Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver Reviewed

Published On: August 2, 2009
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver Reviewed

Outlaw has made its name building high-quality, high-end audiophile gear, at budget prices. The $699 RR2150 lives up to that reputation with 100-watts per channel, a USB input, and even a phono input.

Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver Reviewed

By Author: Andrew Robinson

Andrew Robinson began his career as an art director in entertainment advertising in 2003, after graduating from Art Center College of Design. In 2006, he became a creative director at Crew Creative Advertising, and oversaw the agency's Television Division, where he worked for clients such as TNT, TBS, History, FX, and Bravo to name a few. He now has one of the most popular AV-related channels on YouTube.

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One might be tempted to call the Outlaw Audio RR2150 reviewed here an integrated amplifier, however, no integrated amp retailing direct for $699 has a built in MM/MC phono stage, USB input, tuner, subwoofer output, and true bass management. While feature laden it's not quite a home theater receiver; the guys at Outlaw have seen it fit to call the RR2150 a stereo receiver and while the moniker doesn't quite scream audiophile grade I assure you its performance does.

Read more high end receiver reviews from NAD, Classé, Krell, Emotiva, Anthem and many others.

Read more Outlaw Audio reviews on HomeTheaterReview.com.

Visually, the RR2150 is art deco audio at its best, though despite the vintage appearance, there is nothing-old world about its sound quality and connection options. The RR2150 boasts a solid 100-Watts per channel into eight Ohms and 160 Watts per channel into four. While that may not sound like a lot in comparison to say Krell or Anthem, trust me it's more than enough. The RR2150 also has a subwoofer output complete with selectable, analog bass management at the receiver, which according to Outlaw is a first. There are plenty of inputs for your legacy sources including a selectable MM/MC phono stage that is not only a nice addition but also a fine phono stage for a budding vinyl enthusiast. For those of you who think records, and perhaps even CD's, are a bit Jurassic there are two ways in which to connect your computer or portable MP3 device to the RR2150; a front mounted stereo mini-jack or a rear mounted USB input.


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High Points
• At first glance the style of the RR2150 is a bit alarming and some of the knobs feel a little cheap under thumb, however over time the looks grow on you and the build quality, given its price, is second to none. This is not a component you tuck or hide away, no sir, the RR2150 is meant to be seen and become a focal point visually and aurally. 
• While 100-Watts per channel may not seem like much these days the RR2150 has more than enough juice to tackle all but the most insanely inefficient loudspeakers. It handled a pair of Magnepan MMG's and 1.6's nicely though give it something like a Paradigm Signature S8 and look out. 
• The RR2150's sound is a touch warm, though very smooth and refined exhibiting great control and remarkable soundstage depth and width. Treble isn't the most airy but it's far from harsh or grainy. The RR2150 really shines in its midrange and bass performance. The RR2150 is a very solid, very musical, all round performer. 
• The ability to add a separate subwoofer to a two-channel setup is terrific and further expands the possibilities of systems one can logically build around the RR2150. 
• The user selectable phono stage is not the end all be all among phono stages, however for the price and convenience it affords it's pretty damn impressive.

Low Points
• Some of the buttons and knobs feel a bit cheap when used manually, their action is smooth and authoritative but the materials just aren't quite up to snuff. 
• I would've liked to see the inclusion of at least one set of balanced audio inputs on the back of the RR2150.
• While the RR2150 has a USB input it's an older USB style connection, more square than the typical slender rectangle we've come accustomed to these days with our iPods and flash drives. A converter or special cable may be required to hook up some portable devices via the RR2150's USB input.

Conclusion
For just under $700, sold direct to your door, you can get the Outlaw RR2150 and be well on your way to having the beginnings of one fine two-channel audio system. Mate it to a pair of good bookshelf speakers or even large floor standing speakers and with something as simple as an iPod you'll sit back and be amazed by what the RR2150 can do. Its sound is so rich and pure that you may begin to wonder, if the RR2150 is good enough to put a smile on your face and a nod in your neck why spend more?

Read more high end receiver reviews from NAD, Classé, Krell, Emotiva, Anthem and many others.

Read more Outlaw Audio reviews on HomeTheaterReview.com.

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