Outlaw Audio Model 975 Processor Preview

[admin]

The Outlaw Audio Model 975 is a targeted processor. While it might float a bit off the target to be aimed squarely at legacy gear owners, it certainly hits squarely at those on a budget. With a $549 price tag and a number of ways to cut that cost on the Outlaw Audio website, the Model 975 is practically an impulse buy. If the manual is as good as it looks, and the unit works as well as it looks on paper, it could be the entry-level processor for the masses. We know that we'll be putting it high on our recommended list for Audioholics-in-training. It would also make a great solution for those with extra amps lying around that want a decent second (or third or fourth) system.


Discuss "Outlaw Audio Model 975 Processor Preview" here. Read the article.

[adk highlander]

This looks like a great product for the money. I knew they scrapped their high end processor but I had not idea this was coming. I will have to look into one of these down the road for the garage workout/bedroom system. I really like the form factor. It would look very cool with a stack of Outlaws mono-blocks.

[agarwalro]

Outlaw 975 + 7075 (7x75W) = $1250 (pre-order and sale price)
Emotiva UMC-200 + UPA-700 (7x80W) = $1030 (on sale now)

These price points are starting to make current generation mid level ($1000-1500) receivers look redundant. That said, a previous generation high end receiver (Denon 4311 available for $1500 or less) will still give these a run for their money in the amp department and has them handsomely beat on the connectivity and features front. (Plus no fear of being an inadvertent beta tester.)

IMHO, a $1000 current generation receiver with a 3ch amp to driver the fronts, is still the best of both worlds.

[Adam]

I very much like the four separate crossover settings. Other than that, I'm trying to see how this is better than (or even as good as) any number of receivers in that price range (or less).

[Swerd]

Outlaw 975 + 7075 (7x75W) = $1250 (pre-order and sale price)
Emotiva UMC-200 + UPA-700 (7x80W) = $1030 (on sale now)

These price points are starting to make current generation mid level ($1000-1500) receivers look redundant. That said, a previous generation high end receiver (Denon 4311 available for $1500 or less) will still give these a run for their money in the amp department and has them handsomely beat on the connectivity and features front. (Plus no fear of being an inadvertent beta tester.)

IMHO, a $1000 current generation receiver with a 3ch amp to driver the fronts, is still the best of both worlds.

I guess it depends on what is the least expensive AVR that includes preamp RCA outs. It's been a while since I kept up with that kind of info.

I still like what the Outlaw 975 looks like on paper and its price. I think XLR outputs and automated audio set-up systems are of such little value that skipping them to keep the price low is a good idea. It may not be for everyone, but its an option that didn't previously exist.

I very much like the four separate crossover settings. Other than that, I'm trying to see how this is better than (or even as good as) any number of receivers in that price range (or less).

You have to consider the actual power available when all channels are driven from an AVR in that price range to the power available from moderately powered (75 to 125 wpc) stand-alone amps. The 975 with a used 5 or 7 channel amp could be a real bargain.

[Adam]

You have to consider the actual power available when all channels are driven from an AVR in that price range to the power available from moderately powered (75 to 125 wpc) stand-alone amps. The 975 with a used 5 or 7 channel amp could be a real bargain.

That's fair, but I was just talking about the non-amp features. It appears to have no auto calibration (I might have missed it), which is common these days. Although more money, a quick check shows the Pioneer SC-1222 for $740 at Amazon, and it has a lot more connectivity and features (auto calibration, three zones, more connections, wireless connectivity, and so on). I picked that one because it has pre-amp outputs (more than the 975 has).

[Swerd]

That's fair, but I was just talking about the non-amp features. It appears to have no auto calibration (I might have missed it), which is common these days. Although more money, a quick check shows the Pioneer SC-1222 for $740 at Amazon, and it has a lot more connectivity and features (auto calibration, three zones, more connections, wireless connectivity, and so on). I picked that one because it has pre-amp outputs (more than the 975 has).

What you get for $740 in that Pioneer is class D amplification, estimated to be 120 watts measured at 1 kHz at 8 ohm. The standard RMS measurement of available power for two channels at 20 Hz - 20 kHz at 0.08% THD at 8 ohms was not provided. So it becomes harder to compare directly to other amps.

What's the price of the Pioneer if you add a 2 or 3 channel stand alone amp capable of 120 watts measured the standard way? And how would that compare to the Outlaw 975 plus a similarly powered 5 channel amp?

Auto calibration may be common, but as implemented in most AVRs, I find it of little value. People say the latest versions of auto calibration are better, I've not encountered one of those yet, but so far I'm not impressed with the standard types of auto set up. A simple SPL meter and a few minutes work does a better job.

[Ronbro]

If there is no dedicated phono input is there an in/out that can be used if I have my own outboard phono stage?

[Swerd]

If there is no dedicated phono input is there an in/out that can be used if I have my own outboard phono stage?

Yes. You can connect your outboard phono stage to any unused pair of analog audio inputs on the 975.

I didn't read the manual carefully enough, but it may be possible to change the name of that input on the display to suit you.

[Irvrobinson]

I very much like the four separate crossover settings. Other than that, I'm trying to see how this is better than (or even as good as) any number of receivers in that price range (or less).

I'm not seeing it either, but I ordered one. I run a 2.0 video system, and every AVR I looked at with decent quality was too much weight and complexity for my needs. I ordered up a B-stock 2-ch ATI amp to go with the 975 for $250, and I figure the end result will out-perform most AVRs for my needs, but you do have to wonder how this product appeals to a broader market.