Integra RDC7 (upgraded)... or Outlaw 990 ?

[Mike1234]

As the title says. Both are used in good working condition.

[Burke Strickland]

Not to put too fine a point on it, but the title does not say that both are used in good working condition. :>) However, the following discussion assumes that both indeed, are in good working conditon -- no known problems.

I gather you are asking for advice on a purchase of one or the other? You haven't said how much is being asked for these units, but if the price is the same or nearly so, or if the used RDC-7 (upgraded) is priced LOWER than the used Outlaw, it is a no-brainer: RDC-7. On the other hand, if there is a substantial price difference with the asking price for the RDC-7 being considerably higher than for the Outlaw piece, then the decision becomes more complicated.

The Integra RDC-7 received many favorable reviews and ranked near the top of what was then available when it was a current model. Having lived with one in my own system for several years, and having invested in all the available upgrades of that unit which were offered by Integra Research, I can state that it is a first class piece of gear, definitely higher up the HT "food chain" than most gear at or below its price level (and in its day, could go head-to-head against much more expensive gear). If the unit you are looking at is really in good shape, it should serve you well, assuming that you are not looking for the latest (or any) HDMI switching in your pre-pro.

On the other hand, although the Outlaw 990 was a fine unit packing in many features for its original price, it is not in the same league as the RDC-7. I have listened to it in a couple of systems and found the experience quite enjoyable. However, I was always glad to get back home to my own system with the RDC-7.

I should add that Integra Research is notorious for being non-responsive to customer inquiries, while Outlaw has a reputation for being a model of customer service. If either unit were to experience problems, that could be a factor. At this point in their life though, if both have weathered years of use and are still truly in good working condition, that probably won't become a relevant factor.

So the real clincher would be the quality of the associated equipment in your contemplated system. If you are going with a budget DVD player, economy power amp and mid-fi speakers, the Outlaw would be quite suitable. But if you aspire toward higher level source, electronics and speakers, then the RDC-7 would be a better choice. At least that's my opinion.

Good luck, and enjoy!

Burke

[Mike1234]

(Burke): Not to put too fine a point on it, but the title does not say that both are used in good working condition. :>) However, the following discussion assumes that both indeed, are in good working conditon -- no known problems.

REPLY: Heh, heh... okay my mistrake. Please note: I didn't use quotes when I wrote, "Both are used in good working condition." :-)

(Burke): I gather you are asking for advice on a purchase of one or the other? You haven't said how much is being asked for these units, but if the price is the same or nearly so, or if the used RDC-7 (upgraded) is priced LOWER than the used Outlaw, it is a no-brainer: RDC-7. On the other hand, if there is a substantial price difference with the asking price for the RDC-7 being considerably higher than for the Outlaw piece, then the decision becomes more complicated.

REPLY: A used Outlaw 990 can be bought for approximately $700 and the Integra RDC7 with the latest upgrades for $1200 or so. I'm not overly concerned about pricing if the extra $500 is well-spent.

(Burke): The Integra RDC-7 received many favorable reviews and ranked near the top of what was then available when it was a current model. Having lived with one in my own system for several years, and having invested in all the available upgrades of that unit which were offered by Integra Research, I can state that it is a first class piece of gear, definitely higher up the HT "food chain" than most gear at or below its price level (and in its day, could go head-to-head against much more expensive gear). If the unit you are looking at is really in good shape, it should serve you well, assuming that you are not looking for the latest (or any) HDMI switching in your pre-pro.

REPLY: This jives with reviews I've read about these two pieces. I believe the Integra upgrades include HDMI video and audio in/out (awaiting confirmation). I learned tonight that I'll need HDMI for HD-DVD and maybe for Blu-Ray too. That being the case, the Integra is my current choice.

(Burke): On the other hand, although the Outlaw 990 was a fine unit packing in many features for its original price, it is not in the same league as the RDC-7. I have listened to it in a couple of systems and found the experience quite enjoyable. However, I was always glad to get back home to my own system with the RDC-7.

REPLY: Sound quality is very important to me. I use a dedicated stereo preamp for music completely separate from the video system. IMO, most sound tracks are lacking in that regard, so I haven't been very concerned about DVD movie sound reproduction. However, if HD-DVD and/or Blu-Ray are substantial improvements, this will alter my opinion.

(Burke): I should add that Integra Research is notorious for being non-responsive to customer inquiries, while Outlaw has a reputation for being a model of customer service. If either unit were to experience problems, that could be a factor. At this point in their life though, if both have weathered years of use and are still truly in good working condition, that probably won't become a relevant factor.

REPLY: I appreciate the caveat. Like you stated though, if these units have lasted this long, there's little need to worry.

(Burke): So the real clincher would be the quality of the associated equipment in your contemplated system. If you are going with a budget DVD player, economy power amp and mid-fi speakers, the Outlaw would be quite suitable. But if you aspire toward higher level source, electronics and speakers, then the RDC-7 would be a better choice. At least that's my opinion.

REPLY: Although my equipment is old, it's of nice quality. I'll be upgrading to HD-DVD and/or Blu-Ray soon. If the new formats are significant improvements over DVD, I have enough Forte Model 4 amps to replace the Rotel 5-channel currently driving the surrounds. The surrounds would then be replaced with Magnepan MMG's.

(current equipment list)
Sony DVP-S9000ES DVD/CD/SACD player
Forte F40 preamp (audio only)
Rotel RSP-1066 pre/pro (videos only)
Forte Model 7 monoblock amps (mains)
Rotel RB-985 amp (surrounds)
ADCOM GFA 555II amps (subwoofers)
Martin Logan Monolith II (mains)
Martin Logan CLS II (front center x 2)
Cheap in-ceiling speakers (surrounds)

Thank you!!