[cjmt]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, but have enjoyed lurking here for a while reading people's posts.

I have a question for you guys. I'm in the market for a new pair of speakers in the ~$3k range and looks are quite important since the speakers will be in our living room. I'm considering 3 speakers that are similar in design, looks and cost:
1. Proac D18
2. Salk ST in maple with a Ribbon Tweeter and a maple baffle and maple base upgrade 3. Salk HT1-TL in maple with a maple baffle and maple base upgrade

The ProAcs go a little bit deeper at least according to spec (30Hz), but that's not something I really care much about - 40Hz seems plenty deep for most normal music, which is what I prioritize (even though I will use the speakers for Home Theater as well).

FYI, my front-end consists of
- Berkeley Audio Alpha DAC/Preamp
- Classe CA2300

Your thoughts on the pros and cons of these options would be appreciated!

Best,
Marcus

[fsimms]

I can’t speak to the Proac but if I were choosing between the SongTowers and the HT1-TL’s then I would easily choose the HT1-TL’s.  First they are much cuter than the SongTowers.  Second, the HT1’s have an excitement that the SongTowers can’t touch.  I did a comparison of the domed SongTowers with a plain HT1.  The HT1 is a pretty special animal.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=44172.0

Bob

Edit:  I just reread my review.  The only thing I would add is that the superiority of the HT1’s didn’t have anything to do with the ribbon tweeter.  It was due to the midrange driver.

[Big Red Machine]

Welcome Marcus.  If you have the coin then go with the HT1-TL for increased abilities.  The ST's are fine and very relaxing but not designed like the HT line.  More costly drivers = increased pleasure.

[DMurphy]

Just complicate things a little more, you might also consider the 1801 TL, which is almost identical in configuration to the Proac--3/4" dome tweeter with a 6.5"  midbass.  Not everyone prefers the sound of a ribbon to a good small dome like the 0W1.   

[Nuance]

Welcome Marcus.  If you have the coin then go with the HT1-TL for increased abilities.  The ST's are fine and very relaxing but not designed like the HT line.  More costly drivers = increased pleasure.

Word.

[cjmt]

Welcome Marcus.  If you have the coin then go with the HT1-TL for increased abilities.  The ST's are fine and very relaxing but not designed like the HT line.  More costly drivers = increased pleasure.

If you upgrade the SongTowers to a RAAL Ribbon Tweeter, the tweeters are the same. Is there a big difference between the woofers?

[jd3]

Hello Marcus,
I've not heard the Proac's, but I've had both SongTowers (dome tweeter) and currently HT1-TL's, and I'd choose the HT1-TL's in a heartbeat over ST's (which are a great speaker).

[Nuance]

P.S. Ultra Fidelis in downtown Milwaukee has (had?) ProAc speakers, a few of which I've heard.  This was back when I started auditioning speakers long before I started the perfect speaker thread on AVS, so take it with a grain of salt...  The ProAc's didn't hold a candle to the Vandersteen's that I directly compared them to for music.  They were dry sounding and lacked the resolution of the Vandersteen's.  While watching a movie, though, they were more dynamic (as in absolute decibel level), perhaps because they were more sensitive. 

With that said, I prefer my Salk ST RT's over the Vandersteen 2CE Sig's, so that should at least tell you where my opinion lies.  I hope that helps, but as always please audition both and let your own ears be your guide.  There is just no better way of deciding.