I recently purchased a 7.1 system from Axiom Audio (Epic 80-500 w/ 2 sets of QS8 surrounds), and now I need to buy the electronics to run it. I've been following the Outlaw products for quite a few years now and up until now have been intending to buy the 990/7700 combo. However, I just found that I'm able to buy the Emotiva DMC-1 and MPS-1 7-Channel Amp Combo for about $225 less than the Outlaw Combo (delivered). The Emotiva set is gently used, whereas the Outlaw set would be new. What would you do if given this choice?

I have never auditioned Emotiva gear, but would like to point out that the 990 has 5 year transferable warranty and great customer service I have ever come across. Plus, 30 eval does not hurt.

Check and see if the Emotiva has fans to cool the amp. Outlaw does not, and fans make noise...

I'd find out if the Emotiva warranty is transferrable. The DMC-1 is a good processor (based on the Sunfire design), but the 990 is also an excellent performer that offers a number of features the DMC-1 lacks (DVI switching, quadruple crossover as compared to the DMC-1's two crossovers, headphone jack, USB port, auto-calibration).

The MPS-1 does have fans on each amp channel. I don't know how they are controlled, however.

Having amp fans can be tolerable in a pure theater situation since the ambient "noise" level is usually high enough to mask the sound. If you use the equipment for audio-only use where you'll be listening to anything other than speed metal or dance music, you'll notice the fan noise during quiet passages. I'd definitely skip any home amp that had a fan.

Cheers,

Thanks guys. These are all really good points, especially about the fans. I had an earlier 3000 series Denon receiver (3300 maybe?) that used to drive me nuts with the fan noise.

I saw the Emotivas won a product of the year award at Audioholics, so that has piqued my interest. I believe their amp is a Class H design, and I really don't know much about that. Also, they seem to charge much more for their processor and less for the amp, whereas Outlaw is somewhat the opposite. Needless to say, I'm torn between the two choices.

I've got your exact speaker setup
Axiom...
M80Ti
VP150
QS8
plus...dual SVS PCi 20-39

And I just got my Outlaw 990. I can't tell you how it compares to the Emotivas, but I can say that the center and surround channels on the 990 are MUCH clearer and enveloping than my B&K Ref 31. I haven't A/B compared the B&K and Outlaw yet but I know I always had problems with the center channel on the B&K and used to have to run it hot (+3-5dB). Now with the 990 I run it equal to the mains and the dialog is crisp and clear.

The Axioms seem to be a fantastic match with the Outlaw 990.

tmoyak, I chose the 990 over any competition because I could still play my vinyl record collection with it, and with very good sound indeed. Of course that may not be a factor for you.

Even without records, the fact that its stereo performance is excellent may be worth considering.

Best wishes whatever you choose.

I second psypof1's remarks about the 990 and vinyl. I have my turntable setup through the 990 and am really impressed with the sound. In fact, it sounds better than my previous audio only setup (B&K amp, CJ Sonographe preamp).