Proceed CDP and DAC
R7,200.00
This unit is on loan to me for the moment as I am waiting for my Mark Levension 390S to arrive. Compared this unit to my old CDP which I just sold – the Electrocompaniet EMC1, the Proceed CDP has better imaging, dynamic, bass control, and sound faster than the EMC1, with extremely quiet background. However it sounds a bit more digital than the EMC1. If you are look for quick dynamic musical sound, this is the CDP to go for. I would say it beats the EMC1 in general. Now hoping my new 390S will sound better than the CDP !!
I searched for a replacement CD player for my Marantz CD-72 with a Forte Model 50 DAC. This combination sounded very good to me for a long time, but I got the itch for a change, so I auditioned a few different units including the Wadia 830, a Classe model, and the Proceed CDP. In my system the Wadia was far too harsh and bright. It gave my wife a headache in 20 minutes of listening. The Classe was also a bit on the “digital” sounding side. The Proceed had a much more rounded musical sound to it. Where the others had distinct sibilance on many vocals, the Proceed did not. I have become very satisfied with the quality and performance of the Proceed and the HDCD decoding is a bonus. My system consists of: 2 Forte Model 6a power amps Forte Model 40 preamp Apogee Duetta Signature speakers Paradigm Reference Servo 15 sub I had one problem with the Proceed after almost a year”s use, but Madrigal fixed it in about 4 weeks at no cost. My unit was purchased as a dealer demo, hence the significant savings off the list price of $3,495.00. At $2,100 it is a real bargain. I highly recommend it.
I was sort of forced into this one. My Carver CD Player went belly up after 15+ years, the first one Carver produced, it had been repaired twice during the 15+ years, but now it was time for something new. I followed the classified”s at audiogon for several weeks. I also got the usual flyers from local dealers and then as if by plan, Gramophone had a floor sample close out sale. I got the floor sample at a great price. When I got it home it worked for 15 minutes and then started to replay section of the cd all by itself. Just like a record player with a skipping LP. I took it back the next day and off it went to Madrigal. Four weeks later the unit arrived with upated software, replaced drive parts and it works great. I changed out the manufactures 9 ft. power cord with one from Kimber and am settling in for extended listening sessions. I”ll follow up this intro. review in a couple of months and let you know my observations/impressions then. If you can afford this price range go for it. (full retail is around $3200 – $3500 for this unit). There is a difference at this price level and I can hear it. You will not be disappointed with this unit. Give it a try if you can and good listening.
Description
Specifications
Disc format: CD
Digital outputs: coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, ST optical
Dimensions: 438 x 89 x 337mm
Weight: 11.4kg
