Schiit Vidar Outlaw RR2160

Hi John -

I have owned the Outlaw RR2150 for the last 12 years and it has been running all this time without a problem.  Superb product.  

This month's Stereophile has an excellent, in depth review of the RR2160 and its capabilities.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/outlaw-audio-rr2160-stereo-receiver

The Outlaw comes with a built in phono preamp, so I don't know why you feel the need to invest in a preamp.

Your new Pro-ject Espirit will work out just fine with the Outlaw..  What cartridge do you have ... Ortofon Red M?  If you ever wish to upgrade, consider swapping out the stylus with the stylus from the Ortofon Blue M.    

As for the speakers, the Outlaw is powerful enough and good enough to drive many different speakers.  It benefits from using better cables (i.e.:  Audioquest interconnects, Audience OHNO speaker cables).  

There are 3 combinations that I have used over the years that I have especially liked:

Omega Super 7 MKII (https://omegaloudspeakers.com/collections/monitor-speakers/products/super-7-monitor-speaker?variant=...) @$1000

Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 (http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html) @ $850

Wharfedale Denton Anniversary (https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/wharfedale-denton-80th-anniversary-bookshelf-speakers-pr) @500 (marked down from $1000)

Outlaw RR 2150 has received mixed feedback on this site and mostly from people who have not owned it any appreciable length of time.  No matter.  It is a good receiver.  If you decide that it is not right for you, consider the updated Rega BRIO R integrated amp.  It also has a built in phono preamp.


Rich  

+1 Rich. With the Outlaw you won't need a preamp. Your money is then vested into turntable, receiver (or integrated), and speakers. 

Rich, 1st thank you for the detailed reply.  Regarding the preamp, I just assumed a dedicated preamp was better than an integrated one.  Or maybe what your and mesch are saying is, it may be "better" but use that money for something that will give me more of a roi, as you mentioned speaker cables.  

Based on your speaker recommendations should I assume you don't like the Tektons?  Or just that you never heard them?  Does my room size or music that I prefer influence any of your speaker recommendations?

I'm excited you and mesch recommended the outlaw. It doesn't have the cool effect as separates but does do a lot.

I know the question is off topic, however, If I don't get the preamp should I take that 500 and invest in a DAC/Streaming device? My goal is to add Roon and Tidal and be able to listen to MQA files. Thanks Again.

PS - Based on my overall system what Audio Quest cables do you suggest? Thanks