I now need help in choosing the right amp for my needs. I’ve narrowed it down to either Emotiva XPA series or Outlaw. From a personal stand point I like the looks of the Outlaw much better but it is the SQ that really matters. This is where you all come in. Please feel free to give me your impressions or other recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

If you like the Outlaw then get the Outlaw. There should be no audible difference between the two.

There should be no sound quality differences between the amps, as long as they're kept below clipping. The Outlaw multi-channel, are built by ATI (in the US), and are rock solid.

the reasons an amp would not sound good is if it's overdriven or broken.

,or being use to listen to The XX.

Thanks All

You're right, I like the Outlaw - I should buy the Outlaw!

What Outlaw model are you looking at?

Have the amp shipped to my place so I can test it out for you first; wouldn't want you to receive a defective product

The 7500 for my 5 speaker setup, M80's, VP180 and QS8's.

That's very decent of you...no, wait...NOT

Bob Kay: Ha HA !! Nice callback.

I just read on the Outlaw forum that later this month they'll be anouncing a new line in their "home theater and two-channel audio".

http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=85748#Post85748

I think I'll wait until then before making my purchase. Besides Mark, our house sound tech, lent me a Bryston amp so I don't need anything right away.

Lent you a Bryston amp! Can I come over to play?

Hey Jason

It's an older 4B Bryston (two channel/mono block - switchable). I have it hooked to the M80's via the receiver's preouts.

He told me of a cool way to listen to CD's, you hook the amp straight to the player. The amp has two hidden dials that control volume - 0 to 100%. Setting it to 0 I started the cd and slowly turned up the volume. This gave me my first "WOW" moment with my 80's. And that was only between 1/3 and 1/2 on the volume!

He has several 4B's and some 3B's that he might consider selling, interested?

Very!

I ran my wifes iPod through an A1400 in a similar fashion and the iPod has volume control so that was not a concern; talk about the best iPod player there is

Then send it to me, Jay, and I'll test it for possible aesthetic flaws. Just don't box it up because I won't be able to open it!

Brystons have transferable warranties, don't they?

Yes, 20 yrs worth, IIRC

Bryston will even "refresh" an amp still under warranty with new and updated parts for a minimal charge. Of course all that comes from the upfront cost.