ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair)

The ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair) represent the next evolution of ProAc’s highly respected compact standmount loudspeaker design. Building on the success of the original Response DB1, first introduced nearly a decade ago, the DB1R has been carefully refined to deliver even greater musical performance while maintaining its compact footprint.

The goal behind the DB1 concept has always been to create a small loudspeaker capable of producing the scale, balance, and musical authority normally associated with larger designs. With the introduction of the DB1R, ProAc takes this philosophy further by incorporating new technology and carefully optimised components.

The result is a speaker that retains the natural tonal balance and musical refinement of its predecessor while offering improved detail retrieval, speed, and transparency across the entire frequency range.

Advanced Ribbon Tweeter Technology

One of the most significant upgrades in the ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair) is the inclusion of ProAc’s acclaimed ribbon tweeter, bringing this advanced high-frequency technology to the smallest speaker in the Response range. Previously found in larger models such as the Response D2R, this ribbon design replaces the silk dome tweeter used in the original DB1.

The ribbon diaphragm itself is extraordinarily light—reportedly lighter than a human hair—allowing it to respond with exceptional speed and precision. The tweeter also incorporates a damped rear chamber and an Alnico magnet system rather than a neodymium magnet, helping to improve control while reducing distortion.

This sophisticated design allows the DB1R to deliver remarkable high-frequency extension and clarity, revealing subtle musical details while maintaining the smooth and natural presentation that defines ProAc’s signature sound.

Precision Engineered Midrange and Bass Performance

Despite its compact cabinet size, the ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair) are engineered to deliver impressive low-frequency performance and midrange clarity. At the heart of the design is a 127mm long-throw bass and midrange driver developed specifically for this model.

The driver uses a Pagina Mica cone with an elastic coating, designed to balance rigidity with controlled flexibility for accurate sound reproduction. A raised spider and linear motor system allow the driver to maintain excellent control even at higher excursion levels, ensuring the speaker remains composed when playing at louder volumes.

The addition of ProAc’s acrylic phase plug helps to improve dispersion and reduce unwanted resonances. Combined with a carefully tuned rear-firing bass reflex port, this design produces bass that is both punchy and extended while maintaining the natural midrange character essential for realistic music reproduction.

Cabinet Construction for Reduced Resonance

The cabinet design of the ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair) plays a vital role in achieving their impressive sonic performance. Constructed from high-density fibreboard panels of varying thickness, the cabinet structure has been engineered to minimise unwanted resonance and coloration.

Additional bituminous damping materials are incorporated internally to further reduce vibration and ensure a cleaner, more accurate sound. This carefully controlled enclosure allows the drivers to perform with greater precision, improving overall clarity and imaging.

The rear-ported design helps reinforce low frequencies while maintaining a balanced presentation across the full frequency spectrum. Despite its relatively compact dimensions, the cabinet is capable of producing a soundstage that feels expansive and natural, giving the impression of a much larger loudspeaker while maintaining the placement flexibility expected from a standmount design.

Designed for Musical Balance and Natural Sound

The ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair) have been carefully tuned to maintain the natural musical character that has long defined the ProAc Response series. With a frequency response extending from 35Hz to 30kHz and a sensitivity rating of 87.5dB, these speakers are capable of delivering impressive detail and dynamic expression across a wide range of music genres.

Their 8-ohm nominal impedance allows them to pair easily with a variety of amplifiers, with recommended power ranging from 20 to 100 watts. The crossover network uses high-quality components mounted on a dedicated circuit board and connected with multi-strand oxygen-free copper wiring throughout.

This careful attention to detail ensures that the signal remains pure and coherent, preserving the musical integrity of every recording and allowing listeners to enjoy a highly engaging and natural listening experience.

Premium Craftsmanship and Beautiful Finishes

In keeping with ProAc’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, the ProAc Response DB1R Speakers (Pair) are available in a wide selection of high-quality finishes to suit a variety of interior styles. Standard finishes include Black Ash, Mahogany, Cherry, Walnut, Natural Oak, and Silk White, all carefully applied to highlight the speaker’s elegant cabinet design.

For those seeking a more luxurious appearance, premium finishes such as Liquidambar, Rosewood, and Ebony are also available as optional upgrades. Each speaker is supplied with an acoustically transparent grille designed to maintain sound quality while protecting the drivers, with magnetic grilles available for certain finishes.

Combining refined aesthetics with advanced acoustic engineering, the DB1R continues ProAc’s tradition of creating loudspeakers that look as beautiful as they sound.