Outlaw 2150/M2200 combo

Serendipity

Hi,

I'm interested in the Outlaw 2150 receiver and M2200 monoblocks for my dorm room setup. I'm wondering what kind of improvements I will get over my current Onkyo TX-SR702 receiver, especially for music.

Will be paired with either Definitive Tech BP10Bs or SVS SBS-01 bookshelves.

Thanks!

cfrizz

I would think that you will see considerable improvement especially with the addition of the amps.

Lowell_M

I would suggest looking elsewhere if you are concerned about music. There are plenty on the forum that like the Outlaws, but I have been less than impressed when comparing my H/K receiver to the Outlaws and then other amps. The Outlaws offered a bit of detail and more clean power, but did nothing for depth of soundstage, imaging and separation.

There are plenty of recommendations in different threads here. At the moment I'm partial to ADCOM. Awesome performance for the price. You could find a GFA-555 for around $300 - $400.

There are lots of others out there. I just happen to have experience comparing the ADCOM to the Outlaw's.

Serendipity

a_mattison wrote: »

I would suggest looking elsewhere if you are concerned about music. There are plenty on the forum that like the Outlaws, but I have been less than impressed when comparing my H/K receiver to the Outlaws and then other amps. The Outlaws offered a bit of detail and more clean power, but did nothing for depth of soundstage, imaging and separation.

There are plenty of recommendations in different threads here. At the moment I'm partial to ADCOM. Awesome performance for the price. You could find a GFA-555 for around $300 - $400.

There are lots of others out there. I just happen to have experience comparing the ADCOM to the Outlaw's.

I've actually had an Adcom GFA-535 and didn't hear much of an improvement over the Onkyo TX-SR702 receiver I currently have. In fact, I felt the Adcom was a bit too bright or "forward" sounding.

Lowell_M

Ok, to each their own. There is definately something to be said about synergy between components.

I would characterise the GFA-555 in my current setup as anything BUT bright. There is a very nice detailed top end that isn't harsh or bright, excellent separation and imaging overall and a VERY solid bottom end. It makes my RTi70's do things I didn't think they were capable of.

Be sure to post your impressions of the combination of components you come up with.

Serendipity

a_mattison wrote: »

Ok, to each their own. There is definately something to be said about synergy between components.

I would characterise the GFA-555 in my current setup as anything BUT bright. There is a very nice detailed top end that isn't harsh or bright, excellent separation and imaging overall and a VERY solid bottom end. It makes my RTi70's do things I didn't think they were capable of.

Be sure to post your impressions of the combination of components you come up with.

The Onkyo receiver I have has a very bright preamp section, so when combined with the adcom (which has a nice top end) I had quite a bright sound. Not that it was harsh or anything, but I think it's mostly due to the Onkyo's pre section being bright from the start.

As an alternative to the Outlaw combo, what else would you guys recommend? Currently looking at the Adcom GFA-555 amp and Outlaw 2150 pared together.

Serendipity

As an alternative, how about the Parasound A21/A23? Would that better suited for my (mostly) music application?

Just looking at other options...

cfrizz

Yes that will work as well. Parasound makes solid gear!

engtaz

Great way to go. you won't be disappointed.

heiney9

appadv wrote: »

I've actually had an Adcom GFA-535 and didn't hear much of an improvement over the Onkyo TX-SR702 receiver I currently have. In fact, I felt the Adcom was a bit too bright or "forward" sounding.

It's the Onkyo being used as a pre. You will probably find everything is on the bright side just because of the Onk. Experimentation is the key, but don't just discount one particular brand when it hasn't been used in more than one configuration. The pre amp (IMO) is only second to the source in a system. The receiver being used as a pre is probably the next weak link.

That being said there are many, many choices out there and I agree 100% with a_mattison about the Outlaws. Greta for HT but as far as I'm concerned not that great with pure 2 ch music.

YMMV

H9

heiney9

appadv wrote: »

As an alternative, how about the Parasound A21/A23? Would that better suited for my (mostly) music application?

Just looking at other options...

Another good choice, but may sound bright as well because of the Onk being used as a pre.

Serendipity

heiney9 wrote: »

Another good choice, but may sound bright as well because of the Onk being used as a pre.

I like my Onkyo's sound though. Even though it's a bit bright I still like the sound very much.

What if I used a Parasound P3 as the pre? It seems to cost the same as my Onkyo yet is in a different league...

Would like your opinions.

heiney9

appadv wrote: »

I like my Onkyo's sound though. Even though it's a bit bright I still like the sound very much.

What if I used a Parasound P3 as the pre? It seems to cost the same as my Onkyo yet is in a different league...

Would like your opinions.

Don't have any experience with the P3 so I can't say. In my experience a dedicated 2 ch pre is usually a better sounding piece. What about the Onk do you like? Are you talking about it as a receiver or as a pre?

It's unfortunate that sometimes you have to swap some gear out to find out not only what you like but what works well together.

I have had several Adcom pieces and have to yet to hear they are overly bright. They are very detailed and will reveal any source or weak links in the chain, but we all have our preferences for whatever reason

H9

Serendipity

heiney9 wrote: »

Don't have any experience with the P3 so I can't say. In my experience a dedicated 2 ch pre is usually a better sounding piece. What about the Onk do you like? Are you talking about it as a receiver or as a pre?

It's unfortunate that sometimes you have to swap some gear out to find out not only what you like but what works well together.

I have had several Adcom pieces and have to yet to hear they are overly bright. They are very detailed and will reveal any source or weak links in the chain, but we all have our preferences for whatever reason

H9

The Onkyo as a receiver sounds wonderful, but as a pre it sounded bright. I also like the fact that the Onkyo (as a receiver) has a quiet noise level and a very wide dynamic range.

I also read that the Onkyo puts out some solid power (56W/ch) with all channels driven, and 115W/ch in stereo mode. That's not bad considering most AVRs are overrated these days.