Summary: Well, I just have to say I really like the RR 2150. I searched high and low for an integrated to suit my listening tastes. I listen to mostly pop, rock, R&B, and electronica. I almost never listen to classical, folk, chamber, instrumental jazz, and the stereotypical "audiophile" recordings. I truly value a well recorded album, but not what is typically out there as a top flight recording. Anyway, back to the 2150. This amp has some serious power and will sound huge and lifelike, but never harsh, bright, or metallic.
The soundstage is enormous, literally wall to wall and very life like - I swear Alicia Keys is standing in front of me! The Outlaw almost begs to be turned up - the sound reminds me an all solid state McIntosh system I heard. The sound is simply engaging and the 2150 won't let you go - so much rhythm and drive - definitely not a puny amp. On the flip side however, this amp also conveys details and subtleties very well - details I never heard before on my older CD's were appearing before my eyes.
Oh yes, and this amp is extremely flexible and versatile. I won't go into all the connections as you can read that from the Outlaw site. Believe it or not, the sub sounds way better if you connect it via the speaker binding posts and not the sub out of the Outlaw. Frank from Signal Cable made me a custom cable to use for this hook-up. Ed from Hornshoppe also uses a similar cable to hook up his Cube bass augmenter. REL also has a similar philosophy.
Anyway, if you're on the fence with this amp, fall over to the Outlaw side, you won't be disappointed with the sound. I
My system:
speakers - Krix Lyrix Golds (MTM floorstanders, 90db sensitive, 4ohms)
sub - Onix UFW-10
cd player - Fantastic MHZS CD 66F tube player with NOS telefunkens
cables - all by Signal Cable
Summary: An excellent-sounding receiver for anyone looking for two-channel reproduction. Ultimately, it was a little too quirky and had features that I didn't use, plus it was a lot more power than I needed, so I've swapped it out for a different product.
It sounded terrific with both Paradigm Studio Reference 20's, and then with Dali 6's. Very lifelike sound with plenty of presence, but neutral in coloration. Great on voices, superb soundstaging (especially with the Dali's).
But for my small office, it was too much power, and unless you have a way to attenuate the gain on your source components, you may have a lot of trouble getting a comfortable listening level, particularly with the remote. Some people recommended that I install attenuators between the source components and the Outlaw, but I decided not to bother, and bought a different unit, since I wasn't useing the subwoofer output, the tuner, the tone controls, or the MP3 player plug-in.
So unless you've got a big room, relatively inefficient speakers, and/or source components that have variable output, this might not be for you. On the other hand, Outlaw does have a 30 day "no questions asked" guarantee (I wish that I'd used it, but I waited to long).
Strengths: Superb sound for the money; you'd be hard-pressed fo find sound this good at this price.
Headphone jack has separate volume control.
Weaknesses: Impossible to find comfortable listening level at low volume using the remote control.
Kind of ugly.
Similar Products Used: NAD 325BEE
Music Hall A25.2
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Summary: I spent quite a bit of time trying to find something to drive my speakers when I stumbled across the RR2150. It's getting surprisingly difficult to find equipment that sounds good in a two channel setup, without blowing a ton of cash but the Outlaw has definitely left me more than satisfied. Since there are so few two channel recievers or integrateds anymore, I seemed to keep coming back to the NAD and Rotel integrated and seperates. Both were nice, though I preferred the Rotel, but I wasn't entirely satisfied. The Rotels, while nice, seemed like a stopgap that would leave me dreaming of even higher end amps and preamps. For the money, they honestly didn't blow me away, and make it a clear choice for me. A friend recommended taking a chance on the Outlaw, and figuring I could return it if it didn't work out, I gave it a shot. I had relatively low expectations(but high hopes), and I was shocked. It's a beast! Is it the end all and be all of amplification? No. But it's half the price of Rotel seperates, and any difference in sound is pretty neglegible. I haven't really found anything under a couple grand that can compete. Give it a shot.
Strengths: Power, Power Power! Definitely more than you would expect, and extremely clean.
Looks pretty neat(or at least unique, it's a matter of opinion).
Great customer service, and return policy to minimize any risk.
Built like a russian tank.
You could be the coolest kid on your block!
Weaknesses: Everyone complains about the volume control, though this didn't seem like a big deal to me. It's really not that bad, and you get used to it.
Being the envy of all my friends.
Similar Products Used: Denon, Onkyo, Nad, Yamaha, Marantz
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Summary: It really is a shame that there are not more units like this one out there to choose from. Outlaw has created a unique product that has no peer. Fit & finish is flawless. Performance is outstanding. The functionality is superb. I use it with a variety of speaker setups, primarily 2.1 stereo. I like to play around and try something different once in a while. I've used it with Infinity, Polk and Radiient speakers and different combinations of subwoofers, trying different settings with the bass management and just having fun. This thing has more fun factor than anything I have played with for years. I am always able to get excellent performance with any of the setups I have tried, it can adapt to just about anything and with excellent results with a just a little tweaking. Mucho enjoyment from this little guy.
Strengths: Very flexible unit that can adapt to different setups with ease.
Fit & finish is outstanding. A nice break from the very common black finish of most everything else out there.
Seems to have plenty of nice clean power and just sounds great.
Weaknesses: Very minor gripe with remote volume control. Not a big deal with since I like to put my hands on the stuff anyway. Very minor.
Similar Products Used: Yamaha, Kenwood, Harman Kardon
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