Fun with New Toy

[Feanor]

On a frivolous whim I put a low eBay bid on an Outlaw 990 prepro -- and won. This was a unit I admired when it was newer. The thing has arrived and I've installed in my stereo system for the sake of fun & experimentation.

Understand that the Outlaw 990 is a multi-channel, AV processor. Not of the last technological wave, e.g. it doesn't have HDMI, but does have 7.1 output, automatic set up, and balanced outputs. So what's it doing in my stereo system?

Well it's a replacement for my AM/FM tuner, DAC, passive preamp, and (effectively) the crossover and level control of my subwoofer. Currently I'm using it in DSP mode, meaning the signal is digitally processed. This processing occurs before the built-in DAC, but after the ADC that would be applied to any analog input. As input I've hooked up my usual SP/DIF link to my music computer and an optical link to my CDP (which I rarely use nowadays).

The Outlaw does have a 'Bypass' mode that skips the DSP. Using it would mean that I'd have to used the subwoofer's own crossover control and level setting, and would forfeit the Outlaw's high-pass filter for the main speakers. I'm not using 'Bypass' at the moment but will try it.

The sound is very good, with fine tonal balance, soundstage, and resolution. Maybe the resolution is just a tad less good than my outboard DAC and passive preamp, but very close. The bass might be better after I've good the level just right on account of having a lower crossover point, (40 Hz instead of 50 Hz), and complementary high- and low-pass filters.

BTW, the unit is HUGE. It's 17.5" wide, 18" deep, and about 10" high. This might be the ultimate drawback since my shelves will barely accommodate if at all.

I will apprise you of any interesting further developments.