Proceed from Mark Levinson - AMP2 Amplifier

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Proceed (from Mark Levinson) AMP2 Amplifier

A perfect match to the Proceed AVP2 or PAV Processor/Preamp, along with the matching AMP3 three-channel amp, for a very capable 5 channel home theater setup. Simply click here to see all the available Proceed listings from our website.

Some scratches and edge wear, otherwise tested and working perfectly.

Click here for a PDF copy of the Proceed AMP2 / AMP3 Owner's Manual

Special Design Features (From the Owner's Manual):

Multiple monaural design
Consistent with the finest amplifiers, your Proceed AMP is a true “multiple monaural” design. Each audio channel has its own, dedicated power supply — including a separate 300VA toroidal transformer for each channel. This approach re- duces crosstalk between audio channels for superior imaging and reproduction of acoustic space. The demands placed on one channel have virtually no effect on the performance of the other channel(s).

Low impedance power supply
A critical factor in the ultimate performance of an amplifier is its “power supply impedance,” which can be loosely thought of as the freedom with which the au- dio circuitry has access to the power it needs, when it needs it. The design of your Proceed AMP has addressed this important characteristic in a comprehensive fashion. For example, the power supply capacitors (which act as “reservoirs” of power for the amplifier circuitry) are mounted directly to the printed circuit board, immediately adjacent to the output transistors (which require the greatest amount of current). The layout of the circuitry uses short, thick traces for high current paths. Internal current capability is further enhanced with high purity copper buss bars. This attention to detail yields an optimal environment in which the amplifier may operate to its maximum potential.

Balanced inputs
Each channel of your AMP is individually configurable to receive either balanced or single-ended inputs. This approach allows you to take full advantage of the greater immunity from noise, RFI, and EMI which balanced transmission of audio signals offers on any preamp-to-amplifier connection where it is supported. At the same time, any or all channels of the amplifier may be configured for single-ended inputs to maintain compatibility with the majority of preamplifiers available today. The gain structure of the AMP adjusts automatically when you select different inputs to facilitate this “mix and match” approach.

Robust output stage
Each channel of your Proceed AMP uses eight 150 watt power transistors. These transistors are all individually tested and sorted, and are used in matched sets to ensure that no one transistor bears a disproportionate part of the overall load. The combination of an “overbuilt” design specification and extraordinary attention to detail in manufacturing improves performance, reliability, and longevity.

Extensive protection
Your Proceed amplifier will shut itself down if it senses either the presence of DC (direct current) at the output or an unsafe operating temperature. In either case, a power relay will cause the amplifier to be disconnected from the AC mains. In addition, the AC input to each transformer is fused to protect against excessive current conditions such as driving shorted outputs. Finally, inrush limit- ing prevents premature aging of power supply components during power-up, and switches off-line once the power supply has been charged.

Home THX Audio System certification
Lucasfilm, Ltd.® has established minimum standards for the performance of various components which may be used in their Home THX® Audio System. With respect to power amplifiers, the standards address such things as:
• a low electrical noise floor to allow low-level information to be fully appreciated;
• the absence of any mechanical noise (fans noise, transformer winding buzzes), for the same reason;
• adequate power to meet the demands of modern films (which can be quite dynamic);
• flat frequency response for accurate reproduction of timbre;
• stability into relatively extreme loudspeaker loads, to ensure that the amplifier will perform well with a wide range of loudspeakers.

As you can see from this list, there is nothing about the Home THX amplifier specification that is particularly radical. It simply ensures a certain minimum standard of performance. In particular, there is nothing in the nature of the amplifier specification which prevents anyone from going above and beyond the minimum performance levels required by THX certification.

Both the Proceed AMP 2 and AMP 3 are certified for use in Home THX audio systems. In these products, Madrigal engineers have created powerful, versatile and extraordinarily musical power amplifiers, using the technology and design methodology for which they have become so well known. Equally suited to the rigors of film soundtracks and the finesse of high end music reproduction, the Proceed amplifier serves both needs quite well. In today’s growing market for multi-purpose systems, they represent an extraordinary value.

Our Testing Process for Amplifiers (Solid State) at SkyFi:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally, we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If everything reads clean, we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier then remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will be also be tested.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage Kef speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.