90%
ProAc Loudspeakers Response DB3
A high-end stand-mount loudspeaker at an affordable price
The Response DB3 has a similar cabinet size to the Response DB1 but there are structural and visual differences. The DB3 also employs a different bass driver with a special surround, dust cap and crossover which have been chosen for their exceptional performance at a more affordable price.
The Response DB3 has a wonderfully rich and extended bass quality, loaded with a single reflex port at the rear of the cabinet. The tweeter is our ProAc 1-inch soft dome as used in other Response Range designs. This 1-inch silk dome has a superb flat response with electrostatic type detail and sweetness.
With the DB3, ProAc has created a small speaker with better efficiency and a rich sound that defies its physical size.
Featured veneer: Silk White
Some finishes are now available with magnetic grilles, please check with your nearest dealer.
Dealers selling ProAc Loudspeakers near you
Compact yet revealing, the Response DB3 pairs a gloriously natural midrange with surprisingly deep, taut bass, delivering a wide, well-focused soundstage and detailed imaging that belies its size, all in a well-built cabinet with bi‑wire/bi‑amp options. The Ear Editor praised its clean, uncoloured presentation and impressive dynamics, making the DB3 a standout small stand-mount.
Pros
- Gloriously natural midrange and lifelike vocals, conveying texture and presence.
- Surprisingly deep, taut bass for a compact 5" long-throw driver, reaching sub-50Hz in free space.
- Wide, well-focused soundstage with precise imaging and strong dynamic ability for its class.
- High-quality build and engineering, including a nine-element crossover and bi‑wire/bi‑amp terminals.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
89/100
For a 5" long-throw Pagina Mica woofer in a reflex cabinet, reviewers repeatedly noted bass 'deeper than expected', down to 38Hz and solid sub-50Hz output in free space. Phrases such as 'taut and tuneful bass' and 'surprisingly rich and extended bass' justify a high score within the 'excellent for size' band.
Mid
91/100
The midrange is described as 'gloriously natural', 'richness and immediacy', and voices that 'simply excel' with convincing texture and presence. Consistent praise for lifelike strings, piano and vocal realism supports a very strong midrange score.
Treble
89/100
The 1" silk-dome tweeter is reported as 'sweeter' with 'almost an electrostatic-style of detail' on choral/operatic material, indicating extended, refined treble with good detail and low harshness.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Reviewers cite a detailed stereo soundstage 'above that expected in this class' with 'supreme imaging qualities' and focused imaging when oriented as advised (tweeter toward the inside). Strong imaging and depth merit a high score.
Dynamics
89/100
The DB3 is described as having 'magnificent dynamics', good drive and timing, and the ability to handle large-scale material and rhythmic changes well — impressive dynamic performance for the form factor.
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Build Quality
90/100
Cabinet construction and engineering are praised as 'well-made' with high standards, acoustically transparent grilles, a nine-element crossover, quality parts and support for bi-wiring/bi-amping, indicating excellent craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied (80) plus +2 for dedicated bi-wire/bi-amp terminals. No DSP/streaming considerations applied (not applicable for passive design).
Value for Money
94/100
Reviewer calls the DB3 'one of the audio bargains of the moment' and states 'If it were twice the price it would not be expensive,' clear language supporting an excellent value rating versus peers.
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