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Proceed AVP-2, Did they fix the glitches?

I'm considering upgrading from my B&K Ref 30 pre/pro basically just to get better overall sound quality, adding the ability to use balanced connections (not included on the B&K). However, the B&K bass management, speaker configuration and memorization for each source is very cool and something I don't want to be without. Through recommendations from dealers and fellow audiogoners, I've narrowed it to the Proceed AVP-2 or the Theta Casablanca 2. I want to keep the cost under 10K.

The Proceed seems great and user friendly but I'm not quite clear if its got the capability to do the things I've mentioned above. I also noticed comments of glitches on the original AVP i.e. cutting off the first bit of each song on a CD with digital sources, losing the DTS output when putting your DVD on pause (causing you to go back to re-set up the audio from the start and then relocate where you were in the movie). My B&K has been flawless. I don't want to spend more money for those type problems. By the way, I only intend to use 5.1 surround. Also, I am extremely into the audio part and am forced to use my system for both (no room for two)

I would love your input about any of this and would welcome suggestions for better pre/processors out there.
twopippis
stehno
1,453 posts
 
It sounds like you have a number of requirements and you might want to prioritize them. No matter how much you spend you will compromise on one or more of those requirements.

I would suggest making audio the no. 1 priority. IMO, if that isn't right, it doesn't matter how good the bass management or any other aspect is.

I had read that the B&K Ref 30 is not very good as an audio performer. If that is true, it makes sense to upgrade.

Personally I do not like Proceed. It's never rated that sonically and it certainly seems overpriced. Sonically, I would guess the Theta to be superior to the Proceed.

I'm using a Primare P30 pre/pro in my 2.1 channel system and believe it to be a first rate performer sonically. It's a no frills, no thrills, bare-boned pre/pro designed with a music first approach. I've found it to be sonically superior when compared to 3 preamps I've A/B compared in my home and one of them was very highly rated. The P30 also has 100% analog in 2-channel by-pass mode.

Others to consider might be the new Classe and McCormack pre/pros. They are supposed to be pretty good sonically as well.

McCormack has a brand new pre/pro with a music first approach. If I were in the market for a pre/pro, I'd check out the McCormack before any other unit.

-IMO
mdomnick
331 posts
 
The Anthem AVM20 is a good looking piece...I am concidering it as an upgrade from my Lexicon. Also, the Tag Mclaren AV 32R is suppose to be top notch. Wish I could say I had experience with them, but haven't. Let me know what you decided as I have the same requirements in my next pre/pro.
argent
245 posts
 
Well, you're in luck. I've owned both the B&K Ref-30 and the Proceed AVP.

I wanted to jump to an audio/video processor and figured the B&K had the most for the money. However, once I got it home I was not all that impressed with the sonic qualities. Previously I had a CJ PV12 in my 2-ch system. The B&K went back to the store and I took home the Proceed AVP. I must respectfully disagree with the poster above. I find the AVP to be sonically a superior pre-amp to many of its competitors--and quite a bit better than the B&K. And with the AVP-2 I read there will be an improved volume control assembly and better processors. As for the "glitches" the AVP suffers from, I do believe Proceed will address them. However, after tinkering with my AVP I was able to eliminate the "resetting" syndrome when putting the DVD on pause. I faced the same dilemma you did. The B&K is obviously a bells and whistles powerhouse, but lacking sonically. The AVP, while having great sound, does have a few drawbacks. For me, once I listened to the AVP my fears melted away. Try one as a demo in your home. Not sure when the AVP-2 will be out, but I've read that it is going to be fully up-to-date. Good luck with your purchase.
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