Audio T Verdict
The ProAc Response D2D is a substantial standmount loudspeaker that combines the focus and imaging associated with a compact monitor with bass extension that appears to contradict its cabinet size.
Its 165mm glass-fibre bass/midrange driver provides convincing weight, speed and midrange clarity, while the 25mm silk-dome tweeter delivers an open and detailed top end without becoming unnecessarily hard or aggressive.
A front-facing reflex port makes positioning less restrictive than with many rear-ported alternatives, although the D2D still rewards careful placement on rigid, high-mass stands.
Its 88.5dB sensitivity and 8-ohm nominal impedance make it compatible with a broad range of good-quality amplifiers, but its transparency means that better source equipment and amplification will be clearly rewarded.
The ribbon-equipped D2R offers a different high-frequency presentation, but listeners who value the smoothness and familiarity of a traditional ProAc silk dome should not regard the D2D as the lesser option.
ProAc Response D2D Standmount Speakers
The ProAc Response D2D is a premium two-way standmount loudspeaker designed and handcrafted at ProAc’s factory in Brackley, England.
It combines a 165mm glass-fibre bass/midrange driver, copper phase plug, 25mm silk-dome tweeter and a front-facing reflex port within a rigid and carefully damped cabinet.
The result is a compact monitor with a quoted frequency response of 30Hz to 30kHz, a spacious soundstage and precise stereo imaging.
Amplification and Stands Are Required
The Response D2D is a passive loudspeaker and does not contain amplification, streaming, wireless connectivity or volume control.
A suitable stereo amplifier, speaker cables and a pair of rigid, high-mass stands will be required. The stands are not included with the speakers.
A Long-Established Response Monitor
The Response D2 forms part of a long line of compact ProAc monitors developed to provide high-end performance without the visual impact of a large floorstanding loudspeaker.
Its cabinet may appear conventional, but the materials, internal damping, driver selection and crossover have been developed as a complete system.
The current model is offered as the silk-dome Response D2D and the ribbon-equipped Response D2R.
D2D Means Dome Tweeter
The final letter identifies the tweeter fitted to the speaker. The D2D uses ProAc’s 25mm silk-dome tweeter, while the D2R uses ProAc’s ribbon tweeter.
165mm Glass-Fibre Bass/Midrange Driver
The Response D2D uses a 165mm ProAc bass/midrange driver with an Excel magnet system.
Its glass-fibre weave cone is designed to combine low mass with the rigidity required for controlled movement across the bass and midrange frequencies.
The driver provides the scale and low-frequency extension required to give the D2D a considerably larger presentation than its standmount dimensions might suggest.
Copper Phase Plug
A solid copper phase plug is positioned at the centre of the bass/midrange driver.
The phase plug helps manage the behaviour of sound generated around the centre of the cone while also assisting with heat dissipation from the voice-coil assembly.
Its distinctive copper finish has become one of the most recognisable visual details of the Response D2.
25mm Silk-Dome Tweeter
The D2D uses ProAc’s 25mm silk-dome tweeter with air cooling and internal damping.
The tweeter is designed to reproduce fine high-frequency detail while retaining the smooth and naturally balanced character associated with ProAc’s dome-equipped models.
It is offset from the centre of the front baffle, with the left and right speakers arranged as a mirror-image pair.
Mirror-Image Tweeter Layout
The tweeters are positioned on opposite sides of the two cabinets rather than being placed centrally.
The speakers should be positioned as a symmetrical pair. The preferred inward or outward tweeter orientation can depend on the room, listening distance and amount of toe-in, so both arrangements are worth comparing during setup.
Front-Facing Reflex Port
A reflex port on the front baffle reinforces the speaker’s low-frequency output.
The forward-facing design makes the D2D less dependent on a large gap behind the cabinet than many rear-ported speakers, but it should not be assumed that the speaker can be placed directly against a wall without affecting the bass.
Room dimensions, stand height and distance from nearby boundaries will all influence the final tonal balance.
30Hz to 30kHz Frequency Response
ProAc quotes a frequency response of 30Hz to 30kHz.
This is unusually deep extension for a standmount loudspeaker of this size and allows the D2D to reproduce substantial bass without automatically requiring a subwoofer.
The usable bass response in a particular system will still depend on room reinforcement, speaker placement, listening level and the amplifier’s control.
Does the D2D Need a Subwoofer?
Not necessarily. In many music systems, the D2D will provide sufficient bass extension on its own.
A carefully integrated subwoofer can still add the lowest octave, increase scale and reduce the demands placed on the main speakers in larger rooms.
Hand-Built Crossover
The crossover uses selected components mounted on a dedicated circuit board.
It divides the incoming signal between the bass/midrange driver and tweeter while maintaining a coherent transition through the crossover region.
Multistrand oxygen-free copper cable is used for the internal wiring throughout the loudspeaker.
Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amplification
The crossover is divided to support optional bi-wiring and bi-amplification.
For normal single-wire operation, the high-frequency and low-frequency inputs must remain connected by the supplied terminal links.
Bi-amplification should only be undertaken with suitable equipment and a clear understanding of the amplifier and speaker connections.
Check the Terminal Links
For conventional single-wire use, both crossover sections must be joined using the correctly fitted terminal links.
When bi-wiring or bi-amplifying, switch off the system and remove the links before connecting separate cable runs or amplifier channels.
88.5dB Sensitivity
The Response D2D has a quoted sensitivity of 88.5dB for one watt measured at one metre.
This is reasonably efficient for a high-performance standmount speaker and allows it to work with a broad selection of sensibly chosen amplifiers.
The amplifier must still provide sufficient quality, control and dynamic headroom for the room size and required listening level.
8-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is specified at 8 ohms.
This makes the D2D a relatively accommodating electrical load compared with many lower-impedance loudspeakers.
Amplifier compatibility should nevertheless be assessed using the complete system rather than the nominal impedance figure alone.
20W to 150W Recommended Amplification
ProAc recommends amplifiers rated between 20W and 150W per channel.
This range should not be treated as a guarantee that every amplifier within it will produce the same result.
Power-supply quality, current delivery, distortion behaviour, room size and listening habits are all important when choosing an amplifier.
Too Little Power Can Also Cause Damage
An underpowered amplifier driven into clipping can generate high levels of distortion and may damage the loudspeaker drive units.
Choose an amplifier with appropriate headroom rather than relying solely on its headline wattage.
Designed for Rigid High-Mass Stands
ProAc specifies stand mounting on rigid, high-mass supports.
A suitable stand should hold the speakers securely, resist movement and position the tweeters close to seated ear height.
The interface between the cabinet and stand should be stable, while the stand itself should be correctly levelled and coupled or isolated according to the floor construction.
Each Speaker Weighs 11kg
Each Response D2D cabinet weighs approximately 11kg.
The stands must be stable, appropriately sized and capable of supporting the speakers safely, particularly in homes with children or pets.
Positioning the Response D2D
- Use rigid stands of an appropriate height
- Begin with the speakers clear of rear and side walls
- Keep the left and right speakers the same distance from the listening position
- Arrange the offset tweeters as a symmetrical mirror-image pair
- Experiment with inward and outward tweeter orientation
- Adjust toe-in to balance image focus and soundstage width
- Avoid placing one speaker significantly closer to a corner
- Make small positioning changes and listen between adjustments
Toe-In and Stereo Imaging
The correct amount of toe-in depends on the room, listening distance and high-frequency balance of the system.
Aiming the speakers more directly towards the listening position can sharpen image focus and centre-stage definition.
Reducing the toe-in may produce a wider soundstage and a slightly more relaxed tonal balance.
Substantial Cabinet Construction
The D2D cabinet measures approximately 430mm high, 203mm wide and 260mm deep, including the 12mm grille thickness.
Its enclosure is designed to provide a rigid and well-damped foundation for the drive units while controlling unwanted cabinet resonance.
The relatively narrow front baffle also helps the speaker create a focused stereo image without visually dominating the room.
Handcrafted in England
ProAc loudspeakers are handcrafted at the company’s factory in Brackley, England.
Individual technicians are responsible for building and testing the loudspeakers to ensure that each pair meets ProAc’s production standards.
The cabinet construction, driver assembly, crossover and finish are all brought together as part of the same manufacturing process.
Real-Wood Veneers and Painted Finishes
The Response D2D is available in Black Ash, Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut, Natural Oak and Silk White as standard finishes.
Liquidambar, Rosewood and Ebony are premium finishes available to order at additional cost.
Finish availability, pricing and lead times should be confirmed when ordering.
Acoustically Transparent Grilles
Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles are provided to protect the drive units.
Magnetic grilles are available with certain finishes.
The exact grille attachment and finish should be confirmed for the selected cabinet option.
ProAc Response D2D or D2R?
Choose the Response D2D When
- You prefer a traditional silk-dome tweeter
- A smooth and naturally balanced treble is a priority
- Your existing ProAc speakers use dome tweeters
- You want the established original D2 presentation
- You prefer a less visually prominent tweeter
Choose the Response D2R When
- You prefer the presentation of a ribbon tweeter
- Maximum high-frequency openness is important
- Fine treble detail is a particular priority
- Your system and recordings can support greater transparency
- You want to match ribbon-equipped ProAc models
The two versions share the same cabinet dimensions, bass/midrange driver, impedance, sensitivity and quoted frequency response, but use different tweeters and crossover arrangements.
The ProAc Response D2R should be auditioned alongside the D2D where possible, as the preferred version will depend on the system, room and listener.
ProAc Response DB1 or Response D2D?
Choose the Response DB1 When
- A smaller cabinet is essential
- The listening room is relatively compact
- A lower system price is preferred
- Visual impact must be kept to a minimum
- Deep bass extension is less important
Choose the Response D2D When
- Greater bass extension and scale are required
- A larger listening room is being used
- Higher listening levels are important
- A more substantial monitor is acceptable
- Maximum soundstage size is a priority
The ProAc Response DB1 provides a compact route into the Response range, while the larger D2D offers greater low-frequency extension and physical scale.
ProAc Response D2D or Response DT8?
Choose the Response D2D When
- A standmount design suits the room
- Pinpoint imaging is a major priority
- Flexible speaker placement is required
- You prefer the single bass/midrange driver design
- Suitable high-mass stands are available
Choose the Response DT8 When
- A floorstanding design is preferable
- Greater sensitivity is useful
- A larger-scale presentation is required
- You do not want separate speaker stands
- A taller but narrower footprint suits the room
The ProAc Response DT8 uses two different 165mm bass/midrange drivers within a floorstanding cabinet, while the D2D remains a more traditional two-way monitor.
ProAc Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Premium two-way standmount loudspeakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Designed and handcrafted in England
- 165mm ProAc bass/midrange driver
- Excel magnet system
- Glass-fibre weave cone
- Solid copper phase plug
- 25mm ProAc silk-dome tweeter
- Air-cooled tweeter design
- Internally damped tweeter
- Mirror-image offset tweeter layout
- Front-facing reflex port
- 30Hz to 30kHz frequency response
- 88.5dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 20W to 150W recommended amplification
- Hand-built crossover
- Selected crossover components
- Dedicated crossover circuit board
- Multistrand oxygen-free internal cable
- Optional bi-wiring
- Optional bi-amplification
- Rigid high-mass stand mounting recommended
- Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles
- Magnetic grilles with selected finishes
- Standard and premium cabinet finishes
- 430mm-high cabinet
- Approximately 11kg per speaker
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ProAc Response D2D speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Response D2D is supplied as a pair of passive stereo loudspeakers.
What does D2D mean?
The final D identifies the dome-tweeter version of the Response D2. The D2R is the ribbon-tweeter version.
Which tweeter does the D2D use?
It uses a 25mm ProAc silk-dome tweeter with air cooling and internal damping.
Which bass driver does it use?
It uses a 165mm ProAc bass/midrange driver with an Excel magnet system, glass-fibre weave cone and copper phase plug.
Is it front or rear ported?
The Response D2D uses a front-facing reflex port.
Can it be placed close to a wall?
The front port makes placement less restrictive than with many rear-ported designs, but positioning close to a wall will still affect the bass balance. A demonstration or home trial is recommended.
What is the frequency response?
ProAc specifies a frequency response of 30Hz to 30kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
The quoted sensitivity is 88.5dB for one watt measured at one metre.
What is the nominal impedance?
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms.
What amplifier power does ProAc recommend?
ProAc recommends amplifiers rated between 20W and 150W per channel.
Will a 20W amplifier drive them?
It may be suitable in a smaller room at moderate listening levels, but amplifier quality, current delivery, listening distance and desired volume must all be considered.
Do they require speaker stands?
Yes. ProAc recommends rigid, high-mass stands. Suitable stands are not included with the speakers.
How high should the stands be?
The correct height should place the tweeters close to seated ear level while supporting the cabinet securely.
Which way should the offset tweeters face?
The speakers should form a symmetrical mirror-image pair. Try the tweeters facing inward and outward, as the preferred arrangement can depend on the room, listening distance and toe-in.
Do they need to be toed in?
A small amount of toe-in is a useful starting point. Increase it for stronger image focus or reduce it for a broader presentation.
Can they be bi-wired?
Yes. The split crossover inputs support optional bi-wiring.
Can they be bi-amplified?
Yes, provided the terminal links are removed and the amplifiers and connections are configured correctly.
Do they need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. Their quoted 30Hz bass extension will be sufficient for many music systems, although a properly integrated subwoofer can add greater depth and scale.
What is the difference between the D2D and D2R?
The D2D uses a silk-dome tweeter, while the D2R uses ProAc’s ribbon tweeter. Their main cabinet dimensions and core performance specifications are otherwise closely related.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles are specified. Magnetic grilles are available with certain finishes.
Which standard finishes are available?
ProAc lists Black Ash, Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut, Natural Oak and Silk White as standard finishes.
Which premium finishes are available?
Liquidambar, Rosewood and Ebony are available to order at additional cost.
How large is each speaker?
Each cabinet measures approximately 430mm high, 203mm wide and 260mm deep, including the 12mm grille thickness.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Each Response D2D weighs approximately 11kg.
Where are they made?
ProAc loudspeakers are handcrafted and tested at the company’s factory in Brackley, England.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist demonstrations with your own music
- Direct D2D and D2R tweeter comparisons
- Amplifier and source matching advice
- Speaker stand and listening-height guidance
- Room placement and toe-in assistance
- Home demonstrations where available
- Bi-wiring and bi-amplification advice
- Speaker cable recommendations
- Subwoofer integration guidance
- Finish and grille advice
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the ProAc Response D2D speakers with your amplifier, room and music system.