So, any new news?

I have personally had posession of the prototype of the 'hiss fixed' 950. It definately solves the hiss problem to my satisfaction. The noise measures about 4 db less, and in addition there is 8db more gain with no increase in noise as a result of the added gain. The result is that there is an approximately 12 db imporvement in the noise floor. The volume control and trims now funcion more as in a traditional preamp, with lower volume control settings yielding lower noise. Since you can set the 950's volume 8 db lower because of it's increased output, the noise is 8 db lower right there. For comparason, most people percieve a 10db change in volume as being 'half as loud' or 'twice as loud', so the improvement in the 950's noise is very significant.

Once the replacements are shipping, I will post a briefing on how to set up the unit in order to realise maximum benfit of the fixes, for your particular system configuration, and issues.

Outlaw came through!

[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited November 20, 2002).]

Great news soundhound. Any idea on a ship time.

No. The modifications are extensive, with the replacement of over 100 parts, and will take a certain amount of time.

Wow, that is quite an undertaking on the Outlaws part. Makes me feel even better having stuck out the hiss problem knowing that a fix of this magnitude has been worked out.

Will this fix be transparent across most setups or will someone like me, with the evil Acurus and Klipsch setup have to compromise on the hiss solution due to my components.

You'll notice an across the board reduction of hiss of -at least- 8 db or more, depending on your setup. My system is probably 'worse' than yours in terms of being a worst case scenario for noise, with front speakers having 106 db/watt efficiency.

I know what you mean about the efficincies. I have 102db for the fronts, 99db for the center and 98db for the surrounds. Will not having adjustable gain on the amplifier as I have bee a hindrance when trying to fine tune the levels to the best compromise for the hiss. Also, does the trim affect the apparent noise now in the new configuration. Meaning a +5db vs a -5db on a certain speaker will have a lower apparent noise because the overall volume level can be set lower?

The trims now effect the level of the noise, as does the main volume control. You will not have any penalty for not having level controls on your power amps. Basically, you will be able to reduce either the trims by 8db, or simply listen with the main volume control lower by 8db, to realize the reduction in noise. Also, the absolute noise has been reduced by approximately 4db overall. The 'character' of the noise is also different; it is now more of a "Shhhhh" verses a "HIsssss" in the non-modified 950. That makes what noise that remains less "hissy" to the ear, and less objectionable.



[This message has been edited by soundhound (edited November 20, 2002).]

Again great news. I appreciate all of your insights and updates.

Counting down the days!
Scott

I can't wait...I guess my ears are getting used to it, BUT a buddy came over to watch LOTR and he commented on the hiss. He loves the sound of the outlaw, but did not like the hiss.

z