I've been thinking about this all month, and time is running out.

Outlaw is offering free shipping - both ways! - for the month of June, only. As found on their website (http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/ubb/get_topic/f/32/t/000040.html):First, free shipping on all orders for The Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeaker.

Second, and for this promotional period only, should you decide to return the speakers we will pay all shipping charges. We're confident that once you have experienced the quality and performance of these speakers you'll choose to make them a permanent part of your system.

Third, to make this offer even more interesting, we'll extend the free shipping offer to anything else ordered at the same time as the speakers. For example, if you combine a pair of The Outlaw Bookshelf Loudspeakers with an RR2150 and one of our subwoofers, shipping will be free for the whole lot! (Please note: This offer is valid only during June, and the "free return freight" offer applies only to the Bookshelf Loudspeakers.†)This seems almost too good to pass up.

There hasn't been a lot of buzz on these, yet. If found a few posts in this forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=828134
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=847734

The professional reviews haven't hit yet, and even the Outlaw forum is pretty silent about them. I bought a 990 pre/pro shortly after they came out, and I've been very impressed with it - both in performance and build quality.

Has anyone else been tempted by these? I would really like to have three matching speakers across the front, and with the boundary compensation features, this might allow for some good placement options.

If it matters, they'd be replacing a pair of PSB 800i front speakers, and a PSB 200C center channel speaker that I've had for quite a long time. I think I'd keep my PSB surrounds for now. $1500 I can swing, but $2500 will be hard to get past the wife.

Scott

and even the Outlaw forum is pretty silent about them

Which I find strangely odd. Don't you? Either no one (or very few) is buying them, or they are being awfully quiet about their purchase.

Usually, when OUTLAW comes out with one of their new products there is all kinds of buzz before, during and after the release. Rightfully so, since their products always seem to break a price/performance barrier or are packed with quality far exceeding their price.

Maybe, it's the asking price of the speakers ($1000 right?). Thousand dollar bookshelves don't seem to fit their "value conscious" target market IMHO. I also perceived OUTLAW to cater to more of a Home Theater audience. Not high end two channel. Plus, there is a TON of competition in that price range. Something just a little different than the norm for OUTLAW I'd guess.

Could be a little bit of, or none of the above. I'm sure they are fine speakers that will catch on and carve out their own niche market. Besides, aren't they supposed to be 1000% made in the USA?

Lord knows there are plenty of folks who drive Fords made in Mexico, clothes made in the sweatshops of Maylasia and shoes made gosh knows where.... that only BUY AMERICAN. So, I'm sure they'll catch on soon.

Which I find strangely odd. Don't you? Either no one (or very few) is buying them, or they are being awfully quiet about their purchase.Yeah, it does seem odd, which is one of the reasons that I've hesitated.

I'm guessing that the lack of discussion is part of the reason for this promotion. Offering free shipping both ways and a 30 day trial seems like a pretty good way to get some buzz going around them.

But, this has been going on for three weeks now, and I still haven't seen much talk about them. If they are truly audiophile quality speakers, $1000 per pair isn't out of line.

I think I'll probably end up ordering a set of three this week. My curiosity has been raised, and I'm itching for some new sound.

Scott

If they are truly audiophile quality speakers, $1000 per pair isn't out of line.

I totally agree. But, like I said, there is a LOT of SERIOUS competition at that price point. And, let's face it, that market segment isn't the biggest around, Geesh, just look at the threads on this forum daily. Some people don't want to (or can't) spend that much on an entire HT rig.

Plus, it's MY observation that this market segment is out of OUTLAWS "normal" business model. So, who knows where they are going with these speakers. But, by the response so far, or lack there of (real or perceived), it doesn't look like it's "to the bank."

For a $1000 they had better toss in a LFM-1 compact sub! I don't know about these companies pushing small Chinese made bookshelf loudspeakers for $1000 a pair! Outlaw isn't the only one out there. I suspect that Outlaw will come out with an "improved" model for $400-500/ pr. if they hope to sell any.

For a $1000 they had better toss in a LFM-1 compact sub! I don't know about these companies pushing small Chinese made bookshelf loudspeakers for $1000 a pair! Outlaw isn't the only one out there. I suspect that Outlaw will come out with an "improved" model for $400-500/ pr. if they hope to sell any.

Well, in their "announcement" about the speakers some time ago.... they went out of their way to balyhoo that they were made in the USA.... that they wouldn't have it any other way for THEIR customers or some such.

Now, I don't know if that meant that every single component of the speakers came from the USA (drivers, crossover components, cabinets etc.) or if they actually did use some of the European drivers and just assembled them here.

Either way, it doesn't really matter where the components are made or frankly, the speakers either. Since MANY of the major big name brands are now being made in China, Taiwan and Mexico. It's just an economic fact.

What matters most, is the build quality and how the speaker actually sounds. Like I said before, they have a ton of competition in that price range. So, they need to be something very special to get a whole lot of attention I would think.

To their credit, they do use some good components and offer features not usually found in speaker of the same price class.

I think it is hard for a company known for electronics to break into the speaker market. You have to wonder if they somewhat a victim of timing with Ascend Acoustics releasing a reference monitor coming in at $200-300 less right on the heels of the Outlaw speaker.

As for the parts; the drivers and tweeters are European in origin for the Outlaw speaker.

Can anyone post a pix of the Outlaw speaker without the grille on? I can't find any on Outlaw's site.

For a $1000 they had better toss in a LFM-1 compact sub! I don't know about these companies pushing small Chinese made bookshelf loudspeakers for $1000 a pair! Outlaw isn't the only one out there. I suspect that Outlaw will come out with an "improved" model for $400-500/ pr. if they hope to sell any.
It's not made in China!! They're made domestically and matched to the reference within 1/2db.

If they are indeed USA made then I apologize for my chinese made remark.

If they are indeed USA made then I apologize for my chinese made remark.
I own three of them. They are indeed made in the USA. Drivers, of course, come from different parts of the world. They use Seas woofers (Norwegian). Box construction, crossover wiring, and testing all occur here in the USA. This certainly does not guarantee good sound, but each speaker is tested and matched to within .5 db of the reference, which is about as good as you'll get in this industry. I'm not sure those that have their speakers manufactured in China go to this level of quality control, but evidently it's important to Outlaw.

If they are indeed USA made then I apologize for my chinese made remark.

Just curious as to what jeans you wear, or sneakers, or do you have a cell phone or the type of car you buy? Frankly, not much if anything is truly 100% made in the USA anymore. Especially speakers.

Practically every cell phone on the planet comes from China, as does many of the towels, sheets, silverware, house hold furniture (most especially bedroom furniture) and a ton of other things we use on a daily basis.

China's manufacturing capabilities are at a point where they dwarf the output of the US industrial/manufacturing peak during WWII. It's unbelieveable what they are capable of. And, while there are those that like to stereo-type their stuff as junk, that couldn't be further from the truth.

BILLIONS of dollars are continually pumped into up-grading and modernizing manufacturing facilities over there to the point that the majority of them are either ISO certified or meet or even exceed those standards.

Made in Japan used to mean "junk" as well. Now, look at where they are. China isn't far behind.

I didn't mean to divert this thread to where it is heading, again my apologizes.

Since tonygeno owns a pair or 3 maybe he can speak to the sound qualities of these loudspeakers.

John:

The comment had more to do with the perceived value: small two way bookshelf, Made in China, $1000 the pair, sold direct, is Outlaw nuts. Instead it's small two-way bookshelf, Made in the USA, individually tested and calibrated, boundary compensation and tweeter switches, real cherry veneer, $1,000 the pair. Whether they're "worth it" only those that try them can decide.

Instead it's small two-way bookshelf, Made in the USA, individually tested and calibrated, boundary compensation and tweeter switches, real cherry veneer, $1,000 the pair.

The cherry is $1100. $1000 is for the plain black.

[QUOTE=tonygeno]John:

The comment had more to do with the perceived value: small two way bookshelf, Made in China, $1000 the pair, sold direct, is Outlaw nuts. Instead it's small two-way bookshelf, Made in the USA, individually tested and calibrated, boundary compensation and tweeter switches, real cherry veneer, $1,000 the pair. Whether they're "worth it" only those that try them can decide.[/QUOTE

Tony gets it.

The cherry is $1100. $1000 is for the plain black.
Thanks for the correction.

Ok... I understand. And, I didn't mean anything derogatory either. Just pointing out that "Made in the USA" isn't what it used to be and as the economy in general goes more and more global, formerly backward countries like China are starting to catch up with the rest of the world in a BIG way.

So, the "perceived value" being poor or junk, is really no longer valid. Or, as valid as it used to be.

We're all good!

:cool:

I don't think Outlaw is the name which pops in people's head when thinking about their next speaker to audition. First, I don't think they're that well known to begin with. Two, it's their first speaker design. As such, even if they have something really special, it will take some time for them to get it known.

The Sierra was mentioned... Ascend has been making speakers for years, and have already had more than a few very successful designs in the past. They also have a consumer base who had experience with their speakers in the past... Outlaw has none of that... Amps sure, but there's not a whole lot in common with building/designing amps and speakers...

Anyhow, they do sound interesting... tonygeno, have you compared them or could you compare them to similarly priced speakers? Reading what you wrote in the other thread, sounds pretty similar to the Sierras, could be somehow natural competitors...

Last night I watched 24 at reference level. Dialog intelligibility was excellent: I was able to make out the various interplay of telephone and regular communication with ease.
Btw, I just rewatched the movie The Hulk a few days ago... Ok, it's a Stan Lee film so will definitely be moronic, but I'm a huge fan of Ang Lee and you can somehow still see his genius shine thru. He made a movie which should have been abyssimal (like Electra, Punisher, Spider-Mans, etc..) actually a whole lot better than it would have been if anyone else had done it... Maybe even an ok movie... Dare I say it...

Anyhow, that movie is dynamic as hell. Dialog is really silent, but the action scenes are played really loud, with LOTS of bass, the Sierras handled it magnificently, really good test to put speakers thru!

Which I find strangely odd. Don't you? Either no one (or very few) is buying them, or they are being awfully quiet about their purchase.

Usually, when OUTLAW comes out with one of their new products there is all kinds of buzz before, during and after the release. Rightfully so, since their products always seem to break a price/performance barrier or are packed with quality far exceeding their price.

Maybe, it's the asking price of the speakers ($1000 right?). Thousand dollar bookshelves don't seem to fit their "value conscious" target market IMHO. I also perceived OUTLAW to cater to more of a Home Theater audience. Not high end two channel. Plus, there is a TON of competition in that price range. Something just a little different than the norm for OUTLAW I'd guess.

Could be a little bit of, or none of the above. I'm sure they are fine speakers that will catch on and carve out their own niche market. Besides, aren't they supposed to be 1000% made in the USA?

Lord knows there are plenty of folks who drive Fords made in Mexico, clothes made in the sweatshops of Maylasia and shoes made gosh knows where.... that only BUY AMERICAN. So, I'm sure they'll catch on soon.


As for ignoring their "value conscious" target market, that is not necessarily the case. Their very first product was an $1100 power amplifier, not exactly a bargain price, but a value nonetheless.

Also, as for two-channel, look at their RR 2150, a $650 receiver which is getting raves. Again, not a bargain price, but still considered a value.

The real issue here is that outlaw has established a reputation as an electronics company, not a loudspeaker company. Therefore to enter the speaker area credibly that took their time and according to them, hired some real talent to design these products. Their positioning statement is very consistent with their goals. Their own web site cleverly names the companies where they are aiming the performance of the products("Aerial, Dynaudio, Revel, Snell, Thiel, and Vandersteen"). These are not mass market lines. Relative to these lines they believe they are offering a value. Whether they will ultimately be successful in this rarefied atmosphere is yet to be determined. But you have to give them credit for making a gutsy move.

On the consumer side, the free round trip freight offer seems to be a no-brainer: a "completely free trial" for a month. They probably figure it takes time to establish a reputation in this area and they are taking it slowly and methodically.

I don't think Outlaw is the name which pops in people's head when thinking about their next speaker to audition.
!Actually Peter Tribeman (spelling?), one of the owners of Outlaw is also associated with Atlantic Technology (CEO and President). Atlantic has been around since 1989 so I am sure Mr. Tribeman has all the experience and talent at his disposal to make very good bookshelf speakers. Frankly, it probably makes more sense for them to have expertise in speakers than amps and processors. Then again, I don't know who the other owners are :)

Actually Peter Tribeman (spelling?), one of the owners of Outlaw is also associated with Atlantic Technology (CEO and President). Atlantic has been around since 1989 so I am sure Mr. Tribeman has all the experience and talent at his disposal to make very good bookshelf speakers. Frankly, it probably makes more sense for them to have expertise in speakers than amps and processors.
Agreed Randy, but I think it still is a branding issue. When I think I of Outlaw, the first thing that comes to mind is amplfication/processor related, not speaker.

Agreed Randy, but I think it still is a branding issue. When I think I of Outlaw, the first thing that comes to mind is amplfication/processor related, not speaker.


Of course Curtis, because this is is their first speaker. You have to start some place, just as when Ascend launched its first product.

While not speaker designers themselves, the guys at Outlaw have collectively been in this business for a long time. Like so many veterans, they know where the talent is and how to bring in these people. Don't underestimate the product because of the name.

Agreed Randy, but I think it still is a branding issue. When I think I of Outlaw, the first thing that comes to mind is amplfication/processor related, not speaker.I agree. Frankly, I am a little surprised they entered the speaker business because of Peter's association with Atlantic, although I guess they are looking at a dealer network for sales of Atlantic products and internet direct for the bookshelf. I think the surprising thing is offering a 1k bookshelf. I am sure it is a good value but from the looks of this thread it may be high for what is expected from them. That being said, if they get some great reviews, then it will probably do well.

Of course Curtis, because this is is their first speaker. You have to start some place, just as when Ascend launched its first product.

While not speaker designers themselves, the guys at Outlaw have collectively been in this business for a long time. Like so many veterans, they know where the talent is and how to bring in these people. Don't underestimate the product because of the name.
oh....no no....no underestimation of the product from me at all. I agree they have to start somewhere. If truly up to the task, it will only take time to catch on.

The same as it would be for Ascend if they went into electronics.

Well, I took the plunge today. They'll be sending them to me tomorrow.

With an absolutely free, 30 day audition, I figure that I can't go wrong.

Scott