2. amps-preamps
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Considering Int. Amp w/ limited features NEED HELP

Ok, so I've been researching my ass off on an intergrated amplifier that has a lot of power, is in my price range and is highly reviewed. Originally I had my eye on the Outlaw RR2150 as it has an incredible amount of features, but it seems that the Dussun DS99 gets much better reviews, and it is the same amount of money. The only problem is that it has some key features missing that I want.

It doesn't have a remote control, but I really don't care - I tend to never use them anyway.

The two things it IS missing though that I don't know how to overcome are an input for a sub (which I don't have yet, but would like to get eventually) and any kind of tone control - just volume control.

I'm a newbie to the audiophile world who is used to a loudness control and a graphic equalizer. I'm planning on jettisoning my graphic equalizer as I move into the lower end of hifi, but to not even have a knob that can give me more or less bass or treble seems a bit scary to me as I'll be stuck with whatever comes out of the thing with nothing to adjust but volume. Is there any way around this?

Also, is there any way to later add in a sub with no sub input?

I know the obvious solution is to choose another amp that has all the features I want. If you can find me another amp for $600 (new or used) that can give 100wpc and has everything I want including stellar reviews, I'm open to hearing about it. Otherwise, I'd like to find out how to make what I'm looking at here work...
soulgoober
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
Cambridge Audio is kind of where I started and was the purchase I first intended to make, but somewhere in my research it seemed like I could do better. I know it might sound silly to some, but I want to spend $500-$700 each on a an integrated amp and cd player and get pieces that are worth far more - I can only get that by finding the best deal out there on the most highly reviewed pieces of equipment. It's a daunting task for a newbie. I really don't want to have to through this process over and over for awhile after I finally make a purchase...
strateahed
297 posts
 
Soulgoober, sorry for the miscommunication. For the record ... I was not specifically recommending the M2200. It was a suggestion for the Outlaw product line ... in which you had particular interest in RR2150 integrated. I went through a similar exercise of counting the level of positive reviews. Again, the numbers don't lie. That's how I originally came across the Outlaw brand. I think it was an older AVR or integrated that boasted a high number of very positive reviews at the time ... that's all.
soulgoober OP
55 posts
 
Thanks Strateahead, I kind of realized you might not have meant that - still, thanks for your recommendations - the Outlaw RR2150 is not out of the running for me yet. I appreciate your (and everyone else's) assistance... :-)
ablang
165 posts
 
You might consider the NAD C370/372, both very well reviewed by Stereophile and others. I'm a big NAD fan--for me it's a balance of damn good sound and all the features I want in an amp. Their tone controls are as non-invasive as they come and are also bypassable. It does have a pre out to use with a subwoofer. You also get a balance knob (which I like) and a very decent headphone jack in addition to a full-function remote. If the Jolida JD1501RC had tone controls, I'd recommend it, too--outstanding sound which you can tune by tube-rolling, and it does have an out for a sub.
gha
12 posts
 
I bought Dussun DS99 for 2nd system. I own Dussun V8i as well. Well, I compared DS99 to V8i using Esound CD-E5 and let me just say DS99 sounded pretty darn good. Sure soundstage wasn't quite there and not transparent compared to V8i but boy this is heck of int amp for fraction of the cost. Bass was as full as V8i on my 200lb Infinity IRS Sigma. This is absolute bargain best buy for $600. Ping (a great guy) from AAA Audio sometimes lists demo DS99 for $500 including shipping and this is heck of a deal. Yeah TAS along with many reviews were right on the dot. I'm contemplating selling my V8i and keeping DS99.
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