For what it's worth I thought I would mention that I demoed ProAc Response D2D's and Graham Audio speakers the other day with Naim XS3 and the 5si and I was most impressed.
I know we all hear differently but here is what I heard.
I was listening near field, so the stereo image may have been super enhanced compared to how I usually listen. It was excellent, very close to the best I have heard. The bass was right on all tracks I played, although some would have been produced on small monitors anyway. Bass much bigger than expected though and under very good control with the XS3, 5si not quite so much but if you weren't A-B'ing then you wouldn't really know and could save a grand IMO. That said, bass was a bit prominent at first, I think as port is firing straight at you. After putting the D2Ds back into the system after listening to other speakers below, I didn't really notice this again though. Snares sounded incredible, very fast and really got your attention. Midrange really drew you in, overall, the system commanded your full attention, which is what I was looking for.
Sounded like a bigger Naim 72/140 and Epos ES14 system I heard a few weeks back, filled out and polished a little.
Compared them to a few other speakers:
ProAc DT8 floorstanders, which were apparently fully run in but didn't sound like it. Shut in and compressed, with recessed midrange and bass and treble coming to think of it. Didn't audition for long. However, I was listening in the same nearfield position and they are obviously not designed for that. Shop was very small, so no other option to listen further away.
Also PMC 25 23i, didn't impress either, bass sounded disconnected from the mix. I usually like the transmission line speakers I hear, but not on this occasion. Much smaller than expected too, dinky things for the money. Again, should have probably sat further back.
I also really liked the Graham Audio LS5/9f that I went to hear. These did everything the ProAcs did but slightly better, except the bass on some recordings. Electronica mixed with smaller speakers sounded weird at times, just went too deep. Otherwise, a very enjoyable speaker that really drew you in and looks very nice in the flesh. Hard to not listen to full tracks. Easily a last speaker candidate for most I reckon with great pride of ownership.
Nearly £1500 difference between the ProAcs and the Graham's though and I am not sure it can be fully justified, depends on tour wallet I guess. I suspect the ProAcs are probably better across a wider range of genre's as well. Hoping to listen to the Graham LS6/f's, which by the time you have added stands to the Response D2's are a similar kind of money.
I also listened to the Exposure 2510, not for me. Midrange especially felt recessed compared to the Naim amps. Again, perhaps not run in.
Question with anyone with ProAc Response D2's, do you have to stay within the nearfield (within 2 metres) to get good imaging and soundstage? How are they when sitting further back? Oh and what is the difference between the SM100's and the D2's other than finish, does the SM100 driver handle more power or something for studio use?