Did you compare the 990 to the AVR300 using the pre/outs and the same amp? I'm not surprised that the separates combo would beat the receiver, given the limitations of a combined unit. If you don't have an amp already and you have a $2000 target, it would be very hard to find an option better than the Outlaw combo. If you have an amp, or a slightly higher budget, the Arcam AVP700 would be more of an apples-to-apples comparison (pre/pro to pre/pro).

I think the success of the Arcam AV8 and AVP700, and the release of the AV9 shows that they sure didn't abandon separates based on their market research. If anything, the recent development of lower priced separates options makes a reciever like the AVR300 harder to justify. If they are priced similarly, it's an uphill battle for any receiver to beat out quality separates.

Chris

I guess that depends on whether or not your apples are "separates" or money...
Bill

Very nice review.
I'm in the process of selling all my current audio gear (including a 950) to buy a 990/7125 combo.
Would get the 990/7700, but its 1K more.

I think for most people "apples to apples" is the price.

Well said. That's what I meant by saying the AVR300 would be losing some of its world beating status (remember the over-the-top gushing "The Answer" review from a magazine a while back?) if good quality separates come down to its price point. And while I'd still recommend an AVP700 first for those with a music-first priority, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend (and have recommended) the 990 for those with a tighter budget and/or an HT-first priority.

Chris

I'm sure the AVP700 is a fine sounding pre for both music and HT, but do think the Outlaw 990/7125 does offer music-first a good alternative too. My first priority was its music reproduction for those times when I choose to not use my tube gear. I was VERY pleasantly surprised at just how good the 990/7125 fits that need and does so at a reasonable cost. I may check out the AVP700 some time in the future and compare to the 990 - just for fun.

Please share some more details about how you conducted your review. Exactly how did you do the level matching? You said you used a RS meter, but did you use the same speakers, souce, cables, etc. and then switch back and forth?

Also, you described the sound of both for HT and two channel audio. How did you listen to each? Via Analog and digital or digital for movies and analog for music, etc.

More details please.

Thanks for the review.

i have to agree with cpd on there is not fair to compare receiver to seperate. That is why most hi end receiver has out put for amp.
last friday before I order my 990/7125 i went to my local audio to listen to acram 300 and rotel RSX-1067 both of them around 2k. But i saw used B&K ref 50 s2 and amp 5 X 200w for 2k. So i decied to go with it because i have 7 days to return on it. Right the mintue i turned it on i know i made right choice. Even my wife had to impress with my new system. i will keep my B&K.
with the seperate you can hear the clarity and fell the power even with low volume( i don't have a sub) but with the receiver you have to turn kind of louder in order to feel the power or clarit

sorry guys i can't be join outlaw fan.
but i have to say seperate is the way to go. any one out there hope to send 1k or even 2k on receiver and hope it will beat your 10 years old receiver then please don't because it not worth the money.

- No hard feelings, bui. Glad to hear you've got a new toy that you like in the equipment rack.

人们讲英语在明尼苏达?

8-)