Opinions on Outlaw Audio

**tango** · **02-08-07, 03:13 PM**

I was originally looking at the separates but then caught sight of the receiver. Looks like a nice unit but only 65 watts. From the reviews I have read though the 65 watts is really all you'll need as it is quite powerful. Any opinions?

**JCD** · **02-08-07, 03:40 PM**

Let me preface this with: having more clean watts is better -- however, 65watts for most rooms and with most speakers is probably all you really need. Most speakers are using only about 10watts (from what I heard/remember) 90% of the time; therefore, most of the time, 65watts is plenty. All of this assumes that you have a powered subwoofer with a cutoff of 80hz. If you were running your speakers full range, I'd probably change my answer, especially for movies that have a lot explosions as bass frequencies require a lot more wattage to reach the same dB levels.

The other issue I'd point out is that the stated wattage of most commercial receivers is very overstated, so the 65watts from Outlaw (which I understand are fairly conservative) is probably the equivalent of 80-100watts from the other mainstream players.

The last tidbit that I'll add is that the extra volume from increasing the wattage from 65watts to 125watts is less than 3dB. To get to a level that is perceived to be twice as loud as the 65watts, you'd need an amp capable of pumping out 650watts (for a 10dB change).

JCD

**chas** · **02-08-07, 06:08 PM**

I had a 1070 for awhile, and the 65 watts sounded more dynamic and powerful than the 100-110 watt receivers i've had. I returned it because of the no-audio issues they've had. I know Outlaw has recently issued another software patch to deal with that problem.

**tango** · **02-08-07, 06:34 PM**

What were the no-audio issues they had?

**Dbeistel** · **02-08-07, 07:29 PM**

tango,

go to the Outlaw Audio website and go into the hideout and into the forum and there should be post on the issues or concerns from 1070 owners.

**blownrx7** · **02-09-07, 06:47 AM**

I fully concur with JCD's comments. That being said, if your room is very large AND you like turning it up for those big crescendo movie scenes or doing some serious headbanging AND you have inefficient speakers then 65 watts (or 125 watts from Sony;-) will NOT do it.
Be very aware of your speaker efficiency since you can pick up the "doubling of volume" simply by going from 87db speakers to 90 db speakers with the same amp!
I have not personally tried Outlaw since they were not around when I had already moved up the "emptying my wallet"

chain BUT they have a loyal following and that kind of admiration does not come from making subpar products.
So, first, be honest about what will satisfy you decibel-wise, evaluater your speaker requirements and room application and go from there in choosing the correct sized amplification.
HTH

**Otto** · **02-09-07, 09:54 AM**

Hi there tango,

I have an Outlaw 990 pre/pro. All in all, it's been an excellent machine, especially for the price. Outlaw has excellent customer support, and they have been responsive to my emails, phone calls and a marginally defective piece (they sent me out a new one, with paid shipping both ways).

I have never tried any of their amplification devices, but I understand they are well regarded. As noted by someone else, they are also pretty conservative in their stated power ratings. In general, more power is good, especially for high output dynamics, but I would bet that 65 Outlaw watts will be plenty to get you through 99% of what you need, especially if you have fairly efficient speakers.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here, but that you probably know about already, is their 30-day in-home trial period. As with most of the ID companies, it's their best way to get you to be able to audition their gear. If the piece suits you, I'd suggest giving it a try. If you don't like it, you're out a little for shipping. But if it were me auditioining that piece, I bet I'd end up keeping it.

Good luck either way!

**tango** · **02-09-07, 10:37 AM**

I'm using Paradigm monitor 11's for the front and ADP370 for the rears. The 11's have a 95db sensitivity and the ADP are 94db. So I should be ok.

**blownrx7** · **02-09-07, 03:43 PM**

Agree!!!

**basementjack** · **02-09-07, 03:47 PM**

Thats killer sensitivity!

**tango** · **02-09-07, 03:55 PM**

That's why I have always liked paradigm. I also like Klipsch ( also great sensitivity) but sometimes they are just too bright sounding. Great for music, but I d'ont like them so much for movies.

**srckkmack** · **02-12-07, 01:49 PM**

Tango,
I don't have an Outlaw receiver, but I do own the Outlaw 755 5x200W amp. Outlaw was great to deal with, packages the products very well for shipping, has great products for the price, and has a good warranty. I would definitely do business with them again.

I also have Paradigm speakers, using the Studio 60's in front. I replaced a set of Klipsch speakers (CF-1) with the Paradigms and noted that the Klipsch were much more sensitive (but not as smooth). Paradigm lists the Monitor 11 as 94dB in room compared to the 60's at 91dB. I don't recall what Klipsch listed the CF-1's at, but they were easier to drive. I think at 94dB you'll be fine with the Outlaw 65W output.

If the Outlaw has all the features you want, I think you'll be fine with 65W driving your Monitor 11's. If you still feel it's underpowered but like the receiver, they have pre-outs that you can use as part of a pre/pro setup. Give Outlaw a try and if it doesn't work out, it will only cost you shipping to return it.

**Darren** · **02-12-07, 02:11 PM**

I've had an Outlaw ICBM for a number of years and it has served me well. Gives me great control of the crossover frequency of all my speakers.

**SteveCallas** · **02-12-07, 02:37 PM**

I'll be the opposing voice

I noticed in the review from hometheatermag.com that the power ratings don't get much higher with two channel compared to full seven channel. This may or may not mean much to you if you don't do a lot of stereo music listening or at least not very loudly.

**Otto** · **02-12-07, 02:48 PM**

Quote:

SteveCallas wrote:

I'll be the opposing voice

I noticed in the review from hometheatermag.com that the power ratings don't get much higher with two channel compared to full seven channel. This may or may not mean much to you if you don't do a lot of stereo music listening or at least not very loudly.

Should you get more power out of two-channel vs. five-channel though? As long as "all channels driven" perform to spec or better, that's good with me. I don't think I'm going to get appreciably more output from my Sunfire Cinema Grand with one channel vs. all five being run...

Isn't that more of a problem with lower-end amps and receivers? They'll spec something for stereo, but you won't get that same value with "all channels driven." Probably because the power supply runs out of steam.

I could be way off....

**fibreKid** · **02-12-07, 03:11 PM**

Bottom of page.

http://www.audioholics.com/productre...5_review10.php

This isn't all that uncommon. Read the ratings/specs and check any equip you are looking at.

For you Denon fans I'm not bashing, I own one.

**SteveCallas** · **02-12-07, 07:07 PM**

I looked at some more of the receivers they measured and I guess it isn't that uncommon. I guess I had a Yamaha amp section on my mind, they seem to be able to double up or more in power when only driving two channels

**tango** · **02-13-07, 03:26 PM**

Thanks to all who replied. After carefully consideration I have decided to go with a Denon AVR-3806. I like the features it had and a big plus was the room EQ mode to help set it up. Hopefully, it was a good choice. The Outlaw is a very nice unit and I would definately put them in the running again if I ever decided to change.

Thanks again.

**blownrx7** · **02-13-07, 03:43 PM**

Tango,
Congrats on the selection.

I feel the big thing going for the Denon is it's connectivity/flexibility and the auto room correction. Built-in hdmi switching (albeit only 2x1) is something you have to pay extra for and the preamp out option allows you to grow if you so choose without having to learn a whole new pre/pro.
The only thing that may frustrate you is the remote - easily solved by a universal remote.
Enjoy!!!

**JCD** · **02-13-07, 03:49 PM**

Hey, it's a great piece of equipment! I probably do the same thing as you did.

Make sure you give us a review after you set it up!

JCD

**Sonnie** · **02-13-07, 04:01 PM**

Yep... nice unit and one I have personally owned... there were absolutely no drawbacks to it for me. The only reason I sold it was to try out the Maestro M2 processor for a while. If I didn't wanna give Yamaha a chance, I would certainly go back to Denon being I can get them at cost.

**srckkmack** · **02-13-07, 08:10 PM**

Tango,
Congrats on the Denon! I've heard many good things about them, especially the room equilization.

Sonnie,
After you get some time on the Yamaha, could you please post your opinions on the pros and cons of the Denon, Maestro, Yamaha, and any other receiver you may have owned?

**tango** · **02-14-07, 09:05 AM**

On the Denon, If I route the HDMI cable through it will I "honestly" lose any picture quality? I am going with the Toshiba HD-XA2 for the 720p upconvert. I assume the onscreen setup will work with the HDMI cable? It would save me from having to run an S-video for the onscreen setup guide.

**blownrx7** · **02-14-07, 09:21 AM**

I'm using an Oppo with the Denon and I did not see any degradation.
It is operating as a pass-thru switch, no conversion going on inside the Denon, so it should have no opportunity to degrade the digital signal

**tango** · **02-14-07, 09:32 AM**

Just wondering, My (POS) AVR7000 HK saw some degradation of the signal. Just more connections where it is possible. Thanks.

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