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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Outlaw 2150 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by AbeCollins

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REVIEW: Outlaw 2150 Integrated Amplifier (SS)

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Model: 2150
Category: Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $6.99
Description: 100 Watt Beast
Manufacturer URL: Outlaw

Review by AbeCollins on June 04, 2009 at 21:34:56
IP Address: 67.177.242.32
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for the 2150


I've been reading nothing but great reviews on the Outlaw Audio RR2150 2-channel receiver so when a used one became available at a good price I decided to buy it for my secondary system and use it mainly as an integrated amp. Frank I here on Audio Asylum reviewed it recently and I thought I would add a few comments of my own.

You see, I already own a wonderful sounding system comprised of the Audio Research LS25mkII preamp, Manley Neo-Classic 250wpc tube monoblocks, Thiel CS2.4 speakers, and my Mac Mini music server & Apogee Mini DAC combo playing Apple Lossless files via iTunes. I also have a handful of 96khz/24bit classical tunes downloaded from HDTracks. The Apogee Mini DAC handles the higher resolution files via Firewire but I'm wandering off topic. As much as I love this setup, I felt guilty "wasting" the Manley amp vacuum tubes and sucking all that electricity for my extended casual listening while I worked in the home office.

This is where the Outlaw R2150 comes in. It's in the same general location as my main setup and it's being driven by the same music source but instead of "wasting" the Manely vacuum tubes, I run the Outlaw receiver as an integrated amp and drive a pair of fairly efficient Triangle Stella ES bookshelf speakers. These are rated at 8 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum, and 90dB sensitivity.

I previously had the Sonic Impact Super T amp in this secondary system and it was almost sufficient except at moderately loud listening levels. The Sonic Impact is a bit more transparent than the Outlaw R2150 receiver but it simply runs out of steam and lacks bass impact and depth with the volume turned up. The Sonic Impact starts to distort at louder listening levels. Over all I prefer the Outlaw receiver. It's also warmer sounding than the Sonic Impact.

I played with the FM tuner section just briefly and it too sounds smooth and a bit on the warm side. I didn't try the USB input. Apparently this receiver has a built-in USB DAC that can be attached to a PC/Mac bypassing the computer's analog section. I didn't try the USB DAC as I'm very pleased with my Apogee Mini DAC via Firewire.

$699 USD New direct from manufacturer, not $6.99. I don't know why MY review is picking up the previous reviewers pricing input.


Product Weakness: Not the last word in transparency and detail but very enjoyable and "musical". Runs mildly warm but not hot if this is a consideration.
Product Strengths: Powerful with reasonable speakers. Very good bass impact and depth without being muddy. Smooth for a solid-state amp with a slight bit of warmth. Definitely not lean or sterile. Good treble extension without being bright or irritating. Better than my NAD receiver or my Denon PMA-2000IVR Integrated amp. The Outlaw receiver is a bargain and I consider it to be a cut above typical "mid-fi".


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Manley Neo-Classic 250wpc Monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Audio Research LS25MKII
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Mac Mini music server, Apple Lossless &
Speakers: Triangle Stella ES Bookshelf Spkrs 90dB for Outlaw 2150 setup
Cables/Interconnects: DH Labs Air Matrix
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various Rock, Blues, Folks, Americana, Pop
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): NONE
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Outlaw 2150 Integrated Amplifier (SS) - AbeCollins 21:34:56 06/4/09 ( 3)