Looking for Pre/Pro with great 2 ch sound

Lexicon MC-8

After doing some research of the Proceeds, it seems that the AVP is available used for around 800-1000 and the AVP for around 2000. The AVP2+6 is around 2500. Any opinions on the differences and whether the newer versions are worth the extra money?

I read that Proceed was absorbed into Mark Levinson a few years back. Have they always been related to Levinson or where they previously independent? I ask because people describe the Proceeds as Levinson technology at a non-Levinson price. Any interesting details on the company history?

Thanks.

I have an AVM 30 with a PVA 7 amp. It is nice with two channel. If you don't mind some of the dsp's then the anthem has a nice mode which accents the front 2.1 channels but fills in the rear two channels with ambient sounds. It doesn't sound quite so hoaky as other surround formats. I use it often when i listen too two channel music on my HT setup.

Bmdduck,

Proceed has always been associated with Levinson through Madrigal as far as I know.

I bought my first Proceed products, a PAV and Amp 2, in the early to mid '90 period, and still have those units, as well as a PAV/PDSD pre/pro pair, a second Amp 2, and an Amp 3. The Proceed stuff has been reliable and sounds fine to me. The PAV/PDSD pair was replaced in the Proceed line by the more practical and cost effective single chassis AVP, AVP 2, and AVP 2-6 series. The PDSD was essentially a card cage with great upgrade flexibility potential, but the idea seemed to have been dropped at some point; the PAV/PDSD was a pricey pair.

db

I was very pleased with the 2 channel (direct) capabilities of my old factory upgraded Acurus Act 3 (upgraded to Aragon Stage 1 status), as well as the unbeatablely dynamic, clear, and detailed PCM/24bit/DD/DTS playback! This piece is very very rare, as they only moded a few of these units. But, I've never found a better DD/DTS pre/pro for movies, PCM, or direct analog through all input on the unit! Much more refined and balanced than the old Act 3. Worth a peak around (no HDMI switching, or anything. But otherwise, superb! - can be had around $1200 range used. Which is a steal, since the factory upgrade alone was $1100!