Emotiva versus Outlaw?

[Hammie]

Okay, as you know my next upgrade will be an external amp. I've heard all the praise of Emotiva, but what about Outlaw? I see very little written about them in this forum.

Would I better off getting 5 Outlaw 200W monoblocks for $1350? Or even the Outlaw 7500 (5@200W) multichannel amp for $1599?

Is Emotiva still be best bank for my buck? I know I won't be throwing $800 out the window with the Emotiva.

Another option is to look at the 'Gon at Rotel. I saw a few Rotel 1095 amps for less than $1200. Am I risking anything by buying amps used especially through that site?

I feel like a total newbie when it comes to this decision.

[mdanderson]

I hope to purchase an XPA-5 sometime in the near future. I have read good reviews of this amp.

[Drew664]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

Would I better off getting 5 Outlaw 200W monoblocks for $1350? Or even the Outlaw 7500 (5@200W) multichannel amp for $1599?

Sound wise, from what I have gathered, is that mono blocks out perform multichannel amps each and every time. Hell, you even save $250 buying the monos. The only big problem is placement and plugs.

I'm looking into separates as well, and my saving grace has been my receiver doesn't have any preouts, preventing me from rush purchasing any amps. I've even backed off being gung ho about the new XPR-7 being developed because it simply would not benefit me well, cost vs performance. Emotiva is producing a UPA-1 that is 200wpc for $299. A bit spendy compared to the outlaw, but I'm not sure if they share the same feature sets either.

If you don't have placement/plug restraints, I'd find a way to get all mono blocks, otherwise a multi channel amp would be a solid choice. It's even possible you wouldn't be able to hear a difference too. Lot's of members buying Emo products switching from the UPA series to the XPA found it very hard to detect change. Same could be said about multi to mono.

Would you even want 5 separate amps to deal with?

[naturephoto1]

Hi Lou,

Where to begin on this? First, generally at least for the same manufacturer monoblock amps will outperform stereo or multichannel amps. I would not venture to suggest that all monoblock amps outperform all stereo or even all multichannel amps. Advantages of monoblock amps are that there are separate and possibly larger power supplies, better isolation, parts and design for a single channel, with less chance of crosstalk, better isolation, generally better specs, generally can work in and deal with lower impedance and dips in impedance, and will generally tend to have better audio performance with more "air" and openness to the sound.

The drawbacks to monoblock amps are generally they are more expensive (you are paying for separate cases, power supplies, parts, etc), collectively they will weigh more than stereo or multichannel amps, they take up more space and volume (including additional breathing space to keep them cool), more expensive for power cord replacement (particularly if you buy high end), may require longer IC interconnects due to greater distances from the Pre/Pro and/or Preamp.

I presently have 4 monoblock amps (am trying to find a 5th) as well a 3 channel amp. Believe me they take up a lot of space and are all heavy (each about 65 pounds). That means I have to have a lot of rack space and have used a lot more isolation footer tweaks (than stereo or monoblock amps) and expensive power cords. In fact, for my set-up, I will have 2 monoblock amps on top of a double rack to be used for stereo playback and a 2nd 60" tall rack to accommodate the additional amps. I use more electricity with all of these amps than a single multichannel or several stereo amps.

As to the manufactures, all I am sure will provide you with good performance. I do not think that you really have to worry regarding whether you purchase Outlaw or Emotiva. Both are known as very good amps particularly for the price.

As to purchasing a used amp on Audiogon such as a Rotel 1095, I would say that it is a rare instance that there is a problem buying from a someone with high scores and comments from others on that forum.

Are there better amps made and sound better than Emotiva, Outlaw, and Rotel, certainly.

Another thing to consider regarding your purchase of your amp or amps is how do you use your system? That is do you listen to a lot of stereo music? Following this scenario one step further (and to have identical sound across all 3 channels of your HT, you may consider 3 identical monoblock amps (that is why I am trying to find a 5th). If you listen to a lot of 2 channel music, then at least for me, it would appear that you may prefer either at least 2 monoblock amps or a stereo amp as well as quite possibly a multichannel amp for the remainder of the channels for your multichannel listening.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi Lou,

Where to begin on this? First, generally at least for the same manufacturer monoblock amps will outperform stereo or multichannel amps. I would not venture to suggest that all monoblock amps outperform all stereo or even all multichannel amps. Advantages of monoblock amps are that there are separate and possibly larger power supplies, better isolation, parts and design for a single channel, with less chance of crosstalk, better isolation, generally better specs, generally can work in and deal with lower impedance and dips in impedance, and will generally tend to have better audio performance with more "air" and openness to the sound.

The drawbacks to monoblock amps are generally they are more expensive (you are paying for separate cases, power supplies, parts, etc), collectively they will weigh more than stereo or multichannel amps, they take up more space and volume (including additional breathing space to keep them cool), more expensive for power cord replacement (particularly if you buy high end), may require longer IC interconnects due to greater distances from the Pre/Pro and/or Preamp.

I presently have 4 monoblock amps (am trying to find a 5th) as well a 3 channel amp. Believe me they take up a lot of space and are all heavy (each about 65 pounds). That means I have to have a lot of rack space and have used a lot more isolation footer tweeks (than stereo or monoblock amps) and expensive power cords. In fact, for my set-up, I will have 2 monoblock amps on top of a double rack to be used for stereo playback and a 2nd 60" tall rack to accommodate the additional amps. I use more electricity with all of these amps than a single multichannel or several stereo amps.

As to the manufactures, all I am sure will provide you with good performance. I do not think that you really have to worry regarding whether you purchase Outlaw or Emotiva. Both are known as very good amps particularly for the price.

As to purchasing a used amp on Audiogon such as a Rotel 1095, I would say that it is a rare instance that there is a problem buying from a someone with high scores and comments from others on that forum.

Are there better amps made and sound better than Emotiva, Outlaw, and Rotel, certainly.

Another thing to consider regarding your purchase of your amp or amps is how do you use your system? That is do you listen to a lot of stereo music? Following this scenario one step further (and to have identical sound across all 3 channels of your HT, you may consider 3 identical monoblock amps (that is why I am trying to find a 5th). If you listen to a lot of 2 channel music, then at least for me, it would appear that you may prefer either at least 2 monoblock amps or a stereo amp as well as quite possibly a multichannel amp for the remainder of the channels for your multichannel listening.

Rich

+10. Extremely well explained! One of the most important points that Rich brought up with the use of Monoblocks, and oftentimes not considered in the financial equation, is the additional IC's one must purchase and perhaps also their need to be longer than the most common of 3' lengths. This can add up to several hundreds of dollars, depending on the quality and number of IC's required.

John

[solarrdadd]

Hey Lou, your electric bill in MD is gonna be hugh! hope you have a bunch of dedicated circuits run for these boys! your gonna need a couple more! keep us posted, i'd love to hear how it all comes out with whatever you go with.

Oh and YES, you are correct, I almost never see anything about other amps from their owners. Yet many folks jump on Emo amp owners for writing and recommending their amps to folks who ask. Why are other amp brand owners not putting up more about their brands?

That is one of the reasons I went with the Emo amp because i didn't see very much posted about other amps, but, almost always about Emo. Ususally when i did see something about other amps it was on the Emo thread and they were "downing" the Emo line of amps.

spin that meter, spin that meter, spin, spin, spin!!!!

[rpatt]

Lou posted this in August. Looks like he already opted for the XPA-5.

[Big Daddy]

I recommend that you buy this Burmester monoblock (600 watts per channel) amplifier. It is made in Germany like a tank. One of the reviewers said:

All other amps I’ve tried sound like electrical appliances and make music feel the way electric lighting makes visual things feel. The Burmesters are more like sunlight.

The list price is $76,000, but I can get it for you for $64,900. If you buy five of them, I can knock another $5,000 per unit. Send me a PM, if you are interested.

[Drew664]

I think it's the price of entry. Emotiva is hundreds of dollars less than anyone else. Going pre/pro isn't cheap, and Emotiva gets a lot of looks simply because of that. They have lots of other advantages going for them as do other companies, however the most important part of building a HT is budget for a lot of people.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I recommend that you buy this Burmester monoblock (600 watts per channel) amplifier. It is made in Germany like a tank. One of the reviewers said:


The list price is $76,000, but I can get it for you for $64,900. If you buy five of them, I can knock another $5,000 per unit. Send me a PM, if you are interested.

I'll bet that thing is as big as my window A/C! In that case, I'll pass as it wouldn't fit on my AV stand! Thanks though!

John

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by John72953

I'll bet that thing is as big as my window A/C! In that case, I'll pass as it wouldn't fit on my AV stand! Thanks though!

John

Are you kidding? It is probably as big as you wall.

[rded]

Lou: Forget what BD has offered you for the Burmester monoblocks. I can help you get between 30-35% off per monoblock if you go with my dealer BTW, I've heard its smaller brother and that monoblock is just freaking powerful and musical to say the least

[Hammie]

Yes, I did already get the Emotiva.

I appreciate the response, Rich, and it was very informative. If I ever upgrade to the Diamond B&W's, I will seriously consider a 2-channel amp to power them. My problem will be where to put it. I have no room in my media cabinet right now. If the Emotiva XMC-1 comes out and it the dimensions I have seen it rumored to be (6 inches high), I may be able to squeeze the XMC-1 and XPA-2 in one side of the cabinet. I'll figure out a place for the Oppo.

Although, I was also considering the Outlaw monos. The number of plugs is what killed the deal for me.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by rded

Lou: Forget what BD has offered you for the Burmester monoblocks. I can help you get between 30-35% off per monoblock if you go with my dealer BTW, I've heard its smaller brother and that monoblock is just freaking powerful and musical to say the least

I bet! I recently heard the Burmester 911 Mk 3 (a stereo amp) driving a pair of YG Acoustic Anats. Very nice!

[Opips2]

Lou,

I've a power amp from Outlaw Audio. My experienced the amp is 7.1 channel
It's good power the amp. I can switch stereo and mult-channels on A/V receiver to the amp is 2.1 or 2.0 or 5.1 and 7.1
No problem...

I've a problem with Super Audio CD is difficult technology for DSD to downgrade to HDMI receiver. I listened not sonic sound... Because new HD receiver not has DSD for HDMI. My receiver has use input muli-channel analog for DSD.

I wish PS3 (60gb) has output muli-channel analogs. I heard people said it's very excellent Oppo bdp-83, the blu-ray player has SACD and multi-channel analog.

Blu-ray music is better than SACD. in my opinion

[rpatt]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

Yes, I did already get the Emotiva.

Although, I was also considering the Outlaw monos. The number of plugs is what killed the deal for me.

I must say that the "cool factor" of five monos would be off the chart.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by rpatt

I must say that the "cool factor" of five monos would be off the chart.

I have 4 of these upgraded Aragon Palladium 1K monoblock amps and am looking for a 5th



Rich

[richteer]

Originally Posted by rpatt

I must say that the "cool factor" of five monos would be off the chart.

Unless they were Class A behemoths, in which case cool is definately not what they'd be! :-)

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

I have 4 of these upgraded Aragon Palladium 1K monoblock amps and am looking for a 5th



Rich

Those look amazing. It's awesome that they are a mirror image of one another.

[rpatt]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

I have 4 of these upgraded Aragon Palladium 1K monoblock amps and am looking for a 5th



Rich

Very nice (and cool) setup.