2 random "in the lab" comparisons:

Jan 2002, Yamaha RX-V1200: "Noise, distortion, and dynamic range performance were all excellent."

March 2001, Yamaha RX-V1000: "Stereo digital-input noise performance (not listed) was superb, with 16-bit noise levels a fraction of a decibel from theoretical perfection, and a 20-bit excess noise result superior to that of many DVD and CD players."

But it would be interesting to compare actual numbers as soon at the US Post Office gets around to delivering my copy...

The hiss disappears completely at -80dB volume but does not change in intensity at any other volume level.

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Matthew J. Hill
matt@idsi.net

Matthew: That's because -80 is identical to pushing the mute button.

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Take Care,
merc

The 950 has a high signal to noise ratio, even higher than the Rotel, at least this is what is seen on paper. The "hiss" issue should be completely absent considering the above.

Of course we all know that the real world and the spec sheets don't always hold true...I'm anxious to know WHAT was modified in these rumoured modified 950s.

The noise level was rated at 72db for the 950 - tha's not very high. I don't hear any noise/hiss with my ear next to the tweeter with my new 1066.
I found out that it's much nicer to have a new pre/pro than to be on a list!!!
BTW - I ordered some cables on Monday(which they screwed up) and I asked the woman if she had heard anything about 950's coming in stock and she said "I haven't heard anything" Keep on waitin boys.

The 1066 is rated in the low 90's (noise level)

According to the S/N specs for both units, the Outlaw says 102dB and the Rotel says 95dB.

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Take Care,
merc

Merc is correct:
OUTLAW AUDIO MODEL 950--PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

March 1, 2002

AUDIO SECTION

Analog

* Frequency response: 10 Hz - 90 kHz: +0, -3 dB (Bypass Mode)
* Signal to Noise Ratio: 102 dB (Bypass Mode)
* Distortion: 0.0038% (20 Hz ~ 20 kHz) (Bypass Mode)
* Input sensitivity / input impedance: 200 mV/ 47kohms
* Rated output: 1V(0dB gain in Bypass Mode)

Digital

* Signal to Noise Ratio: 102 dB
* Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.005% (1 kHz, at 0 dB)
* Dynamic Range: 100 dB
* D/A Output: Rated output 2 V (At 0 dB playback)
* Digital Input: S/P-DIF Format
* DSP Processor: Cirrus® CS 49326
* ADC: Cirrus CS 5360
* DAC: Cirrus CS 4396

Taken from Outlaws website.
DMC

I'm just reporting what Sound and Vision measured in their review of the Outlaw. The Rotel came out of my manual. In the same issue notice their measurements for other products...especially the $300 receiver.

Like i said, the 950 on paper has a higher signal to noise ratio and is >100db.

What bothers me somewhat is that some of those who have the Rotel and the Outlaw side by side exclaim the Rotel is quieter and in some case exhibit no hiss at all. It should be the other way around if anything. I'm getting some hiss with my unit; at my house it is very difficult to acheive a low background noise to check for thing such as this. At first i thought it was the ear to tweeter test like most people experience but the hiss seems more pronounced a month later. I can hear the hiss from 3-5 feet away and during quiet music passages i can faintly hear the hiss at the listening position. Is there a solution to this without asking for another unit?