Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Outlaw 950 Preamplifier (HT) by rkeman

Model:	950
Category:	Preamplifier (HT)
Suggested Retail Price:	$899
Description:	Preamp/Processor/Tuner for multichannel playback
Manufacturer URL:	Outlaw
Model Picture:	View

Review by rkeman ( A ) on October 29, 2003 at 09:05:13
IP Address: 12.168.121.30

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for the 950

The Outlaw 950 is an excellent value and fine performer. The features set is fairly complete with the only downside being the limited bass management with the 5.1 analog bypass (fixed 80Hz crossover)and the provision of only two coaxial digital inputs. The build quality is very good with high quality input connectors, a hefty power supply, and nicely constructed circuit boards. The front panel provides a very useful display and access to nearly all of the necessary functions to operate the processor. This is much preferable to processors which require a video display and remote control for set-up. The remote control is a variant of the Theater Master SL-9000 and is comprehensive and simple to operate. Installation is painless in large part due to well written owner's manual.

So how does the 950 perform as a preamp/processor/tuner? All the features in the world cannot make up for mediocre perfromance and the 950 offers that in spades! The noise floor is very low in any mode of operation. The sound on conventional CD's is everything most users could ask for, being smooth crisp and clean. Digital Dolby and DTS are superb without a trace of glare or grain so common in affordable electronics. Dolby ProLogic II is a huge improvement over the older ProLogic version and offers a useful music mode that actually sounds quite nice with most program material. The triple digital crossovers in particular stand out as a boon for those using speakers with substantially different bass capabilities, a feature found on only a handful of processors. The only shortcomings I have found are the relatively long time required for digital signal lock (never more than about 2 seconds and usually less) and the unusual scheme for DVD player transport functions on the remote control. The lack of unecessary glitz and useless suurround processing modes is quite refreshing. Outlaw clearly invested the money in the 950 where it would yield the highest return. Give it a try before spending more on the competeion, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Product Weakness: Minor remote control issues.
Product Strengths: Superb value and superior sound quality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Outlaw 750 and M200
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Outlaw 950
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer Elite 45A DVD Player, Motorola Cable Converter
Speakers:	Magnepan MG-1.6, MG-MCM1, CC-3
Cables/Interconnects:	Canare DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Various music and movies
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Typical Furnishings
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One month
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Minor remote control issues.
Product Strengths:	Superb value and superior sound quality.