Denon AVR VS Outlaw 950

McLoki

2 channels of my amp are in for repair. When I get it back, I will have a full 6 channel amp available to my use. (nothing broke, I purchased the amp as a 4 channel amp knowing that 2 channels were out)

I would like to upgrade my Pre/Pro when I get my amp back together and fully functional. I can get an outlaw 950 for about $450 or I could get a mid grade Denon (or other brand) AVR with Pre-Outs.

I currently use an Onkyo AVR and it really kind of blows for DTS decoding. Almost all DD recordings sound better than DTS on my system right now, and my understading is that it should be the other way around. I use my system for about:

90% HT - movies

5% HT - 5.1 concerts

5% 2 channel cd listening

My question is, I know the new 990 is out, but I do not have a grand to purchase a pre-amp with. Is it worth waiting till I do?, Is the 950 a better purchase than a current AVR with pre-outs?, what other pre-pro options do I have in the $500 range?

I currently use 5.1 and plan to keep it, but would like the option of 6.1 or 7.1 when I purchase. Used is fine. I am not looking to purchase right now, more a discovery/research thing and plan to purchase in the November/December timeframe.

Thanks,

Michael

cfrizz

Hi Michael. I don't think you could go wrong with either one. However, one thing to keep in mind is that by getting a Denon AVR, you be getting the most up to date features that exist now. That is something that the 950 won't have.

How it will sound would probably be too close to call.

Here are some threads that might be of interest to you from Outlaw.

http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000087

http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=34;t=000153

Hope it helps with your decision.

mldennison

well i dont have any experience with the outlaw 950 and i am very happy with my denon 3802 but i would say go for the outlaw. if you already have the amp, no reason to go get another one. i would think that for the same money you are going to get a better preamp alone then a preamp in a receiver. i guess the only reason i could see for going with the denon is some feature that they have that the outlaw does not have...

reeltrouble1

Well the Outlaw was made to do one thing and do it well, process sound. Its where I would go.

RT1

McLoki

For HT duty only, would anyone recommend any other lines in the $500 range? Is it worth the extra $500 to step up to the 990?

Thanks,

Michael

reeltrouble1

To make a step up for 500 is going to take some searching and a little luck, definetely used, maybe a souped up B&K ref 21, Rotel, or Adcom based on some others recommendations I have seen. I have only heard the B&K it was not a 20 though a 30, sounded good though.

RT1

gregure

I think the Outlaw would be the best choice. I don't think there's any doubt that the 990 will sound better, but I also think you're paying for features you may not need. Do we really need an HDMI switching preamp if out main concern is sound quality? The 950 would be the better choice over a Denon receiver. They are better processors than Onkyo (and better amps too), but overall I've seen nothing but glowing reviews for Outlaw's stuff and would suggest buying them with confidence. Best of all, when you have a bit more cash, you can upgrade to an Outlaw amp and ditch the Onkyo for good. I'd say that kind of flexibility is worth the separate pre alone.

Lsi9

i switched from a denon avr 3600 as a pre to a outlaw 950 and its well worth the upgrade...the bass on my sub came out lower and not boomy like the denon sounded, even though my sub uses its own amp the denon colored the bass
highs seem cleaner as well, i say 950 all the way

dorokusai

Zero wrote:

For an extra $500 - check out Russmans Proceed deal at the flea market.

Do you read what people post, or do you just like to type your thoughts?

audiobliss

dorokusai wrote:

Do you read what people post, or do you just like to type your thoughts?

The only thing I can see that you could be picking at is the suggested price range, and McLoki asked if he should wait until he could put together $1000. That'd be exactly what Zero is talking about.

funkpelts

go to ecost.com they have Denon model 985s which is the exact same as 2805 for 500 refurbished. They are Denon authorized. I have one and it's truly impressive. I had an Acurus preamp and Hafler amp combo and the Denon rivals my old setup easily.

McLoki

audiobliss wrote:

The only thing I can see that you could be picking at is the suggested price range, and McLoki asked if he should wait until he could put together $1000. That'd be exactly what Zero is talking about.

Actually it was more in the range of me not making a purchase for another 3-4 months. (december timeframe) and the fact that I do not have the amp needed until mine is back from repair.

I do appreciate the thought though and will look at that brand when I do make my purchase if some are available for my price range.

In general will I be better off purchasing an older high end preamp or should I get a more current mid-range one??? (both used of course) Right now it looks like I will be better off with a pre rather than a low end avr.

Michael

Mike682

Since you are 95% HT, I would try to grab a newer pre-pro.

ohskigod

Call me kooky, but I got the 950 and love the hell out of it. I could barely figure out what the 990 does that mine doesnt, except HDMI switching (dont care) Balanced outputs (my amp dont have them, hence dont care). II think having a reciever with extra amps you wont use will be a waste, however, i nevr heard the Denon, so i cant comment on the extent of sound quality increase. All I can say is the 950 was the best purchase I made for my home theater to date.

ohskigod

The 950 has Dolby Digital ex 7.1 and DTS ES 7.1 Dolby pro logic 2 and a slew of others I wwould never use in a million years. What new format is out there that the 950 doesnt have, I genuinly dont know.

venomclan

I say go with the 950. I love mine and only use it for HT 5.1. I personally do not see the advantage of getting a newer pre/pro. I am sure the 990 is awesome, but how many surround formats do you need?

I agree that the 950 has more features than I will ever use. go for it.
Venom

Polkitup2

Unless your really stuck on separates, you could give the Outlaw 1070 receiver a shot. At $899 I thought it looked interesting and ordered one yesterday.

ohskigod

forgot they came out with a new reciever. suposedly, the last one they produced got rave reviews, especially factoring the bang for the buck factor. However, if he allready has the amps, I'd still go with the 950

get back to us with a review on the 1070, I'm curious as to how good it is