted themselves. While the preamp has < 100hrs on it at this point, it’s incredible to me that something as minor as a fiber media converter can have such a meaningful impact on sound quality.
Dedicated room that is music first movies distant second. As a classically trained musician, I believe the Proac-ARC combo produces a very good approximation of the timbre/texture/harmonics of stringed instruments. I also appreciate how the soundstage and dynamics correctly scales from chamber music to orchestral works. The DEBRA array not only provides seamless/smooth bass but does also contribute to reproducing the ambience of the recording venue. Thanks to dcpillai for the inspiration to pair the Proac with Townshend podiums (a great match!) and to ghdprentice for his thoughts on the ARC mono vs stereo 160s.
You are welcome @classicalreflections. Glad to know that you were able to reposition the loudspeakers. I say, do more experiment with placement and you will be able to arrive at a final position when vocals, instruments, etc appear to come outside and behind the speakers. It is kind of uncanny, but real fun.It took me many many hours to arrive at my current speaker positioning where I was finally satisfied. I am getting this with my Oppo player. Next month I am targeting to get a highly acclaimed stand alone DAC. Let’s see if that improves the situation further. Good luck and enjoy your music!
Thank you @classicalreflections. But if you ask me, all you are missing is some toe-in, that all. Your room size will probably make your music far more detached from the loudspeakers, than mine. I love it when it appears as if nothing is coming out of the speakers and sounds are either coming from spaces in between and around the speakers. I wish I had your size room.
I have arrived at a toe-in position where the inner walls of the speakers are slightly visible at the seating position. So the speakers are toed in such that the axis of the tweeters cross slightly more than a foot behind my head. At this position the sound stage is widest for me. Example is the "I Want To walk You Home - Remastered" by Fat Domino. His sound will surely appear outside the right loudspeaker. But with the toe-in I have it appears a good 3 foot outside the right side of the right speaker. a friend who was recently at my place was amazed that "such a thing can happen" (his words, not mine).
Thanks for sharing your story. One thing to keep in the back of mind is that if you feel the bass from the ProAcs is too strong, then additional room treatments in the front corner and sides will definitely help to bring out the bass definitions. At least that is what I found out a few months ago.
But your room is more treated than mine and I am sure your system sounds stunning. I really like that room, especially since you have provided so much breathing space for the speakers. Enjoy your music!
Very nice setup @classicalreflections . Good to see some love for the D48Rs. I am sure this setup sounds stunning with a carefully done room like that.
I have not heard much from dcpillai lately. Hope he is doing alright. He had the D30Rs and we discussed in detail about the D48R, after which he upgraded. I like how these speakers bring out that “full sound” to your listening experience. Have fun with your music 🎼
