Looking for an amp for my Proac 1.5's.

I'd like to second the CJ 11a recommendation. All of the CJ/ProAc combos I've heard have always made me pause, and never fail to make me smile. There's a nice synergy in the musical sound of both the amp and the speakers that I find extremely appealing. Its a worthwhile combo to take a listen to if you have the chance.

I have the Response 2.5's and started out driving them with an Adcom 555 and found it to be a very poor combination. To me, the sound overall was very thin and anemic, with a dry, unappealing midrange and a weak bottom end. Perhaps modifying the Adcom as Sedond suggests will do the trick, but as is you're definitely not doing the speakers justice. I know that you'll be shocked at the difference a better amp will make with those speakers.

Enjoy...

Ken

You should look for a Audio Research tube amplifier for your Pro-ac's. I have a pair of 2's and a pair of 1SC's, I use a Audio Research Classic 60 and D-70 mkll and they really work well together. I also have a Assemblage ST-300 B SET but it is a little short on power ( 9 watts ) Try tubes its the way to go.

I wanted to thank everyone for responding.

As luck would have it, I have been able to borrow some great gear... An old Threshold FET2 pre amp, an ARC LS16 and an ARC VT100 Mk II.

So far the all ARC combo wins, but the price... YIKES. The old Threshold preamp with the tubed ARC amp also sounds wonderful. However, I'm having problems when using either of the borrowed preamps with the ADCOM GFA 555. They just don't seem to do it for me...

Most of those who replied suggested tubes would be a winner and I'd have to say you were right. They have proven to be an interesting combo with the Proac's.

Later today I'm going to borrow an old Threshold S-150 all class A amp and I'm looking forward to seeing how that integrates with things. Particularly with the Threshold Pre amp since I loved the detail of the Threshold but with the Adcom amp it was just too overwhelming at the high end.

I hate to sound like a TAS or Stereophile reviewer, but the truth is that when I got the Tube amp in the picture I just sort of sat and smiled and listened and never wanted to leave the room. And frankly that's what's all about...

Thanks again to all those who responded.

Phil

Hi Phil. Again, if the ARC gear is too expensive, you might want to take a look at Rogue Audio. Boy I wish I could hear what you're experiencing. Good luck.

Phil, I agree with gunbei that if you are short of funds try to audition a Rogue. Altho I own Proacs I haven't heard this combo myself, tho a side by side with a CJ MV55 through other speakers at a dealer last fall and we both agreed the R88 beat the MV55 to our ears.
Also noticed that Melos preamps are going at bargain prices here, worth considering if you don't mind a discontinued line. Good luck