3-way Shootout Yammy 2500 vs. 990 vs. 970

[Doug917]

I had been wanting to know for a long time if I would get better performance from a budget preamp. I have finally explored using a preamp as a preamp, instead of using a receiver as a preamp. My results are here:

http://processors.dblattman.com

 

[Takeereasy]

Great job Doug, I really liked the reviews, and the conclusion was well written and everything was easy to read and understand. It's nice to see the Outlaw do so well, and it was also nice to see someone comparing three such nice models. COngrats and I hope you really enjoy the 990.

 

[chas_w]

Very interesting read...and nicely done web pages. I've been thinking about these Outlaw products and appreciate the info! Keep us updated as you put more time on the 990.

 

[xboxweasel]

Interesting read. I have the 2500. I've always wondered if there would be an improvement in sound when going to a pre/pro. I've asked but never got a satisfactory answer. I do like the 2500 a lot. It really fits in well. After reading your review I am thinking that I should venture down that road too. Perhaps next year (thinking summer) I will borrow a pre/pro from my local AV shop. One thing that was interesting, both outlaw pre/pro's had DVI in/out. I did not know that anybody used those. I was under the impression that DVI was skipped over, and that everyone went with HDMI.

Thanks for the review. Good job.

 

[chas_w]

DVI vs HDMI

Outlaw discusses this on their website:

Q. Why does the Model 990 have DVI switching instead of HDMI?

A. At this time we believe that the more stable DVI format is a more appropriate choice, since it is well established and totally compatible with HDMI from a video standpoint. Unfortunately, HDMI is still a moving target, with the 1.2 specifications still awaiting final release. More importantly, there is a big unknown regarding the specifications of the ñnextî version of HDMI that will allow transport of Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD data streams. (Indeed, the actual specs for the two codecs, themselves, have not been released either.) At this time it is impossible for the Outlaws or anyone else to know if a hardware, rather than software upgrade will be required to accommodate those two new formats on HDMI and with existing DSP engines. Quite frankly, we preferred to select a viable digital video format that is useable today rather than risk a high-cost solution that appears not to be ready for prime time.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/support/faq_990.html

 

[mtrycrafts]

I had been wanting to know for a long time if I would get better performance from a budget preamp. I have finally explored using a preamp as a preamp, instead of using a receiver as a preamp. My results are here:

http://processors.dblattman.com

Nice pictures, easy to read what is on the back panels

 

[xboxweasel]

Chas_w, I read an article in Home Theater over the weekend more or less mentioning the very thing about HDMI v1.2 and v1.3.

I am a little upset that they have not thought this through and are still mucking about. I'll stick to optical digital audio and component video for now. No one is messing with that.

 

[agarwalro]

Very good review. I have the HTR-5890 and I completely agree with the comparison of the Yamaha "2-Ch Stereo" and "Pure Direct" modes.

We must not forget that the Yamaha is a receiver and the Outlaw 990 a pre/pro. So if you decide to get it, dont you have to factor in the cost of a good 7 channel amp. That would put the Outlaws a tier above the Yamaha in the price brackets.

 

[Doug917]

agarwalro,

I was using the 2500 strickly as a pre/pro with the Outlaw 755 amps. Had I been comparing it to the Outlaws using its internal amps, it would not have fared as well.

 

[agarwalro]

I was using the 2500 strickly as a pre/pro with the Outlaw 755 amps. Had I been comparing it to the Outlaws using its internal amps, it would not have fared as well.

Thanks for the clarification.

Do the Outlaws facilitate the use of the sub in stereo mode.

 

[Doug917]

Yes, and they also have an offset for 2-channel, which I think is great cause I always bump the LFE on movies, so it allows me to trim the sub for music a few dB one time and forget about it.

 

[surveyor]

You did an excellent review there Doug!
You've got me leaning towards the Outlaw 990!
However; could you run the Outlaw 990 against the Yamaha RX-V2600 before I make a final decision?
After all, you seem to have very deep pockets!

Cheers,

Surveyor

 

[Doug917]

surveyor,

I don't think I can do that if I want to keep my wife, she does control how deep my pockets get . If anyone in the KC area has a 2600 and wants to put it head to head with the 990, I'm up for it though. I don't think the results would be that different from those of the 2500 however. I thought the main difference with the 2600 was that some thought the amps were a bit stronger and more capable of driving lower ohm speakers. Since I was using much more powerful external amplification with the 2500, it would probably be pretty much the same for the 2600.

 

[surveyor]

surveyor,

I don't think I can do that if I want to keep my wife, she does control how deep my pockets get . If anyone in the KC area has a 2600 and wants to put it head to head with the 990, I'm up for it though. I don't think the results would be that different from those of the 2500 however. I thought the main difference with the 2600 was that some thought the amps were a bit stronger and more capable of driving lower ohm speakers. Since I was using much more powerful external amplification with the 2500, it would probably be pretty much the same for the 2600.

I think thats probbably the case with the 2600.
Anyway the 990 is probable for me in the future.
Thanks.

 

[rushwj]

thanks

That was great Doug! I really appreciate your detailed review of those components. I am in a similar quandry as to what to do and get and reading your review has (unfortunately for my pocket book) leaned me towards the 990 (which i was already doing a little of anyway).
-william