Are the "Outlaws" for real?

I own the model-950 and 755 combo and couldn't be happier. I've never owned what is considerd the really high end stuff, but I have owned numerous components from Adcom, Rotel, Onkyo M series, Yamaha, Denon, Sony ES, Fosgate, Parasound, etc., etc. The Outlaw amps are ATI amp's. ATI-1505 used to offer slightly more power and 8 output divices apposed to the 6 of the original 750, but it also cost several hundred more. However, the 755 now has 200wpc into 8ohms and 300wpc into 4ohms with 10 output devises and still cost hundreds less than the 1505. It is a great amp with very good build quality, and I would describe the sound as very nuetural. A great amp for the money for sure. As for the 950, as one guy mentioned it is feature packed, however, that is about all he got right, beside the fact that it does have a quirky remote (no big deal though, and still not bad as remotes go. Think it's the same one that comes with B&K and some other models). The intial units had some problems with hiss and this is what he was probably reading about. They stopped production and fixed this problem. However, the initial problem was only with certain very sensative speakers, like Klisch, but the fact that they stopped to fix it says something I think. Mine is rock solid and absolutey quiet. It has every feature you could want and peformance is OUTSTANDING, for both music and HT. 24/192 Cyrus logic D/A converters, etc. Direct input in the analog mode that by-passes all the digital circuitry and takes you straight to the volume control. It is exceptional, especially at it's price. I challange anyone to find something at this price that performs as well. BTW, the front is aluminum and not plastic, as was mentioned. The only downfall is that they do in fact look like some of the older NAD stuff, but at thier price to performance ratio who cares? Bottom line is that your going to be hard pressed to find something better for the price. Take a look on Audioholic's and see the article about the clone processor's. Sherbourn and Atlantic Tech. are putting new faceplats on the Outlaw designed units and selling the for several hundred dollars more. I've also heard the new Adcom is this same unit, but I don't know for sure.

Jack & Jayctoy: The comments regarding build quality and high noise floor were taken from those that own the 950 and have publicly posted such comments. More than a folks have stated such things, going so far as to say that they have sent them back to Outlaw, sometimes multiple times. Even with revision 2 units, they are still experiencing high levels of hiss and a lack of "black background". I have also seen units listed for sale / comments made here on Audiogon to the effect that the units are not the most reliable BUT that customer service is phenomenal.

Like i said, i was interested in buying one of these units and checked into it. I backed off after reading / finding out the above info. Less than a month ago, my Father asked to check into this unit for him. His thoughts were that the unit was unmatchable in terms of features for the money. I did further research and i'm still seeing the same complaints / comments / compliments being made about them as when they first came out i.e. it looks like they need better quality conrol and the customer service is exemplary. Sean
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Well Sean I do totally agree with you, everytime I
read your tread, I always learn, I could tell,you
do your homework, Maybe if i saw those bad comment
on the outlaw, I will also think 10 times or not
buying at all.

Here is a link for a comparison between the Outlaw 950 and the B&K Ref 30. Interesting that the tester claims that the 950 he had didn’t meet specs.

http://dsnyder.ws-e.com/outlaw/

I was interested in the 950 but now I think I'll wait until the used price for the Ref 30 comes down a tad.

Jayctoyz: Thanks for the kind words. I do what i can with what i have and try to share the limited knowledge / experience that has wandered my way. Either way, the bottom line is to enjoy what you have or find a way to get something that you can enjoy : )

Warehouse: That was a great find and very informative website. Thanks for posting the link. Not only did we learn about the actual performance of the 950, this link exposed me to another interesting item. I am refering to the program that David used to calibrate and measure the performance of these units i.e. TrueRTA. I'll have to check into this program as i think it might come in VERY handy if it has this type of resolution and is as easy to use as he makes it sound. Thanks again... Sean
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