General Asylum: REVIEW: Proceed AMP2 Amplifier (SS) by recycler27

Model:	AMP2
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2,000
Description:	thx dual-mono power amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Proceed
Manufacturer URL:	Proceed

Review by recycler27 on November 16, 2001 at 10:43:28
IP Address: 162.94.28.70

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for the AMP2

I have used a Proceed Amp2 for about five years. I wanted a high quality amplifier to get the best out of my B&W 801 series 80 loudspeakers, and of the amps I auditioned at a $2K price point (I also tried very good-sounding ones from Classe and ARC ss) this one sounded the best. As I settled in with this amp, my appreciation for its virtues increased steadily. I have long since concluded that this amp is bulletproof, always musical, totally reliable, and produces no extraneous sounds whatsoever (no hums, clicks, or hissy-fits). It has been very easy to live with and has never given me the slightest problem. It requires virtually no warm-up; sound quality may improve very slightly in the first five minutes after turn-on, but its stand-by mode keeps it ready to listen to all the time. This amp is neutral and very musical to my ears. The B&W 801s are not an easy load to drive, and they are quite revealing, so I would suppose that the Proceed Amp2 could partner well with virtually any loudspeaker.
On the downside, the status indicator, an amber led, does not always let me know clearly whether the amp is in standby mode or turned on. This is due to the varying light levels in the music room. If the led changed color instead of just changing brightness, it would be an improvement. And I would prefer to have a toggle switch instead of an on-off button. These are very minor misgivings!
I position the amp on a Target floor stand with Black Diamond Racing Cones, which seem to focus and clarify the sound.
I intend to keep this amp for many more years to come.

Product Weakness: sleek product design disguises its serious build quality and musicality
Product Strengths: bulletproof, always musical, totally reliable

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Proceed AMP2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC LS3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Theta Pearl & Theta Prime / Merrill-AR/Audioquest arm/Grado Gold/
Speakers:	B&W 80l series 80
Cables/Interconnects:	AQ / mostly AQ ruby
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	eclectic
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 22 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	lots of book and record shelves
Time Period/Length of Audition:	5 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	API wedge 114
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	sleek product design disguises its serious build quality and musicality
Product Strengths:	bulletproof, always musical, totally reliable