From HTF:
To keep things straight, be advised that the unit you will receive is rebuilt to the latest factory specifications and carefully inspected to assure that it is in "like new" condition, but it will probably not be a brand new unit"
So after all our patience with Outlaw and the 950 we end up with a "refurb".
From another forum Tom H asks:
I will ask Outlaw to:
1. Ship me a new unit from the redesigned production line.
or
2. Issue an RMA and a refund. I will then order a new 950 or a Rotel.
--------
It was responded to by Bob L. of LA who said:
I'm breaking my self-imposed silence on the Outlaw 950 one time to make a comment. (I received a 950 from the first large shipment and, fortunately, one without a hiss problem.)
BOY, do I EVER understand and sympathize with Tom's frustration!!
In addition, I can't even begin to imagine how cheesed off the folks are who have been on the waiting list all this time. I'd be spitting profanities more deadly than a pneumatic nail gun if it was me.
That said ...
When I first received my 950 (in May was it?), I was very satisfied. It sounded good -- perhaps a little edgy on top -- and had lots of fine features. (Hated the remote. Still do. )
It took about a month for the 950 to break in and for the 950 to "break ME in." (I think the break-in concept has at least as much to do with conditioning listener expectations as it does with the electronics themselves.) The result of break-in was a tempering of the edginess into a very detailed and analytical sound. Not glamorous or flattering to source material but very honest.
Then there was a month or so of tweaking the system -- speaker positions, surround positions, delays, tonearm adjustments -- to optimize the overall system synergy. (I think my wife got a headache every time she saw the Radio Shack SPL meter come out of the AV cabinet.)
Since July, I have used the Outlaw 950 for many, many, MANY sessions with DirecTV programming, FM radio, DVD, LD, vinyl, Internet radio, and, most recently, videogame consoles.
At least once during each session, my ears have perked up at a remarkable musical detail, or a precisely pinpointed surround effect, a subliminal subwoofer muttering, a panoramic soundstage, or an intimate musical performance that was transported into my living room. And I've enjoyed a moment of delighted realization that "my system has never sounded like THAT before." (And, honest guys, the system wasn't chopped liver BEFORE Outlaw was in the house.)
The Outlaw isn't perfect and it isn't a $10,000 pre/pro in features or performance. It IS an outstanding pre/pro of exceptional value and flexibility and anyone who is considering paying anywhere from $500-$3000 for a pre/pro, IMHO, should add it to their short list of possible HT and music solutions.
NOW ... I hope they have some luck getting these frikkin' things shipped out so that more folks can find out what a few of us have been enjoying.
(And then he returned to his silence .... )
So... how many of you early guys agree with Bob and will keep your initial units? In fact... does Bob actually agree to keep his unit in spite of his voiced perfectness??? Anyway, I want a new refurbed one. How bout y'all?
How bout Bob?
I wonder if he'll let us know???
[This message has been edited by merc (edited August 30, 2002).]
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