Proac D-30R

The 30 and the 48 have 2 tweeter options. A ribbon or a soft dome.

While some models in the ProAc lineup are being made in two versions as Zd542 described above, in certain markets only one version may be distributed. For example I believe that in the US the 20, 30, and 48 models are only being imported in their R (ribbon tweeter) versions. It may however be possible to get the dome tweeter versions by special order. You should check with your dealer to confirm availability.

I'm in a similar position, considering both the 20R and 30R among a handful of other speakers. I auditioned both speaker with John at Audio Concepts in Dallas recently. My short answer is, yes, if your budget can stretch to the 30R, it's worth the reach.

Both speakers are neutral, detailed, accurate like crazy, and present a wide soundscape. The imaging on both is nuts. The ribbon tweeter is a beautiful thing and didn't fall off much as I moved around the room, though the sweet spot is certainly enhanced. This was my first experience with ProAc and I understood what the "natural sound" slogan is all about, with such a present and embodied midrange on vocals and acoustic instruments of all kinds.

The big difference is the bass. The driver on the 30R is a different material, and the cabinet itself is larger, too, which for reasons I'm too inexperienced to explain produced a more balanced and accurate low end, much more than I expected from a 2-way. On Jazz and roots rock I found the overall effect superior to Triton One and a few others I've heard recently. In fairness the 30R is $3k more than the T1.

The 20R isn't vacant down there, but it seemed recessed and a little messy even with a wonderful little ARC VSi60 to drive it (a stunning amp for both speakers by the way). I guess there's a reason everybody says ProAcs love tubes.

In a smaller room, you might be more than pleased with the 20R, but if the 30R is possible, I'd do it. I am probably 10 days away from buying a pair myself.