Outlaw Audio Model 990 Balanced Pre/Pro

[djoxygen]

I'm sure our esteemed site editors have tons of press releases to dig through every day, so this may still be working its way to the top of the pile...

http://www.avrev.com/news/0505/6.outlaw.html

This drops the price of a 7.1 surround pre/pro with balanced output and digital video switching by at least 75%!

In a nutshell: pretty much the laundry list of current major surround decoding, 2 x 1 DVI switching, 7.1 balanced pre-amp outs, 2 zones (with independent Zone 2 remote) , HD-capable 3 x 1 component video switching, up-/down-conversion of all analog video types, flash-upgradable, etc...

As far as I've been able to find, the cheapest balanced pre/pro is Sunfire's Theater Grand series in the $3K range, but as of yet, they only have analog video switching. To get integrated digital video (until now) I think the "cheapest" option was to put the HDMI card in an Integra Research RDC-7.1. Probably close to $5K for that rig (with their allegedly stellar audio quality included in the price).

Anyone in the forums have experience with other Outlaw gear? Do they cut any corners to hit these price points? As far as I could find Audioholics' staff hasn't reviewed any of their gear.

 

[Leprkon]

Here's one Outlaw review. It's a little dated.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/clone_prepros.php

Most people who buy Outlaws are fairly fanatical about the products, especially the subwoofer. They invariably get rave reviews for product support. The gear seems to be extremely well-priced.

Outlaw itself is a re-packager. They make very little of their own equipment and do mostly cosmetic stuff. The rest is purchased from OEM's who sell to a number of other re-packagers. You don't get the name recognition of NAD or Rotel, but it's half the price.

The one thing you don't see is a quick turnover in product. Three or four changes in Yamaha or Denon product lines will happen between each new Outlaw product. This is pretty much to be expected from a smaller company.

Outlaw's stuff is generally state of the art when it comes out, but will be well behind the technology before it's replaced.

 

[Takeereasy]

I think that the product you are talking about is a fantastic buy, and seems to be a price leader as well. That said I have only ever read the reviews and seen the photos.

Here is another product worth looking at, and I'd be willing to bet it is more likely that the reviewers on this site will get their hands on this guy before the outlaw. Emotiva Pre The amp that goes with this guy weighs in at 115lbs! Yes it costs more but it glows blue and does some other stuff that the outlaw doesn't.

 

[djoxygen]

Here's one Outlaw review. It's a little dated.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/clone_prepros.php

Not exactly a review, but very interesting nevertheless. Upon reading it, I believe I remember when the article was first posted.

You don't get the name recognition of NAD or Rotel, but it's half the price.

Or 1/3, or 1/4. Anyone know what the sister models to the 990 are?

 

[Takeereasy]

It is the sister product of the Sherwood p965. But it has been upgraded over that unit to fix some bugs it had apparently.

 

[djoxygen]

Here is another product worth looking at, and I'd be willing to bet it is more likely that the reviewers on this site will get their hands on this guy before the outlaw. Emotiva Pre The amp that goes with this guy weighs in at 115lbs! Yes it costs more but it glows blue and does some other stuff that the outlaw doesn't.

I would have to put this one up there with the Sunfire. Maybe (?) the audio quality is superior to the Outlaw, but the (lack of) digital video switching and price don't come close. I looked at the Emotiva when it was first introduced and ruled it out based on the video and that the Significant Other (and myself) would rather have a $3K trip to Europe than a $3K pre/pro.

 

[Leprkon]

Here's a little more info.

http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=34;t=000026

cat has departed.

 

[djoxygen]

I *love* these forums. You guys rock. Thx for all the info!