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OUTLAW RR2150 vs NAD C 326BEE sonic differences?

I own an NAD C 326BEE with a pair of Sound Dynamic 300ti speakers which sounds pretty darn good but the NAD has no phono. I wonder if the OUTLAW RR2150 would be a step up in sound quality. I do not want to spend the money just for the phono option and take a sideways step in sound.

Has anyone compared these two amps? Even a comparison with a NAD 320 or 325 would be helpful.

If anything I would be looking for more high end 'open' quality and/or inner detail.

thanks for any info / tips

Phil
128x128philjolet
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,800 posts
 
I owned the NAD C320BEE for a number of years, which is the older brother of the C326BEE. If you search the review archives here, you will find my review of the 320BEE from 10 years ago.

I own the Outlaw RR2150 currently and have owned it for the past 7 years.

I like both products, a lot.

The build and sound qualities of each amp are pretty similar ... they are in the same class ... good solid performers. Get the Outlaw if you want a tuner. The Outlaw is a bit more sensitive to the other components in your chain ... pair it with better speakers or a better CD player and you will notice the differences a bit more than you would with the NAD.

The Musical Fidelity phono amp for $200 or so is a great buy, if you go with an outboard.

Rich
philjolet's avatar
philjolet OP
2,306 posts
 
thanks Rich,

very useful information.

Sonically the OUTLAW RR2150 and NAD C 326BEE must be neck and neck.

Actually I have a vintage tuner (Sansui TU919) so that part is not really my interest. I was hoping the Outlaw would be a solid step up in sound quality from the NAD and it has more power and phono as well for roughly $250 more in price used.

It could have been fun but I will look elsewhere.
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muzikat
930 posts
 
I should have said I owned the rr2150 and have owned a NAD 375BEE. Not quite the same, but NAD. I have owned many other NAD products, including receivers and CD players.
The NAD is a bit "warmer" if that is to your liking, it is mine. Also the volume control on the Outlaw, by remote is a bit finicky, a little touch goes a long way.
I like simplicity in my components, which is NAD. But as mentioned above, if the goal is a one box solution, then the Outlaw is a nice piece. Sound wise you would not gain, IMO
jl35
4,083 posts
 
Many phono preamps at low prices that are as good as the Outlaw's built in one. Very happy with my Parasound phono pre. Agree that as integrateds the NAD and Outlaw are similar. I have had numerous quality problems with NAD.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
Get a NAD pp2. Easy recommendation. It will match your current NAD amp and its only 3" x 5" so its easy to place.
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