Great price for everything you get with it...versatility, sound quality...when the music or movie sound is quiet..so is the 950. Very clean sound reproduction and surround placement with movies is wonderful. And to top it all off...customer service is truly number 1 with these guys ! ***** :-D

If you were hard pressed to find a negative with this amp or if you're just having a bad day I guess you could say that the display could use a bit more dimming control. If you were hard pressed that is. I think I'll use celephane...a smoke color will do. Or even a cloth.

Ok...this amy take a while to read but I think it's important that people out there have as much information as possible when deciding on home theater equpiment. My first taste of home theater was 1998 when a freind of mine was getting married and I had to DJ the reception. My Akai AM-2800 stereo amp just broke down on me and I had do something fast. So to the nearest stereo store I went. They handled the top of the line stuff and I was going to dive into H/T anyway. So I ended with an Adcom GTP-600 series pre-amp and a GFA-700 power amp. I did ok (in my opinion) at the reception. Then it was time to put together MY system at home. The 600 series Adcom was ok but I soon moved up to A GTP-740 preamp which did more and gave me more versatility. But little did I know what nightmares were ahead. A year after I had the GTP-740 it broke down...and sequencially every year after that for 5 years. One year it went back twice. Now my sales guy at the stereo store did the best he could and actually I learned alot from the different amps I was given to use while "my" amp was getting repaired. I did like the Adcom GTP-740 a lot. And after one repair the company installed the power unit from the GTP-760 which gave me DTS. That was great ! I fell in love with DTS. Anyway...the probelems just didn't stop and just last year, late last year it gave it up all together and when I took it back to the stereo store my sales guy sadi that Adcom wasn't going to do anyhting about it. So I sent an e-mail and ripped them ( tactfully of course, no cussing ) a new %&*&$%)_*. Two days later I got a reply stating that they would take care of the repair and that the 700 series Adcoms' had major problems witht the power units. So anlong witht he offer of repair they also offered a "B" line of their new GTP-830 & 860 models. Well I had used the GTP-830 from my stereo store and was totally not impressed. The 860 however gave me more versatility but not as much as the 740 model. But a referb is supposed to be near or as good as new. So I went for the 860 and as it turned out I actually around $1500 for both amps. But I had no choice at the time...cash was tight and I wasn't going to pay a ton of cash for another preamp when the prices were starting drop and technology was increasing. Anyway all was well...I was happy...until a couple of weeks ago when one night I shut down the GTP-860 for the night. The next day when I got up I hit the power button on the remote and...nothing ! It was dead. One year to the day of it being in my possesion ! So another e-mail went out and I had to send it back for repair to Arizona where Adcom is located now after going through restructuring. I told them I had had it that this is the sixth year in row that I had to send back their product for repair. You'd think that even a "B" line would last atleast more than 1 year. I told them that I was going to look for another preamp to take it's place. And that amp was going to be an Outlaw. I had seen articles in Sound & Vision mag and a freind of mine ahd just purchased 1 not long ago and it was just amazing the seperation, cleaness, surround placement and quietness this thing has. After a short bit time when you get used to how to set it up and use the remote it was a piece of a cake to use. I've only had mine a few weeks and right off the bat I heard a big difference in the sound quality. It made the Adcom sound like mud. The 950 is almost like a pass through where the sound comes from source to speaker without any coloration or excessive filtering...just clean pure sound. I spent 9 1/2 hours on a recent Saturday running new speaker wire and when I went to turn things on I had lost the left surround. I thought that I had damaged the 950. I sent an e-mail to Outlaw and told them that it was my fault that something had happened to the 950. That following Wednesday I got a phone call at work from Seve at Outlaw and he gave some things to try to find out exacally if the 950 was damaged. After I tried what he told me to do I gave hime a call and he walked me trough a few more things and we found out that the 950 was fine and my Adcom power amp was out. He did tell me however to take the top off and see if there were any fuses blown. There were 2 blown at the left surround and after a quick trip to Radio Shack I was up and running before 8:30 that night. The point of all this is that Outlaw cares so much about their product that they will always make sure that their customers are well taken care of. And you will be hard pressed to find anyone that will compare to Outlaw in that respect. As far as the 950 preamp goes for the price and the versatility you have at your fingertips and the sound quality... it's as clean as anything I've heard. Outlaw makes a great product and I recommend..if you're looking...go with this !! Thanks again Steve for your help. Oh yeah 1 more thing...with records (yes vinyl) it's simply amazing ! Thanks.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GTP-740 and GTP-860. Hate to slam these guys but stay away. Just trouble.

Clean sound and great value and lets you bypass all audio processing if you want to. I even consider the relatively clean look of the unit to be a strength.

It lacks a headphone jack. It does not remember settings. To bypass all audio processing, I have to press the "bypass" button each time I turn it on. It would be nice if it remembered the last settings you used or let you mix and match settings to the audio source (DVD, etc).

This is a great product for the price. While it does not have all the bells and whistles that some more expensive products have, it has most of what you would want to hear great music and movies.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo.

The clarity and presence of the sound was a surprise at this price point. My last unit was a Denon 5800. Excellent receiver, but I wanted to go to separates. Considered Rotel, Aragon and a few others. Price was really not an object (within reason). However, I decided to take the challenge (30 day money back guarantee from Outlaw). I never looked back. This pre-pro (which coats less than my remote - A Pronto Pro) is simply outstanding in my primary application, which is Home Theater. Soundstage is big and bold, clarity (especially in the center channel, which was a problem with my Denon) is crystal clear, and - well, you get the idea. I recommend this pre-pro highly to anyone interested in quality Home Theater sound at a price that can;t be beat. When coupled with the Outlaw 770 amp (7 channels, 200 wpc all channels driven simultaneously), a formidable system at a bargain price (got the system discount by purchasing with the 770, so the actual price paid is even less than represented above).

Nor upgradeable.

Best balance of sound vs. price I have ever found. Equals or outperforms units at more than twice the price. Support is excellent. Online forum available to exchange ideas, etc. with other product owners. A great buy.

Similar Products Used:

Carver C-1; Denon 5800; Pioneer Elite Pre-Amp.

dirt cheap great sound has all of the basic features you'll realistically need

Not all the features that $$$ pre/pro's provide, but hey you can't have everything!

This pre/pro was a disappointment at first. The first 950 I received was a total dud. The digital input was very finicky. It would drop the the signal perodically for no apparent reason. I spent an entire night moving components back and forth from my friend's apartment in order to pinpoint the exact problem. This all changed however the morning after when I called the Outlaw techsupport. Those guys are truly class A representatives. Immediately they sent me a new pre/pro and it was at my door the next day! When I plugged the 950, it worked perfectly this time and it worked great! I was more than happy with the clear transparent portrayal of the sound. There are tons of reviews regarding this product therefore for more detailed intercourse of this product I would suggest search either yahoo or google. At the personal level, I am very impressed with this product and am completely astonished at the degree of commitment and support Outlaw provides behind their product. Highly recommended

Price, price, price.....best deal for an A/V Pre-amp.....it has so many other good things going for it too....quality sonics...for movies or music. Quite a versatile pre-amp, and a great company standing behind their products...hard to be beat! Did I say price???!!!!!!

Doesn't have all the latest plugs for upgradability....you get what you get.... I'm cool with that. Hard to think of any other "weaknesses"....

I just bought the 950 Pre-Amp in a package deal with Outlaws 755 - 5 channel Amplifier...200 watts per channel. That, along with my old trusty Fosgate 4100 Power Amp for the 6th and 7th channels - it all add up to something I am eternally questing for..... a little piece of sonic nirvana!!!! I think we have established previously that this is not the most beautiful piece of equipment....but it has a nice, utilitarian look and feel. I am sure there are pieces of equipment that are more outstanding than the 950, but they will cost you many, many times more. Yep - and this is the most important part - for the price, this is as good as you can do. Spend $2,000 and you won't do any better than the Outlaw. What is packed into this equipment is way worth $749!!! I am still getting used to it....the best place to really learn about this piece is first at Outlaws website, and then at home for a 30 day trial. I went into this deal hoping, really praying for some kind of affordable "holy grail" of the 21st century multi channel systems, and also looking for something I could afford...and I found it. I was really doubting this Outlaw equipment would cut it for me.....I wanted some things that only thousands of dollars would buy...I thought. Like I said, it is all pretty new right now, but so far, I am in awe. I know I am behind the times, never touching a "digital" connection until now (Outlaws PSC Digital Coax Cable is another winner!) Build quality is also impressive, especially for under $800, and the 755 Amp is a solid winner....and a back breaker!!!(90 lbs!) The sounds I am getting out of this system are unbelievable...lots of choices for surround sound...analog, digital, stereo....I am really impressed so far. I really am hearing things I never heard before with some movies and music...an overused description, but really true! No ridiculous "church", "hall", "stadium", etc. settings (thank you!). Will take some getting used to...my last system was 15 yrs old...great, but a little prehistoric.....I have officially joined the 21st century. It has made my old records, cassettes, video tapes, laserdiscs, etc., come to life again......what a great move I made (especially in combination with the Denon DVD3800) Now, what are you waiting for? You will never find a product that comes close to the 950 in quality for under $800..$1,000...$2,000 - never!!! Fabulous sound in stereo, multi channel, or surround modes...I am finally enthusiastic about my system again!! The Outlaw 950 kicks butt!!

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Yamaha CX-2 Pre-Amp, Fosgate Model 4 Processor/Pre-Amp, Parasound CSE 6.1 Surround Expander, and lots of different amps....a great system for its time, but time for retirement..sold everything on eBay except these three pieces...just can't part with them...they were just so good...but they were 20th century...I needed 21st century equipment!! THE FUTURE IS.....NOW!!!!!

Crystal clear detail of instruments and voices. Precise soundstaging. Good flexibility of inputs and processing. Excellent manual and documentation. Excellent telephone and internet support.

Mediocre remote (but no worse than my previous Denon, and I bought a MX-1000 anyway) Homely face. Issues concerning phase shift on 5.1 analog inputs that I have not yet explored.

First post on this product, used 1 week. Initial impression same as many others-a real bargain. I especially like the two channel bypass from CD. The overall soundstage is deep and detailed. The voices and stringed instruments are very real and nicely textured. All of this assumes the room is tuned and speaker placement is ideal. Going up to an Aragon, Krell, Lexicon, etc would be nice, but for those of us with real-life budgets, this is the unit to get. Other gear: Dynaudio 70s, front L/R Dynaudio 122C, center ADCOM 7700 5 channel amp (185 W/Ch) Transparent cables for L/R Paradigm Atom rear L/R (but soon to be Dynaudio 42W) Classe CD.5 CD player Samsung Prog/DD/DTS/3:2 DVD player Panasonic 60" RP HDTV

Similar Products Used:

Just switched from Denon 3600 Receiver to separates.

Very neutral sound for an A/V Preamp, Solid Build, features, PRICE MAN, PRICE!!! CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! The people are quick, friendly and knowledgable. My equipment arrived within 24 hours of ordering it, regular shipping. I also originally paid $899.00 for the 950, but because they just recently cut the price to $799.00 and I bought it within the 30 day period, they are cutting me a check for the difference. I sware to you that I do not have any affiliation with this company, they are just that good!!!

It is ugly!!! It looks like a cross between mid 80's to early 90's Proton and NAD equipment. I guess they had to skimp somewhere!!!

I made sure to use this product for approximately a month before posting this review. For years I used Adcom equipment because of their ability to give you maximum bang for the buck. Well, there is a new sherriff in town and he is an Outlaw. I'm going to start out by stating that this preamp is an exceptional value at under $1,000.00. It is capable of producing 7.1 surround with Cirrus Logic and also has; Dolby Pro Logic 2, digital 5.1, EX (digital 6.1), DTS Digital 5.1, ES 6.1 and NEO (7.1), best of all those cheesy Club, Hall and stadium modes have been eliminated. The decoding is exceptional. Sounds were pinpoint and clear with no audible digital hash through the speakers during decoding on any of the platforms. Cirrus Logic did do an adequate job during movies, but Dolby and DTS were crisper and delivered more of a punch, especially during Action films (Matrix, SW Episode 2, Die Another Day). For music, Cirrus Logic was the best of the modes. I think it was meant that way for the pure reason that its short comings in movies were its strengths in decoding music. It was more neutral and laid back as compared to the other decoders. Cirrus Logic or bypass is definately the way to go for music on this preamp. The 5 channel stereo and 7 channel stereo seemed a little edgy for my tastes, but definately better than most A/V preamps that I have heard. In fact, to my suprise, it fared very well with music. It is very balanced and neutral. When listening to music through the 950, there is no interference. This equipment really does not have a bright sound, edgy sound warm sound or harsh sound. It steps back and lets the music stand on its own, clear, concise and very neutral, while throwing a very decent soundstage. If you have a high quality CD player such as Adcom, Denon, Sony ES etc... I recomend that you go with the analog out. The DAC's are adequate in the 950, in fact pretty good, but they are not as good as a high end CD player or seperate DA converter. For people with SACD or DVD Audio, not only is there the traditional 5 analog inputs, the 950 has built in bass management and individual speaker crossover calibration for SACD, DVD Audio and home theatre applications. Floor noise is non-existant. The hiss reviewed in previous models has been completely eliminated in ALL DECODING MODES!!!! I had to have the 950's volume control at +10db (8 to 9)with my ear planted directly on the speaker before any audible hiss is detected. The 950 performs unexpectedly close to a $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 AV preamp, within reason of course, for $799.00. It embarrasses any competitor in the $2,000.00 and under price range in features and performance. It is an almost flawless performer loaded with features. How it is done at this price, who cares with a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee and 5 year limited warranty, Count Me In!!!!

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GTP 830, Parasound, Rotel 1050

Superior Audio Performance; Functional A/V Feature Set; Quality Components and Construction; Simplicity of Design; Value Unbelievable Customer Support

None at this price point, or even for a significantly higher price point.

The 950 is a great value, and a rock solid performer, but there is more to the story... the Outlaws wear white hats... I have reviewed the 950 A/V pre-processor on 19 December 2002. After enjoying the 950 for almost six months, Outlaw Audio made some modifications to the 950 that I felt would have specific benefits to the sonic qualities that were unique to my personal A/V system configuration. I called the Outlaws, and before I could get out my credit card, they offered to ship a replacement unit that same day, and at no cost. Even the shipping was paid by the Outlaws. Those of you who are saying, "this must be an isolated event," would be Boot Hill dead wrong. After reading literally hundreds of positive internet posts commending the level customer service at the "Outlaw Hideout" forum, and also at independent A/V forum sites, I have yet to hear a sour note from anyone. Even those who bought the 950, and then returned it during the thirty day unconditional satisfaction warranty period were gushing about the company's service. The Outlaws seem not only stand behind their products, they stand behind each and every one of their adopted "Gunslingers" too. They offer "family" discounts to returning customers; they answer the phone; and when they are busy, they return your call soon thereafter. I swear that I am not an employee of this company; I am not a shareholder; and I can't stand the sycophants that just slobber about their equipment, just because they own it. The newest version of the Model 950 is essentially the same as the original. The features have been tweaked to correct a software bug that limited the LFE channel performance in DTS-ES mode only. Additionally, the signal gain of the op amps was increased approximately 10 dB, which has improved the S/N ratios for both bypass and digital processing modes. Apparently, some owners of extremely efficient speakers (98dB per watt/meter or greater) could detect "hiss" when the 950 was dialed up to full volume with no signal input. According to posts I have read, the "Blue Dot Fix" as it is now called, has resulted in owners sticking their ears within inches of their custom modified Klipsch speakers (106 dB sensitivity) without complaint. Please, read it for yourself; these people go far beyond OCD to SOCD (Severely Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). My new 950 A/V pre-processor is matched with the Outlaw 770 seven channel amp (200w/channel). This is as sonically pure as any Pre-pro/Amp combo one could possibly afford for under $8,000; but together they cost just $2,500. There is no hiss, the sound processing features work, and provide good flexibility for different speaker characteristics and equipment connections. The 950 has a triple crossover network that allows the user to select different points for Main L/R, Center and Surround channels.

Similar Products Used:

Lexicon, Rotel, Sunfire, Crown

All the latest formats.Stereo bypass mode is cool.For the money the 950 just can't be beat.

Cosmetically it's ugly.But the sound is what counts.

This is my first separate component system now i know what i was missing all these years.It sounds great on movies and exceptional on music plus you get all the latest format decodings and it was the least expensive (cheap) component i was trying to put together.

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onkyo 575tx, kenwood ,and sony receiver.

Resolution in HT, dynamics, ease-of-use, low noise-floor and a whole lot more.

2-channel performance could be better, fit-and-finish could be better (but at this price i'm not complaining), mono rears when using 7.1 in DTS-ES and DDEX.

I must admit I went into buying this pre/pro with some reluctance. I am not one to purchase technology based products from unknown companies, but in this case for $900 I had to see what the 950 was all about. I have about two years invested in my search for sonic nirvana and it has been an expensive road. I have owned 3 receivers / processors, 3 DVD players, 4 speaker setups and 3 tv's in the past 5 years, but I really think with this unit the pieces are finally coming together. Simply put the Outlaw 950 in terms of home theater performance is nothing short of stunning. If you are moving from a mid-range receiver-based system to the 950, you will notice a huge difference in soundstage, channel separation, clarity and impact. The two-channel performance, as others have noted, is somewhat lacking, but it is also better than that available in the vast majority of receivers. When comparing it to my old Denon AVR-3802, the 2-channel on the 950 (using the 950's DACs), is more detailed, the soundstage is wider, the overall presentation more dynamic, but it does not offer the same sophistication as a 2-channel preamp. At some point, when the wife allows, I will add a stereo preamp. All in all, the 950 is an amazing value and the customer service provided by the company is second-to-none! I will be wit Outlaw for many years to come based on their dedication to customer service alone. It is really nice to see a company take real pride in not only providing a quality product, but standing firmly behind it as well. My compliments to the Outlaws!!

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR-3802 and Denon AVR-2800