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Outlaw 2220 Review (Monoblock Amplifier)

Rate this amplifier:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 5 1.7%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 15 5.0%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 159 53.2%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 120 40.1%

  • Total voters
    299

amirm

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This is a review and detailed measurements of the Outlaw 2220 single channel amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $399.
Outlaw 2220 Review Monoblock audio Power Amplifier.jpg


The look is simple but elegant in its slim form factor. I like that it is just heavy enough to give you confidence but not so much that you can't lift it.
Outlaw 2220 Review Back panel balanced XLR Trigger Monoblock audio Power Amplifier.jpg

Nice set of features are provided from balanced XLR input to trigger. A larger toroidal transformer indicates class class AB design (not switching).

Outlaw 2220 Measurements
Let's start with our usual 1 kHz dashboard into 4 ohm:
Outlaw 2220 Measurements Monoblock Power Amplifier.png


I like the very low distortion spikes that are around -108 dB or so. Some power supply noise (120 Hz) and general noise lower SINAD down to 85 dB which is still quite competent:
Best monoblock amplifier review.png


Noise level could be a bit lower at 5 watts but still respectable:

Outlaw 2220 Measurements SNR Monoblock Power Amplifier.png


Multitone test shows the very low distortion of the amplifier:

Outlaw 2220 Measurements Multitone Monoblock Power Amplifier.png


Frequency response is flat which is an improvement over the 2200 model which drooped at 20 kHz:

Outlaw 2220 Measurements Frequency Response Monoblock Power Amplifier.png


The word "monoblocks" sets up expectations of high amount of power and the 2220 delivers:


Outlaw 2220 Measurements Monoblock 4 ohm Power Amplifier.png

Outlaw 2220 Measurements Monoblock 8 ohm Power Amplifier.png


Outlaw 2220 Measurements Monoblock Max and Peak 4 ohm Power Amplifier.png


This should be plenty of power for just about any use.

Finally we can examine performance at different frequencies:
Outlaw 2220 Measurements Monoblock Frequency vs Distortion 4 ohm Power Amplifier.png


Some strange distortion mechanism sets in at highest frequencies but only during a limited power range (hump in green). Fortunately you hardly ever have content at high frequencies at high amplitude so not an audible concern.

Conclusions
Performance of the Outlaw 2220 is solid, solid, solid! What can I say. It delivers what you expect with nary any results that raise an eyebrow sans that high frequency distortion. You have ton of power which should be handy for both stereo music listening and home theater. At $399 it brings great value as well.

I am happy to recommend the Outlaw 2220 monoblock amplifier.

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As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

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DonH56

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Nice to see a good conventional design at a reasonable price. This thing looks like an exceptional value.
 

dfuller

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I voted excellent - the performance is well above average, it's got oodles of power on tap and it's cheap - as in, "Makes Crown XLS series amps look expensive" cheap.
 

fredoamigo

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It is regrettable that the switch on and off is done from the back ...
Yes I know there is a trigger, but my RME ADI for example, does not have one.
 

laudio

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Did we review this one before? I liked it then and still do for what it is

 

Dj7675

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Did we review this one before? I liked it then and still do for what it is

No, this is the updated version model 2220.
 
OP
amirm

amirm

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PeteL

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Just a wild guess here but I think we've seen class D amps with toroidal linear type power supply, I believe ATI does that. the peak power equal to continuous,suggest to me class D. Any report on what it is exactly? Hey I could be wrong, the behaviour seems class D like but I don’t know.

Edit: Look like I didn't have my glasses when I looked at the headroom measurment...
 
Last edited:

H-713

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Looks like an excellent implementation of a class AB amplifier. Distortion is really good considering the >100 kHz bandwidth. Would be interesting to see some slew rate numbers to back it up. Nice to see balanced inputs on a consumer amp as well.

I'll dock a point for what looks like non-standard banana plug spacing, which is rather annoying.
 

H-713

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Just a wild guess here but I think we've seen class D amps with toroidal linear type power supply, I believe ATI does that. the peak power equal to continuous,suggest to me class D. Any report on what it is exactly? Hey I could be wrong, the behaviour seems class D like but I don’t know.
Doubtful. It's pretty wide-band for a class D amplifier, and it generally behaves like a class AB amplifier would in most respects.
 

H-713

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Typo in original post.
"indicates class class AB design"
 

GeekyBastard

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Indeed a solid performing monoblock amplifier, the price's quite sweet as well.
 

jhaider

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So basically same as the NHT-based previous model, except a half RU taller.

IMO the OG NHT A1 was the most attractive of the group (curved faceplate with illumination underneath) but current availability is its own virtue.
 

DSJR

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Sad no UK supply currently - Amazon UK say it's 'unavailable' right now. A handful of us here are trying to open the UK audiophile mindset away from the likes of Naim to products like this, but it's hard when supplies are fragmented.
 
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