Audio T Verdict
The ProAc Response D30RS combines genuine full-range authority with the natural midrange, spacious presentation and precise imaging for which the Response range is known.
Its bespoke 165mm Pagina Mica bass and midrange driver produces deep, controlled low frequencies while preserving the clarity and tonal texture of voices and instruments.
ProAc’s ribbon tweeter adds exceptional openness, air and fine detail, but the carefully developed crossover prevents the treble from sounding detached or unnecessarily prominent.
Side-vented directional bass loading makes the speaker somewhat easier to accommodate than a conventional rear-ported design, although its 20Hz extension still demands thoughtful positioning and an amplifier with good control.
With an 8-ohm impedance and 89dB sensitivity, the D30RS is not exceptionally difficult to drive, but its scale and transparency justify partnering it with genuinely capable electronics.
ProAc Response D30RS Ribbon Floorstanding Speakers
The ProAc Response D30RS is a premium two-way floorstanding loudspeaker designed and handcrafted in England.
It combines a specially developed 165mm Pagina Mica bass and midrange driver with ProAc’s ribbon tweeter, a high-quality crossover and side-vented directional bass loading.
A quoted frequency response of 20Hz to 30kHz gives the D30RS the extension and scale required for demanding orchestral, rock, electronic and acoustic recordings.
Amplification and Speaker Cables Are Required
The Response D30RS is a passive loudspeaker and does not contain amplification, streaming, wireless connectivity or volume control.
A suitable stereo amplifier, source equipment and speaker cables will be required.
The Ribbon-Tweeter Response D30
The Response D30 is available with a choice of two high-frequency drivers.
The D30RS uses ProAc’s ribbon tweeter, while the corresponding D30DS uses a 25mm silk-dome tweeter.
Both versions share the same cabinet, bass and midrange driver, bass-loading system, impedance, sensitivity and quoted frequency response.
What Does D30RS Mean?
The R identifies the ribbon-tweeter version of the Response D30.
The D30DS is the alternative model fitted with ProAc’s silk-dome tweeter.
165mm Pagina Mica Bass and Midrange Driver
The D30RS uses a bespoke 165mm ProAc driver to reproduce both the bass and midrange frequencies.
Its cone is made from Pagina Mica, a combination of reed leaves and mica, and is coated with an acoustic damping compound.
This carefully controlled cone construction is designed to deliver powerful bass, low colouration and an open, naturally detailed midrange.
Acoustically Damped Cone
The acoustic coating helps control unwanted cone resonance as the driver moves across its operating range.
This allows the driver to reproduce substantial low-frequency energy while retaining the speed and clarity required through the vocal and instrumental midrange.
The D30RS therefore achieves much of its character through one carefully developed bass and midrange unit rather than using separate drivers for each frequency region.
ProAc Phase Plug
A ProAc phase plug is fitted at the centre of the Pagina Mica driver.
The phase plug helps control sound generated around the centre of the cone and improves detail near the crossover point.
It also contributes to the smooth and natural transition between the bass and midrange driver and the ribbon tweeter.
ProAc Ribbon Tweeter
The D30RS uses ProAc’s lightweight ribbon tweeter with rear-chamber damping and an Alnico magnet system.
Its ribbon diaphragm has extremely low moving mass, allowing it to respond rapidly to small changes within the music.
This helps reveal fine detail, atmosphere and the natural decay of instruments without relying on an artificially elevated treble balance.
What Is a Ribbon Tweeter?
A ribbon tweeter uses a very thin conductive diaphragm suspended within a magnetic field.
Its low moving mass allows it to respond quickly to musical transients and subtle high-frequency information.
Open and Detailed High Frequencies
The ribbon tweeter gives the D30RS an open and spacious high-frequency presentation.
Small details such as cymbal decay, room ambience, vocal breath and the texture of bowed strings can be reproduced with considerable clarity.
ProAc’s crossover and tweeter damping are designed to integrate this detail naturally with the body and warmth produced by the main driver.
20Hz Bass Extension
ProAc specifies a frequency response extending down to 20Hz.
This allows the D30RS to reproduce much of the deepest information contained within bass guitar, piano, pipe organ, orchestral and electronic recordings.
The actual bass response within a system will depend on the room, speaker position, amplifier control and listening level.
Does the D30RS Need a Subwoofer?
Not for most two-channel music systems. Its quoted 20Hz extension reaches the lower limit of the commonly stated human hearing range.
A subwoofer may still be useful in an unusually large room, for very high playback levels or where additional low-frequency adjustment is required.
Side-Vented Directional Bass Loading
The bass-loading arrangement is based on the system used within ProAc’s larger Response D48 models.
Low-frequency output is directed through vents at the lower sides of the cabinet rather than through a conventional rear-facing port.
This helps produce deep and powerful bass while reducing some of the placement sensitivity associated with rear-ported loudspeakers.
Keep the Lower Bass Vents Clear
The openings around the lower section of the cabinet form part of the bass-loading system.
Do not obstruct them with cables, thick rugs, furniture or other objects.
Room-Friendly, Not Room-Independent
The side-vented loading makes the D30RS easier to position than some conventional large floorstanders, but the room will still have a substantial effect on its 20Hz bass response.
Moving the speakers closer to walls or corners will normally increase bass reinforcement, while pulling them further into the room may improve definition and soundstage depth.
Small changes in position can make a significant difference and should be assessed using familiar music.
Low-Colouration Midrange
The combination of the damped Pagina Mica cone, phase plug and dedicated crossover allows the D30RS to reproduce voices and instruments with low colouration.
Its midrange is designed to remain open and detailed without becoming thin, hard or overly analytical.
This natural tonal balance makes the speaker suitable for a broad range of musical styles and recording qualities.
Large Soundstage and Pinpoint Imaging
The D30RS is capable of creating a wide and expansive soundstage while maintaining precise placement of voices and instruments.
Correct positioning allows the cabinets to become less obvious as individual sound sources, leaving the musical image positioned independently within the room.
Equal listening distances, careful toe-in and broadly symmetrical room placement will help the speaker achieve its full imaging potential.
High-Quality Crossover Network
The crossover uses dedicated high-quality components selected for the D30 design.
It divides the incoming signal between the Pagina Mica driver and ribbon tweeter while preserving a smooth transition between them.
ProAc multistrand oxygen-free copper cable is used throughout the internal wiring.
Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amplification
The crossover is split to support optional bi-wiring and bi-amplification.
For conventional single-wire operation, the high-frequency and low-frequency terminals must remain joined using the fitted terminal links.
Bi-amplification should only be attempted with suitable equipment and a clear understanding of the amplifier and loudspeaker connections.
Check the Terminal Links
For normal single-wire use, both crossover sections must remain connected by the correctly fitted terminal links.
When bi-wiring or bi-amplifying, switch off the system and remove the links before connecting separate cables or amplifier channels.
Nickel-Silver Terminals
ProAc specifies high-quality nickel-silver terminals for the Response D30S models.
The terminals provide secure connection for appropriate speaker cables and support the speaker’s split crossover arrangement.
Connections should be checked periodically to ensure that they remain secure without being overtightened.
89dB Sensitivity
The Response D30RS has a quoted sensitivity of 89dB for one watt measured at one metre.
This is reasonably efficient for a full-range floorstanding loudspeaker and allows it to work with a broad selection of good-quality amplifiers.
The D30RS is nevertheless capable of substantial low-frequency output and will benefit from an amplifier with good current delivery and bass control.
8-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is specified at 8 ohms.
This makes the D30RS a comparatively accommodating electrical load when compared with many lower-impedance floorstanders.
Nominal impedance alone does not describe the full demands placed on an amplifier, so system matching should also consider room size, listening distance and required volume.
10W to 200W Recommended Amplification
ProAc recommends amplifiers rated between 10W and 200W per channel.
A carefully chosen lower-powered amplifier may work well at moderate levels, but the speaker’s bass extension and dynamic capability will normally be better realised by amplification with generous headroom and a strong power supply.
The quality and control of the amplifier are more important than simply choosing the largest available wattage figure.
Underpowered Amplifiers Can Also Cause Damage
An amplifier driven beyond its clean operating range may clip and produce high levels of distortion.
Choose amplification with suitable headroom for the room, listening distance and required playback level.
Matching the D30RS with an Amplifier
The D30RS is transparent enough to reveal the character and quality of the connected amplifier and source equipment.
A suitable amplifier should preserve the speaker’s open high frequencies and natural midrange while maintaining firm control over its deep bass.
Where possible, compare suitable integrated and pre-power amplifiers using familiar recordings before deciding on a system.
Positioning the Response D30RS
- Begin with both speakers the same distance from the listening position
- Leave some space between the cabinets and nearby walls
- Keep the lower side vents unobstructed
- Avoid placing one speaker significantly closer to a corner
- Use the supplied spikes on a stable floor
- Adjust toe-in to balance image focus and soundstage width
- Make small positioning changes and listen between adjustments
- Recheck the speaker position after the system has settled
Toe-In and Ribbon-Tweeter Alignment
The ProAc ribbon tweeter provides broad horizontal dispersion but has a more controlled vertical listening window than a conventional dome.
The cabinets should therefore remain upright and level, with the listening position reasonably aligned with the tweeters.
Increasing toe-in may strengthen central image focus, while reducing it can create a broader and slightly more relaxed presentation.
ProAc Floor Spikes
The D30RS is designed for installation on ProAc’s floor spikes.
The spikes provide stable support and are shaped to penetrate suitable carpet so that the speaker can make firm contact with the floor beneath.
Appropriate protective discs should be used where the speakers are positioned on wood, tile or another easily marked surface.
Each Speaker Weighs Approximately 27kg
The D30RS should be unpacked and positioned by two people wherever possible.
Take particular care when fitting or adjusting the spikes, and do not drag the cabinets across the floor.
Substantial Floorstanding Cabinet
Each cabinet measures approximately 1041mm high, 266mm wide and 311mm deep.
The enclosure provides the internal volume required for its deep bass extension while remaining relatively compact compared with the larger Response D48.
Its substantial construction and approximately 27kg weight provide a stable foundation for the drive units.
Handcrafted in England
ProAc loudspeakers are handcrafted and tested at the company’s factory in Brackley, England.
Individual technicians are responsible for assembling and checking the loudspeakers so that each pair meets ProAc’s production standards.
The cabinet, drive units, crossover, internal wiring and finish are brought together as parts of the same complete design.
Acoustically Transparent Grilles
The D30RS is supplied with acoustically transparent crimplene grilles.
Magnetic grilles are available with selected finishes.
The exact grille type should be confirmed for the chosen cabinet finish when ordering.
Standard Cabinet Finishes
The Response D30RS is available in Black Ash, Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut, Natural Oak and Silk White as standard finishes.
The real-wood veneers are selected and matched to create a consistent appearance across each stereo pair.
Natural variation in grain and tone should be expected because genuine wood veneer is used.
Premium Cabinet Finishes
Rosewood, Ebony and Liquidambar are available to order at additional cost.
Premium finishes may carry longer lead times depending on current production and availability.
The exact finish, price and expected delivery should be confirmed before ordering.
ProAc Response D30DS or D30RS?
Choose the Response D30DS When
- You prefer a traditional silk-dome tweeter
- A smooth and familiar dome presentation is important
- Your existing ProAc speakers use dome tweeters
- You listen substantially above or below tweeter height
- You prefer the appearance of a conventional tweeter
Choose the Response D30RS When
- You prefer the speed and openness of a ribbon tweeter
- Fine treble detail and room ambience are priorities
- Precise imaging is particularly important
- You want to match ribbon-equipped ProAc speakers
- Your system can support greater transparency
The two versions share their cabinet, bass and midrange driver, bass-loading system and principal performance specifications.
A direct comparison is recommended because the preferred tweeter will depend on the amplifier, room, recordings and listener.
ProAc Response D20R or Response D30RS?
Choose the Response D20R When
- A slimmer and lighter cabinet is preferable
- The listening room is small to medium sized
- 28Hz bass extension meets your requirements
- A lower overall system cost is preferred
- The speaker must have less visual impact
Choose the Response D30RS When
- A larger listening room is being used
- Greater bass extension and scale are required
- Higher output levels are important
- A wider and more expansive soundstage is preferred
- The partnering electronics justify the larger model
The ProAc Response D20R offers the same ribbon-tweeter philosophy within a narrower and more manageable floorstanding cabinet.
ProAc Response DT8 or Response D30RS?
Choose the Response DT8 When
- A lower overall system cost is preferred
- Greater sensitivity is useful
- A silk-dome tweeter is preferred
- A lively and room-filling presentation is the priority
- The dual-driver arrangement suits your music
Choose the Response D30RS When
- A ribbon tweeter is preferred
- Deeper bass extension is important
- A more refined and spacious presentation is required
- Greater cabinet scale is acceptable
- The system can make use of its additional transparency
The ProAc Response DT8 uses two different bass and midrange cone materials with a silk-dome tweeter, while the D30RS uses one bespoke Pagina Mica driver and ProAc’s ribbon tweeter.
ProAc Response D2R or Response D30RS?
Choose the Response D2R When
- A standmount design suits the room
- Precise monitor-style imaging is the main priority
- A visually smaller speaker is preferable
- Flexible placement is important
- Suitable rigid stands are available
Choose the Response D30RS When
- A full-range floorstanding design is required
- 20Hz bass extension is important
- A larger and more effortless presentation is preferred
- Higher playback levels are required
- The room can accommodate a substantially larger cabinet
The ProAc Response D2R combines ProAc’s ribbon tweeter with a substantial standmount cabinet and front-facing reflex port.
ProAc Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Premium two-way floorstanding loudspeakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Designed and handcrafted in England
- 165mm bespoke ProAc bass and midrange driver
- Acoustically damped Pagina Mica cone
- Reed-leaf and mica cone construction
- Acoustic cone coating
- ProAc phase plug
- ProAc ribbon tweeter
- Extremely lightweight ribbon diaphragm
- Rear-chamber tweeter damping
- Alnico tweeter magnet system
- Side-vented directional bass loading
- Bass system related to the Response D48
- 20Hz to 30kHz frequency response
- 89dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 10W to 200W recommended amplification
- High-quality crossover network
- Dedicated crossover components
- ProAc multistrand oxygen-free copper wiring
- Nickel-silver terminals
- Optional bi-wiring
- Optional bi-amplification
- ProAc floor spikes
- Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles
- Magnetic grilles with selected finishes
- Six standard cabinet finishes
- Three premium finish options
- 1041mm-high cabinet
- Approximately 27kg per speaker
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ProAc Response D30RS speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Response D30RS is supplied as a pair of passive stereo loudspeakers.
What does the R in D30RS mean?
The R identifies the ribbon-tweeter version. The corresponding D30DS uses ProAc’s silk-dome tweeter.
Which tweeter does the D30RS use?
It uses ProAc’s lightweight ribbon tweeter with rear-chamber damping and an Alnico magnet system.
Which bass and midrange driver does it use?
It uses a bespoke 165mm ProAc driver with an acoustically damped Pagina Mica cone, acoustic coating and phase plug.
What is Pagina Mica?
ProAc describes it as a cone material combining reed leaves and mica, with an acoustic coating applied to control resonance.
Where is the bass port?
The D30RS uses side-vented directional loading through the lower section of the cabinet rather than a conventional rear-facing reflex port.
Can the speakers be placed close to a wall?
The side-vented loading makes them less dependent on rear clearance than many rear-ported designs, but nearby walls will still affect the bass balance.
What is the frequency response?
ProAc specifies a frequency response of 20Hz to 30kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
The quoted sensitivity is 89dB 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 10W and 200W per channel.
Will a 10W amplifier drive them?
It may be suitable in a smaller room at moderate levels, but amplifier quality, current delivery, listening distance and required volume must all be considered.
Do they need a powerful amplifier?
The 8-ohm impedance and 89dB sensitivity are relatively accommodating, but their deep bass performs best with an amplifier offering good control and sufficient dynamic headroom.
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 normally. Their quoted 20Hz bass extension will provide full-range performance in many music systems.
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.
Is listening height important with the ribbon tweeter?
Yes. Ribbon tweeters generally have more controlled vertical dispersion than dome tweeters, so the cabinets should remain upright and reasonably aligned with the seated listener.
What is the difference between the D30RS and D30DS?
The D30RS uses ProAc’s ribbon tweeter, while the D30DS uses a 25mm silk-dome tweeter. Their cabinet, bass driver and principal specifications are otherwise shared.
What is the difference between the D20R and D30RS?
The D30RS is larger, has greater sensitivity and deeper quoted bass extension, while the D20R provides a slimmer and more manageable cabinet.
Are floor spikes included?
The D30RS is designed for use with ProAc’s floor spikes. Confirm the supplied accessories and floor-protection requirements when ordering.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles are specified. Magnetic grilles are available with selected 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?
Rosewood, Ebony and Liquidambar are available to order at additional cost.
How large is each speaker?
Each cabinet measures approximately 1041mm high, 266mm wide and 311mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
ProAc’s latest catalogue states approximately 27kg per speaker, although its current product webpage states 28kg.
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
- Ribbon and dome tweeter comparisons
- Amplifier and source matching advice
- Room placement and toe-in assistance
- Home demonstrations where available
- Floor spike and levelling guidance
- 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 D30RS speakers with your amplifier, room and music system.