Exposing two more digits, my red dot's S/N is 01-0208xxxxx. Maybe Gonk had three 950's from the 0203 batch, maybe mine is from the 0208 batch, and maybe Soundhound's is from the 0212 batch. It's fun to guess what the serial numbers might mean.

There are at least three versions of the 950 that come to mind: (1) the original 950 first appeared in spring 2002, (2) the red dot 950 first appeared around summer, and (3) the new SH hiss fixed version that recently appeared. There may be other incremental versions. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Outlaws mentioned they incorporated the then-latest Cirrus Logic software rev in addition to the hardware change to correct the hiss problem, when the red dots first came out.

Makes you wonder know how often Outlaw and Cirrus update their logic. Ditto for DD and DTS glitch fixes and updates.

[This message has been edited by Will (edited January 01, 2003).]

The 950 I have is 01-0208000xxx. Mine was an early red dot (without an actual dot on the case anywhere)?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by soundhound:
[B]For the record, my complete serial number is 02-0212..... I suspect they were being especially nice to me, as I think my unit is a new one. No dots, blue or otherwise.

Hi Soundhound. My 950 has the same serial number start as yours, also with no dots, and it buzzes major in all channels. I stripped all connections down to a single preamp to a single 755 channel and it still buzzed loudly in that channel. Hooked my old preamp to the 755 and no buzz !
She is going back, but what do I ask for in the way of the latest-greatest. I assumed I was getting the latest issue the first time!

Kiwi -- when did you order yours? As I mentioned here , the 950's shipped before 12/17 do not include the final ("blue dot") revisions to address hiss on some systems (mainly systems with high-efficiency horns). The red dot was the first revision, back in August. If yours is from after then, you may have a defective unit. Either way, of course, the best bet is a call to Outlaw. They'll get you squared away.

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

Kiwi-- Is what you hear a "hiss" or a "buzz"? Most "buzzing" sounds are caused by ground problems- with the cable box being the major culprit. If you do have one, you might try disconnecting the coax cable from the box-- and hopefully your buzz (or humm) will disappear! It's a place to start.

It's always possible that your 950 has a defective power supply component wnich is causing the buzz. At any rate, if it buzzes just sitting there with nothing connected except for the power amps, you could very well have a defective one. Call Outlaw and they will go out of the way to help you.

Guys,
Outlaw determined my 950 to be faulty. It was ordered mid Jan, so should have all the fixes. It is definitely a buzz as opposed to a hiss, and while diagnosing I eventually had nothing but the 950 and 755 hooked up by a single channels interconnect! I considered groundlooping, but tried differing power circuits also. Old preamp hooked to 755 displays no problem whatsoever !
Is there a quality control problem in Malaysia or what ?

This is actually the first "buzzy" unit I've heard reported, and any factory will have some defects slip out the front door. The red dot and blue dot revisions have been design changes, apparently unrelated to manufacturing processes. I don't know that there's anything more than normal production problems. Unfortunately, you got hit with a bum unit. Good to hear that they're getting you fixed up, though.

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