The whole performance was just so silky smooth and analog-like that I found it difficult to reconcile at times. With the introduction of Outlaw Audio's new Model 975 (Model 975), I believe someone has finally stepped up to the proverbial microphone and offered an answer. Internet radio, upscaling, automated EQ, etc. The Model 975 has just about every type of audio decoder available. I experimented with my crossover points, ultimately deciding upon 50Hz. You may have noticed that I left something out when describing the Model 975: its price. The Outlaw Audio Model 975 is a targeted processor. I'm not certain at which point AV preamps grew out of control and entered the realm of absurdity, but I do appreciate Outlaw and the Model 975 for re-introducing some sanity back into the conversation. One company, Outlaw Audio, was an early leader of the stereo-receiver revival. Setting its stereo subwoofer interaction to less 2dB in my room brought the performance to a neutral footing and allowed for one of the more convincing two-channel performances I've heard from an AV preamp. Believe it or not, on this track, Mraz's vocal performance via the Model 975 had more in common with a much higher-end AV preamp that I recently had on hand than that of my Integra, which was shocking, to say the least. The M-975 seems to act the same. So groups like Desliga — the name is a Portuguese language play on "Justice League" — turned to online events for their backers, streaming music and dances via YouTube and other social media platforms. The AV preamp, in my opinion, has become needlessly complicated in its efforts to stay ahead of the curve and, in doing so, is now rife with redundancy that many enthusiasts don't even realize they have elsewhere in their system and therefore are paying twice or three times for the same functionality. Outlaw faced this same dilemma with their now-defunct Model 997, which the company opted not to sell, rather than send a faulty unit out into the world. Most consumers are familiar with receivers. The Hookup The 975 also includes a surprising array of “legacy” connections for older gear: pairs of component, S-Video, and composite inputs, along with one output of each type. Modern AV preamps must now make sense of everything, whether it's HD (or UltraHD) video, the latest surround sound codecs or even the Internet, thanks to popular music streaming services like Pandora. There are also antenna inputs along with RS-232 control for custom installers. The Model Model 975 is Outlaw Audio's latest (and greatest) AV preamp in a storied lineup of great, affordable AV pre-pros. These over-the-top dynamic snaps proved to me that any dynamic litheness that I may have attributed to the Model 975 was unfounded, for there was none present during this particular sequence. What is it? Sony Ps3 Alon 2 Mk2 Loudspeakers HSU VTF-2 Mk2 sub x2 VAC PA100/100 Tube Amp ARC SP16-L tube Preamp Audio Note Dac 2.1 "B" signature Furutech E-TP80, Ascend HTM-200, 340C Sony KDS-55A2020 Right now I have the optical running to the 975. Think about it. While surpassing expectations for price is nothing new for Outlaw Audio, they wanted to also shatter one more myth - that user manuals have to be confusing. Now that the Model 975 exists, the UMC-200 is supposedly ready for primetime. And it's not as if the cracks were one-dimensional, either. ... it truly delivers the features that matter most. In fact, it looks more like a tuner than it does a modern AV control unit. The level of inflection the Model 975 captured was incredible, as were the air and decay that seemed to precede and follow every note and syllable. That's right: the Model 975 is a full 7.1 AV preamp, which while not littered with superfluous features, manages to sound better than many AV preamps that are so cluttered for a fraction of the cost. They route all your video and audio inputs to your various speakers and displays. Review: What you need to know about Samsung 65-inch Q70T TV, Review: What we love about Jabra Elite 75t, Elite Active 75t True Wireless Earphones, Amazon Enters the Gaming World with Luna Platform, Naim Uniti Atom All-in-One Wireless Music Player Reviewed, Outlaw Audio Model 5000 Amplifier Reviewed, Outlaw Audio Debuts Model 975 AV Surround Processor, Outlaw Audio Model 950 Preamp/Processor & Model 770 7-Channel Amplifier Reviewed, Emotiva UMC-200 7.1 Channel AV Preamp Reviewed, Outlaw Audio OSB-1 Powered Soundbar with H-PAS Reviewed, Outlaw Audio Model 7125 Seven Channel Amplifier Reviewed. This crossover configuration should help with subwoofer integration in a multi-channel setup. I argue that it is not, but rather that many of these components instead favor high frequencies and thus skew forward or lean. Next, take the mono 3.5mm cable (which is supplied with all Outlaw Audio multichannel amps), and plug it into your Model 975's DC Trigger Output. Outlaw Audio has begun taking orders for the company's Model 975 AV surround sound processor. We know that we'll be putting it high on our recommended list for Audioholics-in-training. Regardless, as special as the Model 997 would've been, I believe the Model 975 to be the better product, for it's the right preamp, sold at the right price and at the right time. Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby The COVID-19 pandemic forced Rio to shut down its famed festival and threaten legal action against those who defy the ban to party. Outlaw has thought long and hard about what is important to their customers and has striven to bring them everything they can for the most reasonable price possible. The company’s surround pre/pro is five years old, but the Outlaw retail site carries a more up-to-date Marantz for one-stop separates shopping. Once everything was connected and the Model 975 fully integrated into the signal chain, it was time to configure the piece to my needs, beginning with speaker setup. Seriously, I jumped from my chair. The Model 975 has neither auto nor manual EQ, meaning you will be reliant upon proper speaker placement techniques and analog room acoustics for best results. These are the devices that are at the heart of your home theater. There are also no provision for additional zones of audio. There was a noticeable lack of sibilance present with the Model 975 in the mix versus with it out, evident in several scenes aboard the battleship, the USS Missouri. There was a sort of mechanical, old-school crunch present that I hadn't really picked up on via other AV preamps that I reveled in with the Model 975. This isn't to say that the presentation was closed in or somewhat dynamically constipated. AV preamps, or surround sound processors, are always a hot ticket among home theater enthusiasts. Take Two The RR2160 is Outlaw’s second-generation stereo receiver. The Model 975 is the culmination of a lot of work and design. Additional Resources Read more AV preamp reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's writers. For output to your amplifier they have utilized 7.1 channel RCA connections. They can also be incomprehensible beasts that are a constant source of frustration. Although the internal scaler is not named, it can be defeated -more on that in a moment. The Transformative Engineering HDS-42AVR: Outlaw Edition. Model 975 offers all the latest Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio along with Pro Logic IIz and DTS Neo:6 post-processing. That's why separates have a level of mystique about them. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego. For this reason, they included two coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs, two each composite and S-video inputs (one each output), five pairs of RCA analogue audio inputs (with one pair for a Rec Out), and two component video inputs with one output. For more on these AV preamps and others like them, please visit Home Theater Review's AV Preamp page. Working my way from left to right, I first noticed its AM and FM antenna inputs, followed by three component input/output options - one out, two in. At first blush, coming off of, say, a mass-market AV preamp or receiver, you may jump to conclusions and classify the Model 975 as lush or maybe even dark. With my sub situated and EQ'ed via the Behringer, I was able to set its volume, along with the rest of my speakers, within the Model 975's menu, using a SPL meter. So I'm using outlaw 975, with 60xt speakers and the audioengine b1. Oddly, while they have component, composite, and S-video outputs, the on screen display is only available over HDMI. It released its first model, the RR2150, over ten years ago; now Outlaw sells the second version, the … Make sure that if there is a separate switch, or input, to turn the trigger on, that it is activated as well. Before I go any further, let's talk about subwoofers for a moment. Think of it as having less cowbell. This isn't the most well-mixed movie, which is partially the reason why I use it so much for demo material, as it can be torture on gear - and one's ears. Outlaw Audio has included a video scaler but they haven't specified which chipset they've used (it may be proprietary). Outlaw Audio Model 975 7.1 AV Surround Sound Processor Reviewed. It would also make a great solution for those with extra amps lying around that want a decent second (or third or fourth) system. I'm all out of cords so I would have to order one. While initial units will ship with a temporary basic remote, Outlaw says that a more complete model will be offered when it is ready (estimated in January 2013). Coincidence? Outlaw Audio has worked long and hard to bring the Model 975 AV surround sound processor to market. Vinyl lovers are left out as well without any sort of phono input. Other notable features include what Outlaw refers to as a Quadruple Crossover Control, whereby the user can implement different crossover points for one set of loudspeakers independently from the others, meaning you can cross your mains over at, say, 50Hz while your center and rears can be crossed over at 80 or 100Hz respectively. I use quotation marks in this instance, because the UMC-200, prior to the Model 975's announcement, was something of rumor and shown only in prototype form at this year's Emofest. I read through the owner's manual and four things caught my eye (everything else is pretty much what you'd expect.) It also features an on screen display over HDMI. Across the top of the Model 975 rest four HDMI inputs, as well as a single HDMI out, complete with ARC (Audio Return Channel). My humble equipment: Outlaw Model 990 A/V preamp Parasound A52 5 channel amp NAD C542 CD Denon DVD 1600 Paradigm Monitor 9 tower speakers Paradigm CC-370, Polk surrounds Overall, I can't believe what a steal this unit is. While we won't know until people unfamiliar with processors get their hands on it, the Model 975 manual seems to be remarkably well organized. I have a 4.1 system, Bryston 4B SST2 to the front B&W 800D2s, Adcom 545 (100WPC) to M&K rear surrounds, M&K V125 sub. In summary, the Outlaw not only had the most detail, but was also the most fun to listen to. Begin by having your amplifier ON and your Model 975 turned OFF. I know it isn't for me, but it is still worth mentioning. Transformative and Outlaw paired up to release an Outlaw edition of the HDS-42AVR that works with the Model 975 only to allow four 4K/UHD inputs! I then ran a 50-foot Monoprice HDMI cable with RedMere Technology out of the Model 975's HDMI output to my SIM2 Nero single-chip DLP projector. If you buy this unit along an amp from Outlaw Audio, they will give you $200.00 off at checkout. Over the years, AV preamps have gone from being simple analog multi-channel versions of their two-channel counterparts to big, full-featured testaments to our ever-changing technology. Running across the center of the Model 975's back panel rest its analog input and output options. The first thing I noted about the Model 975's performance in this acoustic-only track was the natural timbre, weight and inflection that were conveyed via the Outlaw. If I want to switch to the TV I need to turn on the TV before switching the Outlaw. Dynamics were not at all compressed; instead, they felt as if they had greater volume, like a full-fisted punch as opposed to a slap across the face. Search for sources in our Blu-ray Player Review section. Outlaw Audio has worked long and hard to bring the Model 975 AV surround sound processor to market. 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. Outlaw Audio states that they wanted to serve customers that have legacy gear while keeping costs down. - says someone who has previously contributed edits to one of them.) For those of you who may not know what K.I.S.S. Roku Ultra, DIRECTV 4K Genie HR-54 DVR, C61K-700, OPPO Sonica DAC, Amazon Fire TV. methodology back into the realm of home theater. Sure, they cracked with vigor, but there was a lot of associated texture that brought not only a three-dimensional sense to their movement on screen, but also to the sound's movement throughout the room. For the new enthusiast, they are a badge of honor. Transformative Engineering has introduced an HDMI switcher that allows older processors to integrate into a 4K/UHD system. Bass, especially acoustic bass, was plucky, punchy and fun, with terrific natural reverberation and body. I ask myself that same question all the time. Moving on, I fired up Jason Mraz's album We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things and the track "The Dynamo of Volition." Hopefully Emotiva, like Outlaw, has solved its respective issues and the UMC-200 is more reliable and better than its predecessor, which would make it a worthy competitor to the Model 975. Confused about what AV Gear to buy or how to set it up? Outlaw Audio have been on the forefront of Internet direct processors and amplifiers for a long time. Midrange was nicely textured and very natural in its tone, though it did seem a touch warm at times, but nothing that was either distracting or fatiguing. The rest of my system consisted of my reference Tekton Design Pendragon loudspeakers and a single f110 subwoofer from JL Audio. The key is to make the manual intuitive to both use the first time and when you need to go back and look for information when you are having issues. While some would argue that sound is but a flat response, many, myself included, have noted this simply isn't the case, for neither the curve nor the resulting sound is flat. For more information, please visit www.outlawaudio.com. Despite my earlier explanation and objections to it, some may still want an onboard auto EQ solution, which the Model 975 isn't going to have nor offer any time in the future. When you get into a new hobby, you are usually happy just to participate. Bass was again strong and tuneful, mixing brilliantly with the midrange, which was again largely natural in its tone. I think it has something to do with the ARC. Outlaw LFM1-EX/OPPO BDP-83/Directv Harmony ONE Blue Jeans and Monoprice interconnects APC H15 Power Conditioner. Since the inputs themselves cannot be renamed, the only other thing I adjusted from the Model 975's stock configuration was its stereo subwoofer setting, which I set at -2dB, as I wanted a little less bass when listening to two-channel content. Let's find out. Even amidst chaos, the Model 975 proved to be resolute in its ability to retrieve and present many of the scene's finer sounds and nuances, such as Iron Man's ever-shifting mechanical hide, as well as Vanko's electrically-charged whips. Each of these inputs are assignable from the front display or on screen display. I was curious to hear how that combo would compare with my reference DACs. So when they announced that they were working on a new surround sound processor, the Internet was abuzz with speculation. 3.7 out of 5 stars 14 ratings. What stood out in this demo was the sheer violence of Ivan Vanko's whips as they sliced through my room with reckless abandon. As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. 5.1 channel. It should be noted that I used the Transparent interconnects to test the robustness of the Model 975's inputs, as well as their spacing, as the Ultra interconnects are quite large, something the Model 975 didn't seem to mind. FOR SALE: Outlaw Audio 2200 Mono blocks: Solid State Amplifiers: $750.00: BC Jan 03, 2021: 13 : FOR SALE: Outlaw ICBM-1 Crossover for Bass Management: EQs and Electronic Crossovers: $200.00: NL Dec 20, 2020: 14 : WANTED: Outlaw 5000x: Home Theater / Multi-Channel Amps: $600.00: BC Nov 18, 2020 - … The Model 975 has no automated room EQ software or easy speaker setup protocol of any kind, which I didn't mind, as I prefer not to use such things. Dynamics were appropriately bombastic, if not a little seductive, as dictated by the track; it was all wholly involving and enjoyable. Is the Model 975 better? I'm merely suggesting that in terms of overall sound, there are more similarities than I would've believed possible, given the preamps' different markets and pedigrees. Join our Exclusive Audioholics E-Book Membership Program! It is my opinion that the Model 975 is largely neutral in comparison, with maybe a slight emphasis on the lower mid-bass, something I was able to adjust ever so slightly with the Stereo+Sub Trim feature in its menu.

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