I ordered a B-stock RR2150 on 8/1. received it on 8/7. Finally got to open the box yesterday. Been a little crazy here - with two sons (5 and 2), it is kind of difficult to get time to listen to music at a relatively loud volume. I knew I would have
limited listening/testing opportunity at this time, but I jumped when the first B-stock RR2150 became available. Now, I see that more are still available...

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Test with/against the following equipment:

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Source -
Philips 963SA playing CDs and SACDs (both Dig coax output and L-R from the MCH out - BM turned off - sub turned off, only L-R enabled - SACDs - only stereo). Audio Direct ON, upsampling OFF.

Pre-amps:
Lexicon DC-1 (using both Dig coax and the AUX L-R input - the Aux input does a A/D and D/A conversion)
Emotiva LMC-1 (using both Dig Coax and MCH 5.1 inputs - the MCH L-R input just provides volume control)

Amps:
Carver AV505 - using the two outer channels for L-R (80w x 5 or 100 x 2 with power steering)
Outlaw 7125 - same - just 125w/channel.

Speakers:
Von Schweikert VR-2 (eff-87.5 db)
PSB Image 4T (eff-89 db)

Cables/interconnects: Blue Jeans/Parts Express.

Power Conditioner: Monster 3500 MkII

Room - wood floor - no treaments - just one 5 x 8 rug - size large room (family/dinning/kitchen) 15 x 36 x 9

Listening position: about 12 feet , speakers slightly toed in.

Selections:

Norah Jones - Come away with me - Come away with me
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue - Flamenco Sketches (Alternate Take)
Getz/Gilberto - Getz/Gilberto - The Girl from Ipanema (SACD)
Dire Straits - Love over Gold - Private Investigations (note: this CD is recorded at much lower than usual volume)
Bach - Brandenburg Concerto - #3

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What next?????:

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By 9/5 (30 day return period), determine whether the RR2150 sounds "better" (according to MY ears - since I am paying for it - :-)), than my current 2ch setup (DC-1/Carver AV505). Currently, on CDs, I feel that the DC-1s DACs are "slightly better" than the 963SA DACs (once they are level matched - the sound thru the DC-1 DACs sound a little "louder" at the same volume level).

Is pitting the Lexicon/Carver against the RR2150 unfair? I don't know. I just want "better" sound. I bought the DC-1 in early 2007 for $150 (10 years old - $3000+ when new - it is the non DD/DTS version only D PLII). I bought the Carver AV505 in early 2006 for $200 - again that one is probably close to 10 years old and about $700 new).

I have read ALL the pro reviews of this unit - so my mind is totally polluted... Don't know if I will have time to test all the combinations, but I will try. Hopefully, I will have a full report out by Sep 5. Forum members are invited to listening sessions while I do the testing (please send me a PM if you are interested).

Regards,

SB

Definitely curious to know what your thoughts are, and looking forward to hearing them. Wish I lived in Chicago !

Doug