I just thought some of you would like to know my updated report on the 5000 I purchased. I have put 350 hours on the unit and it sounds better now than even before.
I wanted a 500 watt amp to drive my Dunlavy speakers. They just love power. I purchased a Red Dragon S-500 stereo amplifier. Power rating 250/8 ohm, 500/4 ohm. Cost $1999. The 5000 has smoother upper mid range and high frequencies. The 5000 has deeper tighter base. The Red Dragon is fuller sounding and has a big base but not necessarily better. The Red Dragon also has a closer perspective. The Red Dragon did the sound staging better with better depth but the 5000 sounded more like real instruments. I would rate the 5000 better simply because the upper mid range and high frequencies were more extended with much better natural detail. The 5000 played almost as loud without strain as the Red Dragon S-500. Finally the fit and finish was much better on the 5000.
Ben I would like a 400 watt version of the 5000. When can I get one delivered?

After spending more time comparing the 5000 to a Red Dragon S500 amplifier I have to alter my original conclusion. The S500 is clearly a better amplifier especially in regards to low level information and sound staging. I originally was led to believe that D class amps did not require the warm up time that AB class amplifiers required. I was wrong. So while the $2000 Red Dragon S500 clearly out performs the 5000 its also 3.2 times higher in cost. I would have to say that is quite an accomplishment for a $599 amplifier. The 5000 has specific areas of performs that make it competitive with much higher ticket products. The high frequencies have excellent extension with a very natural airiness. The base performance is solid with the ability to drive difficult speakers. Regarding the mid range. Mids are very smooth and low in grain. While pricier amps can do staging and low level detail much better those amps again cost considerably more money. The 5000 is still a very solid well balanced performer. The amplifier is also very quiet and responds to changes in interconnects and speaker cables.
Please forgive my prior over enthusiasm. The 5000 is still an exceptional product. Its construction far exceeds many pricier amplifiers.

The Red Dragon appears to be a much smaller amp than the 5000, so how is it that it has a big base?

Troublemaker...

Well the Red Dragon is two channels for $2000 whereas the 5000 is 5 channels for $600. So the Red Dragon has a per channel cost of roughly 8X the Outlaw. I'd hope you get something for the extra $$. Also you're comparing 500 watts/channel to 180 watts/channel (assuming 4-ohms). It's pretty impressive that they are even in the same conversation performance wise.

It would be interesting to see how the 2200 Monoblocks would stack up against the Red Dragon. Of course you'd need two to get stereo which will run you $700. Unfortunately they seem to be out of stock...Hrmmmm...Something new in the works???

More veils lifted.