Audio T Verdict
The ProAc Tablette 10 Signature is a wonderfully compact loudspeaker that produces a far larger and more spacious presentation than its cabinet dimensions suggest.
Its sealed, port-free enclosure makes it unusually accommodating in smaller rooms, allowing the speakers to be positioned close to or even against a rear wall without the port-related bass problems that can affect conventional reflex designs.
The Signature’s specially developed 127mm Pagina Mica driver, Excel magnet system and solid copper phase plug give voices and instruments greater projection and presence than the standard Tablette 10.
ProAc’s 25mm silk-dome tweeter keeps the upper frequencies sweet, open and detailed, while the carefully tuned crossover allows both drive units to behave as a coherent whole.
Its 10-ohm nominal impedance is amplifier-friendly, although the modest 86dB sensitivity means that amplifier quality and clean power remain important, particularly when listening at higher levels.
ProAc Tablette 10 Signature Standmount Speakers
The ProAc Tablette 10 Signature is the current version of the company’s iconic compact monitor, a design whose history stretches back to the original Tablette launched in 1979.
It combines a sealed cabinet, specially developed 127mm Pagina Mica bass and midrange driver, solid copper phase plug, 25mm silk-dome tweeter and hand-built crossover.
The Tablette 10 Signature can be placed on good-quality stands, a suitable shelf or desktop, and its port-free cabinet allows it to operate close to a rear wall.
Amplification Is Required
The Tablette 10 Signature is a passive loudspeaker and does not contain amplification, streaming, volume control or wireless connectivity.
A suitable stereo amplifier and speaker cables will be required. Good-quality stands are strongly recommended when the speakers are used within a main music system.
An Iconic ProAc Design
The original ProAc Tablette was designed during the 1970s, with the first production model launched in 1979.
Many different versions have appeared since, but each has followed the same broad aim of producing a surprisingly large, musically engaging sound from a very compact cabinet.
The Tablette 10 Signature is now the sole current model carrying the Tablette name and represents the most highly developed version of the design.
The Signature Difference
The Tablette 10 Signature was developed from the standard Tablette 10 rather than replacing its underlying design philosophy.
Its key upgrade is a specially developed bass and midrange driver using an Excel magnet system and ProAc’s solid copper phase plug.
A dedicated crossover was then refined through extensive measuring and listening to make the best use of the new driver.
More Than a Cosmetic Upgrade
The Signature designation refers to changes to the main driver, magnet system, copper phase plug and crossover.
These changes are intended to create a more projected midrange, larger soundstage and greater sense of scale than the original Tablette 10.
Sealed Infinite-Baffle Cabinet
The Tablette 10 Signature uses a sealed, port-free enclosure rather than a conventional bass-reflex cabinet.
There is no airflow through a front or rear port, so the speaker is less likely to suffer from the excessive port reinforcement that can occur when a reflex design is positioned close to a wall.
This makes the Tablette particularly useful in smaller rooms and installations where the speakers cannot be pulled a long way into the room.
What Is a Sealed Speaker?
A sealed loudspeaker encloses the rear of the bass driver within an airtight cabinet rather than using a reflex port to reinforce the low frequencies.
Sealed designs typically provide a smooth and controlled low-frequency roll-off, although they may not reach as deeply as a larger or ported loudspeaker.
Designed for Wall-Friendly Positioning
ProAc states that the Tablette 10 Signature can be used with the back of the cabinet against a wall.
This makes it considerably more flexible than rear-ported models when furniture, room dimensions or domestic considerations restrict speaker placement.
The final tonal balance will still be influenced by corners, side walls, shelves and room furnishings, so some experimentation remains worthwhile.
Close to a Wall Does Not Mean Anywhere
Placing one speaker in a corner while the other has open space around it can create uneven bass and stereo imaging.
Keep the left and right speakers in broadly similar acoustic surroundings wherever possible.
127mm Pagina Mica Bass and Midrange Driver
The Tablette 10 Signature uses a specially developed 127mm ProAc bass and midrange driver.
Its Pagina Mica cone is treated with an acoustic coating to control unwanted resonance while preserving the speed and detail required through the midrange.
The driver reproduces both the low and central frequencies, helping voices and instruments retain a consistent tonal character.
Excel Magnet System
The Signature driver uses an Excel magnet system developed to provide accurate and controlled movement of the cone.
The motor assembly works with the cone, suspension and crossover to reproduce subtle musical detail as well as stronger dynamic passages.
It is one of the principal technical differences between the Signature and the original Tablette 10.
Solid Copper Phase Plug
A solid copper phase plug is positioned at the centre of the bass and midrange driver.
The phase plug helps control the behaviour of sound generated around the centre of the cone and contributes to a cleaner upper-midrange response.
It also helps conduct heat away from the voice-coil area during demanding musical passages.
Projected and Natural Midrange
ProAc developed the Signature version to create a larger and more projected midrange than the standard Tablette 10.
Voices, acoustic instruments and other midrange information can therefore appear with greater presence and physical size within the soundstage.
This is especially valuable with vocal, jazz, folk and acoustic recordings where tonal texture and expression are central to the performance.
25mm Silk-Dome Tweeter
The Tablette 10 Signature uses ProAc’s 25mm silk-dome tweeter with air cooling and internal damping.
The soft-dome diaphragm is designed to reproduce high-frequency detail while avoiding an unnecessarily hard or aggressive tonal balance.
Its presentation complements the natural and expressive midrange produced by the Signature bass driver.
Air-Cooled and Internally Damped
The tweeter’s air-cooled construction assists with thermal management during extended or higher-level listening.
Internal damping controls unwanted energy behind the dome and helps maintain a smooth and consistent high-frequency response.
The resulting treble is intended to remain detailed, sweet and comfortable over long listening sessions.
55Hz to 30kHz Frequency Response
ProAc specifies a frequency response of 55Hz to 30kHz.
The Tablette 10 Signature does not attempt to imitate the deepest bass output of a large floorstanding speaker, instead concentrating on speed, definition and natural integration through its usable range.
Its sealed cabinet produces a controlled low-frequency roll-off that can make integration with a suitable subwoofer relatively straightforward.
Does It Need a Subwoofer?
Not necessarily. In a smaller room, the Tablette 10 Signature can provide a balanced and satisfying presentation on its own.
A fast and carefully adjusted subwoofer can add the lowest octaves and greater physical scale without changing the qualities that make the Tablette appealing.
Small Speaker, Large Soundstage
The Tablette range has long been known for producing a soundstage that appears considerably larger than the cabinets themselves.
Correctly positioned, the Tablette 10 Signature can place voices and instruments independently within the room rather than attaching them to the speaker boxes.
Its Signature driver and crossover are designed to increase the projection and apparent scale of this presentation.
Precise Stereo Imaging
The compact front baffle and closely spaced drive units help the Tablette 10 Signature behave as a focused and coherent sound source.
Equal distances from the listening position, stable supports and careful adjustment of toe-in will help create a precise centre image and convincing soundstage depth.
Even small changes in angle can noticeably alter image focus and soundstage width.
Hand-Built Crossover
The crossover uses carefully selected components mounted on a dedicated circuit board.
It was fine-tuned specifically for the Signature bass driver and silk-dome tweeter following extensive measurement and listening.
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 connected using the fitted terminal links.
Bi-amplification should only be attempted with suitable equipment and a clear understanding of the amplifier and speaker connections.
Check the Terminal Links
For normal single-wire use, both crossover sections must remain joined by the correctly fitted terminal links.
When bi-wiring or bi-amplifying, switch off the amplifier and remove the links before connecting separate cable runs or amplifier channels.
10-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The Tablette 10 Signature has a nominal impedance of 10 ohms.
This presents a comparatively accommodating electrical load and makes the speaker suitable for use with a broad variety of well-designed amplifiers.
Its impedance should still be considered alongside its sensitivity, room size and the volume required by the listener.
86dB Sensitivity
The quoted sensitivity is 86dB for one watt measured at one metre.
This is relatively modest, so the Tablette will require more amplifier output to achieve a given listening level than a speaker with a sensitivity of 90dB or more.
Its benign 10-ohm impedance helps, but clean power and amplifier quality remain important.
5W to 50W Recommended Amplification
ProAc recommends amplifiers rated between 5W and 50W per channel.
A high-quality lower-powered amplifier can work very well at moderate levels in a small room, while greater clean power will provide additional headroom for larger spaces and more dynamic recordings.
Amplifier quality, clipping behaviour and control are more important than simply choosing the highest available wattage.
Respect the Speaker’s Size and Power Rating
The Tablette 10 Signature is a compact monitor rather than a high-output party speaker.
Continued use at excessive volume or with a clipping amplifier may damage the drive units, even when the amplifier’s headline power appears modest.
Matching the Tablette with an Amplifier
The Tablette 10 Signature can work with suitable solid-state and valve amplifiers.
A good amplifier should preserve its open midrange and refined treble while providing enough clean power to maintain dynamics without strain.
The speaker is sufficiently revealing to reward improvements made to the amplifier, source and supporting equipment.
Stand Mounting Recommended
ProAc recommends placing the Tablette 10 Signature on good-quality loudspeaker stands.
A rigid and stable stand should resist unwanted movement and position the tweeter close to seated ear height.
The stand’s top plate should provide secure support for the compact 191mm-wide and 159mm-deep cabinet.
Each Speaker Weighs 5.5kg
The stands or shelves must be stable and capable of safely supporting the speakers.
Extra care should be taken in homes with children or pets.
Shelf and Desktop Placement
The sealed design allows the Tablette 10 Signature to be used on a suitable shelf or desktop when separate stands are impractical.
The surface must be stable, level and deep enough to support the complete cabinet.
Isolation pads or suitable supports may help reduce vibration passing between the speaker and furniture.
Stands Still Give the Greatest Flexibility
Shelf placement is supported, but separate stands make it easier to adjust listening height, spacing, toe-in and distance from side walls.
A stand-mounted demonstration remains the best reference when assessing the speaker’s full stereo performance.
Positioning the Tablette 10 Signature
- Use rigid stands where the room allows
- Position the tweeters close to seated ear height
- Keep both speakers the same distance from the listening position
- Maintain broadly similar surroundings around each speaker
- Place the cabinets close to or against the rear wall when required
- Avoid placing only one speaker tightly into a corner
- Adjust toe-in to balance focus and soundstage width
- Make small changes and listen between adjustments
Toe-In and Listening Angle
A small amount of toe-in towards the main listening position provides a sensible starting point.
Increasing the angle can strengthen centre-image focus and sharpen the placement of voices and instruments.
Reducing toe-in may produce a wider and slightly more relaxed presentation, depending on the room and listening distance.
Compact Cabinet Dimensions
Each Tablette 10 Signature cabinet measures approximately 305mm high, 191mm wide and 159mm deep.
Its shallow cabinet makes it substantially easier to accommodate than most high-performance standmount loudspeakers.
The compact dimensions are particularly useful in smaller listening rooms, second systems, offices and spaces where large speakers would visually dominate.
Handmade in England
ProAc loudspeakers are handcrafted and tested in England.
The cabinets, drive units, crossovers, internal wiring and finishes are brought together as parts of the same complete loudspeaker design.
Each stereo pair is checked before leaving the factory.
Acoustically Transparent Grilles
The Tablette 10 Signature is supplied with acoustically transparent crimplene grilles.
Magnetic grilles are available with certain cabinet finishes.
The exact grille arrangement should be confirmed for the selected finish when ordering.
Current Standard Finishes
ProAc currently lists Black Ash, Cherry, Natural Oak and Walnut as the standard Tablette 10 Signature finishes.
The real-wood veneers are selected to create a consistent appearance across each stereo pair.
Natural variations in grain and colour should be expected because genuine wood veneer is used.
Premium Finishes
Liquidambar, Rosewood and Ebony are available to order at additional cost.
Premium veneers may carry longer lead times depending on production and availability.
The exact appearance, price and expected delivery should be confirmed before ordering.
Tablette 10 Signature or Response DB3?
Choose the Tablette 10 Signature When
- A sealed, port-free cabinet is important
- The speakers must sit close to a rear wall
- The smallest possible cabinet is preferred
- A 10-ohm nominal impedance suits the amplifier
- Midrange clarity and precise imaging take priority
Choose the Response DB3 When
- Greater bass extension is required
- There is space behind its rear reflex port
- Higher sensitivity is useful
- A larger cabinet is acceptable
- More room-filling low-frequency weight is preferred
The ProAc Response DB3 uses a larger rear-ported cabinet and reaches a quoted 38Hz, while the sealed Tablette offers greater positioning flexibility.
Tablette 10 Signature or Response DB1D?
Choose the Tablette 10 Signature When
- The most compact cabinet is required
- Wall or shelf placement is important
- A sealed design is preferred
- A smaller room or second system is being used
- The classic Tablette presentation appeals
Choose the Response DB1D When
- Greater bass depth and scale are required
- A larger cabinet can be accommodated
- Higher listening levels are important
- There is room behind its rear port
- A larger, more substantial soundstage is preferred
The ProAc Response DB1D uses a larger rear-ported cabinet and offers a quoted 35Hz bass response, while the Tablette remains significantly smaller and easier to position.
Tablette 10 Signature or Response D2D?
Choose the Tablette 10 Signature When
- Compact size is the main priority
- The speakers must work close to a wall
- The listening room is relatively small
- A lower overall system cost is preferred
- Fast, controlled bass is more important than depth
Choose the Response D2D When
- Greater bass extension and scale are required
- A larger room is being used
- Higher playback levels are important
- A front-facing reflex port suits the installation
- The partnering system can reveal its additional ability
The ProAc Response D2D is a substantially larger standmount speaker with a 165mm driver and quoted 30Hz bass extension.
ProAc Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Iconic compact ProAc standmount speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Current and sole Tablette model
- Sealed infinite-baffle cabinet
- Port-free construction
- Suitable for positioning against a wall
- Stand mounting recommended
- Shelf mounting supported
- Desktop placement supported
- 127mm ProAc bass and midrange driver
- Pagina Mica cone
- Acoustic cone coating
- Excel magnet system
- Solid copper phase plug
- 25mm ProAc silk-dome tweeter
- Air-cooled tweeter design
- Internally damped tweeter
- Hand-tuned crossover
- Selected crossover components
- Dedicated crossover circuit board
- Multistrand oxygen-free copper internal cable
- Optional bi-wiring
- Optional bi-amplification
- 55Hz to 30kHz frequency response
- 86dB sensitivity
- 10-ohm nominal impedance
- 5W to 50W recommended amplification
- Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles
- Magnetic grilles with selected finishes
- Four current standard veneer finishes
- Three premium veneer options
- 305mm-high cabinet
- Approximately 5.5kg per speaker
- Handmade in England
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ProAc Tablette 10 Signature speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. They are supplied as a pair of passive stereo loudspeakers.
Is the Tablette 10 Signature the current Tablette model?
Yes. ProAc currently offers the Tablette 10 Signature as the sole model carrying the Tablette name.
Is it a sealed or ported speaker?
It is a sealed, port-free infinite-baffle design.
Can it be placed against a wall?
Yes. ProAc specifically states that it can be used with the back of the cabinet against a wall.
Can it be placed on a bookshelf?
Yes, provided the shelf is stable, level and capable of safely supporting each 5.5kg speaker.
Can it be used on a desktop?
Yes. ProAc’s current catalogue supports desktop placement, although suitable isolation and careful positioning may improve the result.
Are speaker stands recommended?
Yes. Good-quality stands provide the greatest flexibility for setting the correct listening height, spacing and toe-in.
Which bass and midrange driver does it use?
It uses a 127mm ProAc driver with a Pagina Mica cone, acoustic coating, Excel magnet system and solid copper phase plug.
Which tweeter does it use?
It uses a 25mm ProAc silk-dome tweeter with air cooling and internal damping.
Does it use a ribbon tweeter?
No. The Tablette 10 Signature is fitted with a silk-dome tweeter.
What is the frequency response?
ProAc specifies a frequency response of 55Hz to 30kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
The quoted sensitivity is 86dB for one watt measured at one metre.
What is the nominal impedance?
The nominal impedance is 10 ohms.
What amplifier power does ProAc recommend?
ProAc recommends amplifiers rated between 5W and 50W per channel.
Will a 5W amplifier drive them?
A good-quality 5W amplifier may be suitable at moderate levels in a small room, but the listening distance, music and required volume must be considered.
Are they easy to drive?
The 10-ohm impedance is relatively amplifier-friendly, but the 86dB sensitivity means that sufficient clean power is still required for higher listening levels.
Are they suitable for a large room?
They are best suited to small and medium-sized spaces. A larger room or very high listening level may require a larger speaker or carefully integrated subwoofer.
Do they produce deep bass?
The quoted lower frequency limit is 55Hz. Their bass is designed to be controlled and tuneful rather than imitate the deepest output of a large floorstander.
Do they need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily, although a suitable subwoofer can add the lowest octaves and greater physical scale.
Can they be bi-wired?
Yes. Their 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.
What is the difference between the Tablette 10 and Tablette 10 Signature?
The Signature uses a specially developed bass driver with an Excel magnet system and solid copper phase plug, together with a crossover tuned for the new driver.
What is the difference between the Tablette and Response DB1D?
The Tablette is smaller and sealed, allowing wall-friendly placement. The DB1D is larger and rear ported, with deeper quoted bass extension.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Acoustically transparent crimplene grilles are specified. Magnetic grilles are available with certain finishes.
Which standard finishes are currently available?
ProAc currently lists Black Ash, Cherry, Natural Oak and Walnut.
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 305mm high, 191mm wide and 159mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Each Tablette 10 Signature weighs approximately 5.5kg, giving a total pair weight of around 11kg before packaging.
Where are the speakers made?
ProAc loudspeakers are handmade and tested in England.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist demonstrations using your own music
- Direct comparison with ProAc Response speakers
- Amplifier and source matching advice
- Stand, shelf and desktop placement guidance
- Wall-positioning and room setup assistance
- Toe-in and stereo imaging advice
- Home demonstrations where available
- Bi-wiring and bi-amplification guidance
- Speaker cable recommendations
- Subwoofer matching and integration advice
- Finish and grille guidance
- 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 Tablette 10 Signature speakers with your amplifier, room and music system.