The 950 is still, today, the cheapest new pre/pro with DPL II you can buy. But the 950 has been out for two years. Yes, it's definitely showing its age, just as most any solid state equipment made two years ago, would. The 950's user interface ergonomics was never its strong suit, and today is farther from the state of the art.

However most people even today think it sounds pretty good.

But if you want something newer that doesn't cost too much more, consider the NAD T163, or the upcoming (not yet out) Sherwood Newcastle P-965 pre/pro/tuner (which lists for $1500 but should sell for less), or the upcoming Rotel 1068 pre/pro. The Rotel 1068 replaces the Rotel 1066 pre/pro which is the same generation as the Outlaw 950 -- they came out at about the same time.

The new Sherwood Newcastle and the new Rotel are expected to have DPL IIx whereas the older Rotel and the Outlaw just have DPL II. The NAD T163 only has DPL II.

Best,

Will

[This message has been edited by Will (edited February 17, 2004).]