My misgivings about dropping from 250 watts per channel, my old Levinson, to the 125 watts per channel AMP5 were unfounded. I do recommend a subwoofer if you have ineffecient mains, like my Theil CS3.6.
This is the most transparent and musical solid state amplifier I have owned or listened to - bar none. Goes without saying that it's built like a tank as well.

If you're an audiophile moving into Home Theater - albeit reluctantly - this is the way to do it.

"Refined" Is the single best term to describe this amplifier. Stunning build quality and construction incorporating Madrigal's legendary 'Levinson' technology/quality have produced a simply breathtaking marvel of engineering. Of all the multi-channel amplifiers I have ever heard (I have heard a lot including Bryston, Krell, Carver, Parasound and countless others) this is the best (I have not yet heard Proceed's HPA series). In fact its hard to articulate just how good this amplifier really is. Its high's are accurate with plenty of air around instruments, mids are smooth, rich and warm and bass is tight, punchy and exceptionally well controlled. The overall sonic character is one of transparency. The amplifier simply disappears in the system (as it should). Instruments are perfectly placed and the soundstage is large and deep extening well beyond the boundaries of the room. I find it hard to beleive this amplifier could 'ever' run out of breath. Its a powerhouse of power (even with all channels driven) with seemingly limitless reserves of power on tap. Its sound is beautifully refined, warm and rich. This amplifier seems custom made for my Mirage OM-10's. It also drives the centre (OMC-2) and surrounds (OMR-2). At $5000 US and over 50kg this amplifier is no featherweight; yet it outperforms amplifers more than twice its price and is exceptional value for money at $1000 per channel. In listening evaluations the Proceed proved far more natural than its counterparts (some of which cost considerably more) and ever so slightly laidback. I found this very much to my liking. This amplifer is extremley melodic and in my opinion 'sonic perfection'. Highly reccomended.

I purchased the Proceed AMP5 and AVP combination in April of 1998. I replaced an old Acoustat TNT200 that I loved for music. In my opinion the Proceed AMP5 is a perfect match for my Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers. The Dynaudio's are fairly insensitive 4 ohm speakers and the AMP5 handles them beautifully. Definitely 5 stars.

I to am moving away from a stereo only system to a HT system that my family can enjoy and participate in . Like the other posts here music is still important which means the components such as the amplifier have to be musical as well as convey the excitement and ambiance in a movie soundtrack. The AMP5 appeared to be the logical choice based on rave reviews and dealer recommendations. In fact I almost ordered one without auditioning the AMP5 at home, but better judgement prevailed.
I auditioned the AMP5 using a Rotel RSP 980 THX processor which I have used for some time in a separate HT system. I A/B'd the AMP5 to my 2 channel Ayre V-3 driving a pair of B&W 802s.

I found that the transformer hum from the AMP5 was quite loud, even in standby mode. On low level passages I could still hear the transformers. Also I could not fully eliminate a ground loop hum, even with cheater plugs and using the same dedicated 20 amp outlet as the rest of the equipment.

On music my initial impressions were favorable. Good separation of instruments, lots of air, not agressive or in your face, a little laid back, and nice extended highs. I wanted very badly to like this amp. But after listening over several days the list of shortfalls was serious enough to drop the AMP5 from consideration.

- high noise floor
- have to strain to hear low level details
- percussive bass is weak
- soundstage is only average, and is phasey
- bass slam and control below average

Perhaps its unfair to compare the AMP5 to the Ayre V-3, but I expected some compromises, I just didn't expect this many. Since auditioning the AMP5 I have tried amps from Bryston and Aragon. While these have some flaws to me they represent a better set of compromises which I can live with.

Overall I can only rate the AMP5 at about 3 1/2 stars for performance and value. Anyone seriously considering this amp I urge you to make the comparisons to other amps, you may be surprised. There seems to be a marketing drive both at the reviewer and dealer level that is pushing this amp. I don't believe the hype is justified.

I to am making the full transition into HT from a quality dedicated stereo system consisting of a SF Line 1, McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe, B&W 802s, and Meridian 508.24. I considered adding McCormack's DNA-HT1 3 channel amp to flesh out the center and surround channels in addition to replacing my Line 1 with Meridian's new 561 pre/pro. I had also heard good things about Proceed's AMP5 and was attracted to the idea of 5 channels in one chassis, so I decided to compare the AMP5 to my DNA-1.
I fully expected a falloff in control and output level given the AMP5's 125 wpc rating versus my DNA-1's 185 wpc rating. Wrong! Not only does the AMP5 sound more powerful then the DNA-1 but the bass is more extended, firmer, and more controlled then the DNA-1. The highs are also more extended without sounding harsh. In fact the highs are very detailed, yet sweet and airy sounding. The soundstage has a slightly more distant perspective then the DNA-1. This actually gives a more balanced presentation allowing individual players to be identified in their own space within the venue of the recording.

The AMP5 will become my new HT/Music amplifier. At $1000 per channel it isn't cheap. But to get better sound, and probably subtle improvements at that, you would have to spend far more and live with multiple components. And yes, HT sounds exceptional with this amp.

Highest possible rating for sound quality, build, convience, and value.

my "mid-fi" system below sony TAE-2000ES digital pre-amp
adcom GDA-700 d/a with CAL Delta transport
Adcom GFA-2353 200WATT AMP
POLK RTA-11T & KEF Q50
Audioquest cables

I've always liked treble over Bass and systems a little on the bright side.. the problem I had with the Adcom amp was the Q50's voices were very clear (almost too clear& sharp) but music lacked body, or details.. the POLK's had alot more body

I replaced the Adcom AMP with the Proceed AMP5, I immediately noticed a big change. the KEF's got alot more body, less bright. & the polks got alot more details.. I also replaced the Sony 2000esd & adcom D/A coverter with the Theta Cassablanca (3ch Superior D/A & DTS/AC3 Card)after doing this the music really came alive, very vibrant, very lifelike..

I would highly recommend this AMP to anyone the fact it supports 5channels gives plenty of room for expandability to HT.. My only complaint is the unit looks alot lighter then it really is (over 120Lbs) the first time I lifted it out of the car on the way home I almost dropped it on my foot :)

I recently auditioned the AMP5 feeling that this was probably the amp I would buy to meet my home theater and music needs. The build quality and weight of this amp live up to its reputation. I initially listened to the AMP5 while watching a few DVDs; it was smooth, had good punch without getting harsh or overly nervous on bombastic scenes, and produced a large seamless sound stage from all channels. For HT use the AMP5 is quite nice. I then listened to several CDs. Based on my tastes I found the AMP5 to be a little to laid back, the punch I experienced listening to movies didn't translate into solid, well defined bass. I thought the bass was somewhat weak in this respect. The highs were airy and extended, and the soundstage was very large, but I didn't feel that instruments were naturally where they should be.
Definitely give the AMP5 a listen, but keep an open mind and compare it to the competition. Overall I think the AMP5 is a little pricey just for 'smooth big sound staged' home theater use. Sure, it sounds better then mid-fi gear, but Krell and Bryston both make 5 channel units that IMO offer better value and performance. Three and a half stars.