Outlaw vs. Rotel

[mike c]

The Outlaw website describes the monoblocks as "stackable"

1) does that mean I dont have to provide space between these units? (as in: one on top of the other)

I emailed outlaw asking for the contact details of their local distributor, but assuming there is one ...

2 monoblocks is cheaper than a rotel rb1080 (both at 200w rms 2 channels)
3 monoblocks is cheaper than a rotel rb1080 and an rb03 (bridged to 180w)

2) is there a difference in sound quality between outlaws and rotels?
3) is there a difference in sound quality of a bridged amp over a single ch amp?
4) what brands/models of amps do you guys use? (im checking for options)

 

[mtrycrafts]

2) is there a difference in sound quality between outlaws and rotels?
3) is there a difference in sound quality of a bridged amp over a single ch amp?

Since they are both considered well designed, no reason why they would sound audibly different, in either condition. Modern components are transparent withing their design limits.

 

[mike c]

thanks mtry.

what does mtrycrafts mean? im having a hard time reading it mentally.
is it em-tri-crafts or em-try-crafts

 

[mulester7]

is there a difference in sound quality of a bridged amp over a single ch amp?

.....Mike, I've found a strapped amp on a front speaker, or fronts paralleled, brings a change in the presence of the speaker.....it would have to be the same for a center, and I wouldn't want one of the front three with a different presence....I would only strap an amp to kick a sub or small cannons....so far, haha.....

 

[mtrycrafts]

thanks mtry.

what does mtrycrafts mean? im having a hard time reading it mentally.
is it em-tri-crafts or em-try-crafts

A good question but the real answer is elusive It would give too much away. So, anyway you prefer.

 

[mike c]

its official, outlaw doesnt sell outside of the americas.

mulester, what you are saying is that if I were to power the frontLR with a 2ch amp, I should also separately power the center?
I have thought about it and have concluded that if I were to separate the frontLR from the receiver, the receiver would only have to be driving the center and 4 surrounds. besides, i dont know of any single channel amp available here, unless i was to bridge a rotel.

others, so what other amp brands give good power:good price ratio?

 

[Takeereasy]

Some names you always hear when it comes to amps are Adcom, ATI and Parasound. Throw in Nad and McIntosh but you'll most likely have to buy used. ATI is usually pretty reasonable especially Price/Performance wise IMO. They have a 3 channel amp that costs about $1000 US and puts out 185w a channel that seems very solid. I am not one who generally would suggest used but amps are generally pretty sturdy and as long as you buy quality you should have no trouble going used. I'm sorry Mike C but I'm really not too familiar with Manilla and what the price differences/availabilty issues are. Good luck with everything.

 

[mike c]

so, what are the good/cheap amps there in ontario? my cousins are there so i can ask them to bring it over.

btw, if you are using a separate amp, do you still set your floorstanding (full range) speakers as small?

edit: I need something that uses 220v , i noticed the back panel of the outlaw has a switch between 110v and 220v

 

[Takeereasy]

My favourite amps in Ontario are Anthems, (made by Paradigm's parent company) sadly, they are well, well beyond my reach for the moment, but the Prices are similar in both Canada and the US once you convert the currency. That isn't the case with most brands. The problem lies in the fact that the MCA 30 (amp I 'd pick from Anthem for your requirements) has about a $1500 US MSRP for a 3 channel amp. I could most likely get that amp for about $1500 Canadian, which is nice, but too much for me at the moment, and not needed for my setup. ATI only lists one authorized dealer in Canada but there are more, and their prices go through the roof once you cross our border. I've seen an 1800 series stereo amp (same series I'd suggest for you) selling for $1500 when the MSRP is the US is $900 and you can pick them up for less. Nad Arcam and Bryson are all at Bay Bloor Radio in Toronto. Pretty expensive but high quality stuff. I really like Parasounds new line of Amps, and would suggest them but I've only ever seen a couple of them and they were brought up north from the US. I have no Idea where to get them in Canada from an authorized dealer. You might want your relatives to look into pricing out a Bryston amp for you. Again they are pricy but they are built right here in Ontario so the pricing we get in this area (close to Toronto) is preferential.

 

[mike c]

first i checked out on your list is Bryston ... i like the looks but its spectacularly expensive! (i didnt see your "pricey" comment)
I already know the nad's are expensive.

I was thinking along the lines of outlaw prices

will check out the arcam and parasound options

 

[xboxweasel]

btw, if you are using a separate amp, do you still set your floorstanding (full range) speakers as small?

I would still set them to small. That way (with my reciever anyways) everything above the crossover setting is send to the speakers. The rest goes to the sub. Let it do all the work. I was build for that. I have benn adviced that you want to set all speakers, even full range speakers, to small. There are very few models that get set to large.

I'm using 3 Anthem amps. MC20 (x2) and MC30 to drive my 7.1 system. Don't think I'll ever go back to using a receiver to power my speakers. Makes for a nice improvement. And they were not that expensive. I consider them entry level when compared to the choices that are available out there. I also split the amps up. I went with 3 units instead of 2 (MC50+MC20) or 1 (PVA70 which is what I was going to do in the first place). That way if I ever had 1 failure (which is rare since amps are pretty robust. Unless you short the outputs) I still have 5 or 4 channels up and running.

Now, Anthem does make cheaper amps. The PVA series. 105 watts per channel. While the MC series offers 180-200W (for 8 ohms), depending on the unit.

 

[mike c]

thanks, will check out anthem. im looking for a minimum of 200wpc
edit:
i cant seem to find the anthem homepage ...
do you have a link?

 

[PENG]

One thing I like about Outlaw, Adcom, and Bryston is that they have one line of product in terms of quality, you pay more just to get more power. This is not the case with Anthem and Parasound. The gap between their entry and top level models is huge.

 

[xboxweasel]

i cant seem to find the anthem homepage ...

www.anthemav.com

 

[mike c]

i asked the local distributor of bryston here how much their 200wpc x2 amp was ... (he offered another brand which was the same price: mark levinson)

he said 7200USD. crazy mofo.

i hate that store.

 

[Takeereasy]

he said 7200USD.

Holy crap is that ever out of line. That amp has a very negotiable MSRP of $3200 CAD tops. A local shop is selling a 2 channel 3bSST that is 2 yrs old for $2k. My favourite thing about Bryston is the 20 yr fully transferable warranty. Seriously just read the warranty on their home page. They even cover shipping, for 20 years! I know that they are expensive but IMO it is worth it if you can afford it (I know I can't anytime soon). Sorry Mike C, I'm not trying to lead you on a goose chase, I had no Idea the prices got that high out of country.

 

[mike c]

thats ok, that distributor does that to ALL his products.
i can take that money, buy a small car and all the fuel i need to drive from here to there and back!

but when i saw the front panels of the brystons, i said "wow cool".

 

[PENG]

thats ok, that distributor does that to ALL his products.
i can take that money, buy a small car and all the fuel i need to drive from here to there and back!

but when i saw the front panels of the brystons, i said "wow cool".

Mike, I bet you that store will sell a mid level Denon or Yamaha for $2,500. I am sure you will find a 2B SST for well under 2K (~1.5K USD) in many places outside Canada.