Steve: Do some research into HOW S&V tests and what their S/N figure really means. It is not the same as the standard A weighted S/N spec that manufacturer's use and should and can not be compared directly to each other. S&V's S/N test is top ended at the theoretical perfect(absolutely no noise at all, the component is totally invisible from input to output)and the spec'd S/N figure that is used by manufacturers has no top end, theoretically.

Finally, it can be argued that a S&V S/N rating of -72 cannot be audibly discerned from one of -76.

What most people don't understand is that the S&V tests show quite good noise levels for the Outlaw 950. Based on each manufacturers specs, I'd guess that the Rotel might S&V test at just under the Outlaw, yet, that difference would probably not be audibly discernable. Why not call Brian at S&V and ask him for yourself about their testing procedure and how the Outlaw 950 sounded?

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Take Care,
merc

[This message has been edited by merc (edited June 13, 2002).]