Outlaw 950 Processor/preamp (top in pic)

Description

The Outlaw 950 is a highly regarded surround‑sound preamplifier and processor that helped put Outlaw Audio on the map in the early 2000s as a brand focused on delivering high‑performance home theater gear at an affordable price directly to consumers. Designed as the flagship preamp/processor in Outlaw’s lineup when introduced, the 950 offered a compelling blend of advanced surround decoding, flexible connectivity, and audiophile‑grade circuitry at a price point that undercut many competitors in its class.

At its core, the Outlaw 950 functions as the central signal router and decoder in a multichannel home theater system. It supports a comprehensive suite of surround‑sound formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS 5.1, DTS‑ES (Matrix and Discrete), and DTS Neo:6, giving it the flexibility to handle movies, TV shows, DVDs, and music with both discrete and matrix surround sound fields. This range of decoding options was especially impressive for a unit priced well below $900 at launch.

One of the standout features of the 950 is its use of Cirrus Logic digital signal processing (DSP) and high‑quality converters. The processor uses Cirrus CS49326 DSP chips, CS5360 ADCs, and CS4396 DACs to achieve precise decoding and clean audio conversion with a dynamic range of around 100 dB and very low distortion figures. In bypass mode, where the analog signal is routed around the DSP, the unit delivers a wide frequency response from about 10 Hz to 90 kHz with a signal‑to‑noise ratio of roughly 102 dB and distortion as low as 0.0038%, demonstrating its audiophile‑friendly design.

Connectivity is another strong point of the 950. It includes multiple analog audio inputs, digital coaxial and optical inputs, and extensive video switching options (composite, S‑Video, and component), allowing it to serve as the central hub for diverse sources. It also offers multichannel analog inputs for direct connection of DVD‑Audio or SACD players capable of analog multichannel output. A pair of trigger outputs lets it integrate with powered amplifiers and external devices in a custom system.

Integration into a larger system was a priority in the design. The 950 includes bass‑management options with switchable 80 Hz crossovers on direct inputs, and it offered one of the few true 7.1‑capable processing solutions at its price at launch. It also featured a programmable remote control and multi‑zone capabilities, supporting playback to another room while the main room plays a different source.

Many users appreciated the unit’s sound quality and value. Enthusiast reviewers noted that the 950 offered impressive performance compared with more expensive competitors, remarking that “you’ll be pleasantly surprised” by its sound and build quality. Some also praised the simplicity of the design and the fact that Outlaw invested heavily in the audio signal path rather than superficial extras.

Today, the Outlaw 950 remains a respected legacy component among vintage‑AV collectors and DIY home theater builders. While HDMI‑centric modern receivers have largely replaced analog A/V processors, the 950’s wide array of surround formats and robust analog/digital feature set keeps it useful in many enthusiast systems.

Example Review Quotes

• A long‑time owner said the 950 offered “superb value and superior sound quality” compared with older receivers.

• Enthusiasts praised the unit’s flexible surround decoding suite and straightforward operation for the price.

• Some noted that the 950’s sound quality and build “defied its modest price tag.”

Product Specifications

General

• Component: 7.1‑channel surround preamp/processor

• Manufacturer: Outlaw Audio

• Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz; 45 W standby/operation

• Dimensions: ~17.12″ W × 4.6″ H × 14.76″ D

• Weight: ~17.6 lb (8 kg)

• Trigger Outputs: 2 × 12 VDC @ 100 mA

Audio Processing

• Surround Formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS 5.1, DTS‑ES Matrix/Discrete, DTS Neo:6

• DSP Engine: Cirrus Logic CS49326

• ADC: Cirrus CS5360

• DAC: Cirrus CS4396 24‑bit/192 kHz

Audio Performance (Analog Bypass Mode)

• Frequency Response: 10 Hz–90 kHz (+0/–3 dB)

• Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio: ~102 dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: ~0.0038% (20 Hz–20 kHz)

• Dynamic Range: ~100 dB (digital)

Inputs & Outputs

• Analog Audio Inputs: Multiple L/R RCA pairs, multichannel analog inputs

• Digital Audio Inputs: 2 × Coaxial, 4 × Optical

• Video Inputs: Composite, S‑Video, Component (multiple)

• Audio Outputs: Analog L/R, digital coax/optical

• Multizone Support: Yes