I am now using active ATC SCM40A's but was a big ProAc floorstander fanboy for maybe 25 years. I went from Studio 125 (still remember the first time I heard that midrange on vocals!) to Studio 140 (great bass, no magic) to D30R to D30RS. I loved the D30R but the D30RS are, as others have said, something quite special; the wider frequency response of the later mid-bass allows the crossover frequency to be raised so the ribbon tweeter can relax a little. It sounds like a tweak but I found it a big improvement.
Don't give up on the D30RS whatever you do. Try a bit of positioning for example, though if the 140's worked then you shouldn't be far off; the D30RS bass is of course in a different league so may be doing something to your room but you should be able to work with this. As has been suggested, your current amps (I've had them) are less than the D30RS deserve to give their best.
My D30RS sounded fabulous on the back of a humble-ish Arcam A49 integrated (c.£4k RRP during its brief life); it's a stunningly impressive amp, arguably Arcam's best (and by some margin heaviest) ever, but as rare as hen's teeth now.
If you love Rotel and can afford it, the new Michi looks gorgeous and should have the oomph (technical term) to make the D30RS sing. The old (80's?) Michi would do the same - it's quite beast - but again very hard to come by.
Keep us posted,
Nigel
Hi Nigel,
Thank you very much for your post.
I have bought D30RS after reading your journey with ProAc in 'Which ProAc after Studio 140?'. One year ago I was considering DT8 but after reading over and over the aforementioned post of yours (in my bookmarks), I have decided to give it a try. Now I am 'a very happy bunny' listening to new details, magic midrange and overall refined music flow
Interesting thing—I am now able to hear the difference between built-in Rotel TI chip when using Rotel RCD 991's as a transport vs PCM-63 Burr-Brown chip of 991 (especially on various First Press CDs). So once again, thank you for sharing your own experience. I'm very happy that I followed it too.
I am considering Michi X5 based on many recommendations, especially people upgrading from Rotel RC1572 + RB1582 to X5. I like Rotel, and believe the sound is very accurate and balance, but... Just recently I have read the post of D30RS owner upgrading to Audio Research 75SE Power Amp and the SP20 Pre-amp and thinking about doing a demo with a local dealer here in Lisbon who sells both ARC and ProAc. Just want to have a complete different sonic experience. I understand the price of ARC is in the different league but I'm just curious about the law of diminishing returns here...
My goals with the upgrade are:
1) More bass definition at lower volume without tone compensation. This has been mentioned by some who have switched from Rotel's RB series to the X5 (i.e. sound is more articulate and powerful at low volume).
2) More clarity in complex rock passages. The Rotel's RB series gives separation and detail, but there is still a mushy sound sometimes. Although with the D30RS it has diminished noticeably.
3) Squeeze the most out of the redbook CDs. I started listening to them and realised I don't get tired of listening to them at all (unlike high-res in DSD). Maybe Rotel RCD 991 will have to be upgraded as well with time...
I won't give up on the D30RS and will continue to experiment
Ivan