Arcam receiver vs. Outlaw separates

[rushwj]

i am currently using paradigm studio 20's for front L&R w/ matching cc-470 (surrounds are of a different brand but will soon match w/ adp-470's) and a HSU subwoofer and am trying to decide what to do about powering and processing (old HK receiver is getting replaced secondary to a hum/hiss problem). I listen to music about 70% and movies/TV 30%.

1) I had been heavily thinking about an Arcam AVR300 (factory refurb for about $1600 w/ warranty) but recently have been alerted to Outlaw audio's separates and am wondering which would be better choice. The separates I was looking at ranged in various combos of the 970 or 990 Pre/Pros with the 7125 or 7075 Amps. Costs tend to run from $1300 to $1900 (all dollars american).
2) if i go w/ the outlaw separates, is the 75 watt 7075 enough to power this setup or would i require/be better off w/ the 125 W of the 7125?

Thanks in advance for the help.
-William

 

[zumbo]

Why not Adcom?
http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/adgfhi4ohmst.html

It's HDMI ready!

 

[Doug917]

I have an Outlaw 990 and have been very impressed with the 2-channel and movie performance. I have heard a lot of people say the Arcam is better on 2-channel though. I have never heard the Arcam myself.

If I was buying an amp, I would not buy anything under 200 watts per channel. The performance really jumps up at this level and above. Anything less has always left me wanting more and I have very sensitive speakers (Klipsch). The higher wattage give much better low frequency performance in my opinion.

 

[rushwj]

Doug, thanks for the reply. I gather that you'd recommend the 990 paired w/ one of the new outlaw amps coming out (7700 or 7500)? how does the 755 work for you? are you pleased with it? should i look into a second hand 755?

 

[Doug917]

rushwj,

I would of course recommend the 990 as it does very well with music and I am perfectly happy with its performance. As I am not totally biased, you may want to listen to the Arcam though, as it is supposed to be even better with music; I just didn't think it would be twice-the-price good, so I went ahead with the 990 and haven't been sorry.

The 755 amps I use are incredible. I don't think you can go wrong with the performance you get at the price. I would expect the new amps coming soon to be of equal value and performance.