This is my review of a 2 days old ProAc D18 speakers.
The dealer arrived precisely at 4 pm on Saturday as promised. Two person had to carry the 25 kg/speaker unit up to my music room on the 3rd floor (I did provide ice cold lemonade). The first 10 minutes were spent explaining to them my set up so they dont get confused on the speaker cable connections from my EPOS and MF biamping.
Then again get their confirmation that this demo is free and no commitment of purchase if I dont like it before they start unpacking this UK sealed speakers.When I say UK sealed it means that was written on the inner packaging (plastic covers of the speakers). Do not purchase the speakers if the packaging have been compromised.
I had to dismount my EPOS as they will not be responsible for any damage of my speakers.
It took them about 30 minutes to set up the speakers. As the unit is heavy, they used my footers underneath the ProAc spikes (or more like a dome spike) to avoid damaging the wooden floor panel.
First into the CDP was Andrea Bocelli's Time to Say Goodbye. Vocals were transparent and uplifting but I still dont get the low frequency as I expected. It sounded quite similar to my EPOS. Maybe because I was spending a good 3 hours before this session listening to my EPOS.
Next in was Metallica S&M Nothing Else Matters and Enter Sandman. The bass drums from Enter Sandman was a bit harsh and I could not feel much vibration from the downfire ports. The guitars from Nothing Else Matter was clear though with a touch liveliness (well it was a concert). At this point, start to feel a little bit let down by the speakers.
However, I do agree that these speakers are quite easy to drive. I was listening at my usually level between 9 to 10 o'clock on the MFXA1 and it was giving me a louder sound than my EPOS.
Its now already running for 30 mins. Next in was Mariah Carey - Hero. Now it starts too sound different. The soundstaging was a little bit off, so the dealer played arpund with speakers toe in from zero degrees to about 15 degrees. That helped in soundstaging. The bass was starting to sound a bit loose but still not to my expectation. The high frequency was doing great but still have not acquired that overall balanced sound.
For the ultimate bass test, I slipped in NAS - Street Dreams and also Bone Thugs and Harmony. Now that really shakes things up. A bit worried that the bass ports and woofers will get damaged. But the dealer said just to leave the volume at that. The speakers will start getting used to it. Sure enough, after another 30 mins of massive bass from these songs, the bass starts to become more controlled (or maybe its just my ears getting used to the sound)
So after 2.5 hours of demoing, I discussed with the dealer. I cannot make a decision because the speakers are not at thier full potential and the agreement was for him to bring a show room unit that has been run in plus this new speakers for immediate purchase.
Based on this he let me keep the speakers till Monday for me to decide.
So I had the system run in the speakers for 18 hours (till Sunday noon) with Mariah Carey on repeat. By Sunday noon, the sound just became better. More balanced tone, feel refreshing when I put on Andrea's and clarity is more defined. Spent an hour listening to the speakers with various CDs and also test it with MD and also songs from my iPhone and laptop via M1 DAC.
Had to go out for Sunday lunch.
Came back 5 hours later (roughly already 24 hrs run in) and thinsg are getting so much better. I can start to feel the vibration in the bass ports. Put on Eagles Hotel California and Gypsy Kings Bambaleo. WOW! very very satisfying overall presentation. It can really keep up with the pace on the several guitars playing on Bambaleo and other Gypsy Kings songs.
And this Monday morning after 36 hours of run in, I put on Bon Jovi (Livin on a Prayer and also prayed that the Mrs will be OK with the speakers)just before going to work. Yes, even on old'ish' rock music, it sounds pretty good.
So am I buying it? I have another 4 hours to decide before I call the dealer on my decision.
Last but not least, pictures.
