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#29870 - 09/27/05 01:15 PM RR2150 vs HK 3480
lanion Offline
Gunslinger

Registered: 07/12/05
Posts: 161
Can anyone convince me to buy the sub $600 (probobly $599) RR2150 when a HK 3480 can be had for $200 refurb or $260 new?

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#29871 - 09/27/05 02:01 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
gonk Offline
Desperado

Registered: 03/21/01
Posts: 14054
Loc: Memphis, TN USA
Until we actually have some feedback on how the 2150 sounds in comparison to the 3480, it's hard to say. Nonetheless, I'll venture out into the land of the theoretical... Both offer a phono input (but we don't know how the two phono pre-amp sections compare), both offer rather comparable power output at 90W for the 2150 and 120W for the 3480 (but we don't know how the two amp sections sound), both offer some sort of front input, both offer headphone jacks, both offer subwoofer outputs (although for the life of me I couldn't figure out what sort of bass management the 3480 might be using to generate that subwoofer signal, leaving me to wonder about how that works), both offer an AM/FM tuner (although, again, we can't yet compare performance between the two). The 2150 offers a USB audio input similar to the 990's, while the 3480 offers composite video switching. The 3480's manual mentions some processing (VMAx), which makes me wonder if it isn't converting the analog signals to digital internally - something that runs counter to the concept of a purely analog stereo receiver, and that would probably not appeal to someone investing in source components specifically to get good analog source signals (vinyl as well as assorted CD players - I imagine all sorts of source components will tend to end up upstream of the 2150, from turntables to tubed as well as conventional CD players to media servers to iPods and beyond). The RR2150 will have either a two-year warranty (the warranty length for the 1050 and 1070) or a five-year warranty (the warranty length for the 950, 990, and amps). I couldn't find any information on the 3480's warranty.

If I had to guess on the differences between the two, I would suspect that the 2150 will have a better analog design (including analog bass management that I would expect to be capable of being enabled or disabled), most likely better amp section (which is likely a contributing factor to the added cost), phono pre-amp and headphone amp sections that may be superior, and the benefit of being backed by Outlaw's customer service.
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#29872 - 09/27/05 04:17 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
PodBoy Offline
Gunslinger

Registered: 05/09/05
Posts: 281
It will be an interesting comparison -- not only with the 3480, but with other comperable products, as well.

Note that HK indicates that the version of VMAx used in their STEREO receivers is analog, not digital, so the "fear of digital" is not applicable. HK has historicly had great amps.

THe 2150, of course, is still an unknown, but the USB, processor loop, and styling could make it a standout.

Most importantly in today's "sub/sat" age, it will have some sort of analog bass management, while the HK has what I'd bet is a simple full range output labeled "sub", but which is mostly meant to give an easy way to connect the receiver to a powered sub.

Can't wait to hear a 2150; based on the indications in the past few newsletters maybe they are part of the Outlaw's plans for the fall. It is due.

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#29873 - 09/27/05 04:41 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
gonk Offline
Desperado

Registered: 03/21/01
Posts: 14054
Loc: Memphis, TN USA
Thanks for the info on the VMAx - didn't find that in my digging around earlier.
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#29874 - 09/29/05 10:07 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
DavidD Offline
Deputy Gunslinger

Registered: 09/29/05
Posts: 1
I really hope that Outlaw comes through with this product soon. I've been sort waiting on this as a gift for my father for some time now. Birthdays/holiday's have come and gone over the last year or so, and I always thought it was just around the corner.

I'm hesitant to buy another brand, since I don't believe other brand's two-performance commitmant will be as strong as Outlaw's seems to be regarding this product (I'm currently a proud 1050 owner). My dad was a semi two-channel audiophile in a former life and I would like to help get him up to speed again. He seems to have no interest in these new multi-channel audio systems and I really think he would appreciate a well thought out two channel setup.

Hopefully they will at least get this going before Christmas.

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#29875 - 09/29/05 10:56 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
Adrian L Offline
Gunslinger

Registered: 09/28/04
Posts: 58
Loc: Pearl River, NY
I sure hope so too. I was surprised to find that I won the Auction. I am supposed to get one of the first 10 production units that are being air shipped for photo shots, etc.

I asked when I could expect the unit, they said . . . "sooner than later" . . . . whatever that means. I guess they do not want to get people hyped too early.

As a heavy critic of the long wait time for the 990 I can only say that the wait was definitely worth it!!!

I am sure that the 2150 will hold up to the Outlaw reputaion.

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#29876 - 09/29/05 11:20 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
PodBoy Offline
Gunslinger

Registered: 05/09/05
Posts: 281
Adrian:

Congrats on winning the 2150! Let us know when you get it and what you think of it!

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#29877 - 10/26/05 01:35 PM Re: RR2150 vs HK 3480
morphsci Offline
Gunslinger

Registered: 02/15/02
Posts: 243
Loc: Charleston, IL, USA
Well if this is not released before Turkey day I will probably just give in and buy a Music Hall Maven frown

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