Hi. New to this board but it looks like it is populated with helpful contributors. Am considering retiring my Denon 5800 receiver (7 channel rated at 170 wpc - lots of processing modes but no Dolby Prologic II). Has been a good performer for me (left separates a few years ago - wife likes the lack of clutter), but have read so many good things about the Outlaws (I own the ICBM unit and am very pleased with it). I am thinking about going with the 950/770 rig. First, I will not ask which is better. This is way to subjective a comparison for such a simple answer. However, any opinions on the sound of the Outlaw combo vis a vis Home Theater would be appreciated. I use my system primarily for movies, and seldom for "pure" audio. I need good clarity and definition in the center channel and I love tight bass with punch.

Current system is Denon 5800; Outlaw ICBM; Mirage OM-5s in front; Mirage HTS center channel; Mirage omnipolar surrounds with 2 rear channel (comparable to the Mirages) direct radiating speakers for effects channels; Mirage BPS 400 LF channel subwoofer, Velodyne powered sub (150 watts) which is wired to the center channel Mirage; Sony DVP ES 9000 for DVD; Pioneer DV45A for SACD and DVD-A; Bijou Home Theater 5.1 EQ; Mitsubishi 65611 65" WS Rear Projection TV.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Mike

I'm not familiar with the Denon flagship receivers like the 5800 so couldn't offer any sort of comparison between it and the Outlaw gear, but I will offer that I consider the 950 is an excellent pre/pro for home theater use. The 770 is likewise a great amp (I've been using it's predecessor, the 5x165W Model 750, for several years now and have been very pleased).

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Thanks for the reply. The only hesitation I have about the Outlaw gear is a more than passing reference to a problem with "hiss" in some of the forums here as well as elsewhere on the net when reading reviews/comments about the amp (may have been the preamp - I can't remember). The Denon is a great performer, and I am really torn because of the satisfaction I have with it. Have you experienced any problems of this nature? Gald you are so pleased with the gear. Am also looking at the Sunfire Ultimate Receiver. Take care.

Mike

The hiss issue was heavily discussed, but all 950's produced since December 17, 2002 (or there abouts) -- the "blue dot" revision of the 950 -- include design changes that have eliminated the hiss. Don't let that worry you.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I wouldn't hesitate to try out this combo, I believe you will be pleasantly satisfied. The 770 is definately powerful, even with all channels driven!

I am sorely tempted at this point. A local dealer is recommending the Rotel pre-amp (1066) and the Rotel 5 channel 200W amp paired with a Rotel 2 channel 200 watt amp. This of course will cost me about $4500.00. The Outlaw rig is substantially less. I have read a number of newer posts on the net and the hiss and hum issues do seem to have generally resolved. Funny, although I intellectually realize that it should not be a factor, a voice in the back of myhead keeps whispering "this stull can't be "better" (I hate that term!) than the higher priced gear! That's not how the world works!" But everything I am reading seems ot suggest that the world is upside down at teh Outlaws!

Thanks for the input, guys. Much appreciated.

Mike

Remember, if your budget can stand the return shipping fees 'gamble,' you get a 30-day 'in-home, money back' audition.

I tried the 950/770 and still have them, still enjoy them very much.

I am just about sold on the 770. Everything I read seems to indicate that I can't do better even at a substantially higher price. I am still unsure about the 950. Again, the reviews I haveread are good, but they always include something like "remember, this is a $799.00 (can't recall the price right now) pre-pro." I will keep browsing (I am obcessive-compulsive about HT purchases) and looking for any downsides ot this apparently incredible amplifier. My guess is that one is on the horizon. Will probably test it out with my Denon 5800 as a pre-pro for now (I know I lose the 200 difference by buying the set) or maybe will just get both given the 30 day test period (I wonder if you can return one (losing the discount, of course). Thanks for the reply. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Mike

Yes, you can order the set and return only the 950, if you so choose. And, yes, you end up not receiving the set discount if you return one of the two items. But if you are reasonably sure you are going to like and keep the 770, the 950 is less shipping cost to return, lightweight compared to the 770, if you choose not to keep it.

With regard to your earlier question about the quality of the 950 or 950/770 for HT ... for a total HT audio budget remaining in or near the four digit realm, IMHO, there is no better heart to a system than Outlaw. If you have $50K to spend on audio, you might want something more 'esoteric.' But in my philosophy, as expressed in my user name, Outlaw is the best. And if your speakers are capable of the kind of timbre and punch you want, the 770 will definitely provide the the signal that can clearly put the 'speak' in loudspeaker.


[This message has been edited by bestbang4thebuck (edited November 27, 2003).]

Budget is such a relative thing! For example, I feel I can put an additional 50k into my ststem - my wife disagrees. Seriously, my speaker set up is Mirage - OM5s in the front, HTS center and HTS surrounds (I use rear and sides).

Acutally, she would be OK with anything I wante to do (a real gem!). I was planning on dropping about 5 grand on a pre/pro and 7 channel amp. But I have been looking for a while, and I so far have not found anyone to really say that I would be unhappy after going with the Outlaw 950/770 over, say, the Rotels or any of the new flagship receivers (Yamaha Rx-Z9, Deneo 5803, B&K 507). I guess when I finally take the plunge, I will find out for sure!

Mike