OUTLAW 975

Any specs? Is anyone else interested in this unit?

I am using an Onkyo 708 as my pre with an Outlaw 7125. Not new to this hobby, but don't even know what to research for my next question. Why are PreAmps so expensive when you can get an all in one for less money? I am looking at moving from the Onkyo 709 to a Marantz AV7005 Pre, but I just can bring myself to part with the money. All I really want is the 12V trigger.

Yes I just preordered it.

Detail and specifics in the outlaw forum here:

http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=91681#Post91681

From the email I recieved today :

The Model 975 is priced at only $549! Starting today, we are accepting reservation orders for delivery in early December. In addition, for the next six months, we'll take $50 off that price for the original owner of ANY Outlaw brand multi-channel receiver or processor.

4 HDMI inputs with 3D compatibility, Deep Color and ARC
2 each Component, S-Video and Composite Video inputs
5 Analog Audio inputs and 2 each Optical and Coaxial Digital inputs
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS-HD and DTS-Master Audio decoding
Pro Logic IIz, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS Neo:6 post-processing
Full Bass Management with Quad-crossover settings from 40Hz to 200Hz with 12dB/octave (2nd order) high-pass and 24dB/octave (4th order) low-pass slopes
High performance FM Stereo/AM tuner
Video scaling to 1080p, 100Mhz Component Video inputs and video by-pass setting
Comprehensive, yet easy-to-use menus
Front panel headphone jack, analog record output and a 12VDC sequential trigger output on rear panel
Black aluminum front panel with Video Fluorescent Display (VFD)...

A processor for those eschewing EQ and desiring legacy connections. Have to wonder where the real SQ value is at that price since the legacy stuff is included. What does that mean for SQ components as compared to the competition? As always, time will tell. I'm sure some brave soul will pop the top and throw the warranty away.

I would sooo get this if it had at least a zone 2. The price is very good. Can't be ignored. If it only had a zone 2 option.

Interesting choice for an install using an external room correction system, such as one of the Dirac or Trinnov boxes.

And pairing a $550 pre-pro with a five-figure room correction system has the added benefit of blowing the typical audiophool idiot's mind.

Is 975 any better than a receiver with pre-outs?

Well, it's shorter than an AVR with pre-outs. Likely has better cross-over capabilities.

Other than that, you're going to be listening to how your room sounds than how your speakers do without any form of EQ whatsoever. I had the same thought DS-21 did when I first looked at it though (not quite as humorous a thought, mind you). Except the reality is anyone looking to purchase an external EQ device is likely not also trying to find that cheap, "diamond in the rough" processor.

Could be a great for a "DIY HT room" on the cheap though (e.g., for the person trying to build an HT room themselves, including their own acoustic panels, etc who really wants separates?).

There is no mention of what type of DACs are being used, which video processor, what kind of parameters tweakable by the video processor. Also the 4 HDMI input is severely inadequate for some people (read: me). But hey, you get what you pay for, I guess

Emotiva is sure taking this announcement seriously. Big Dan, after silence on the issue, immediately puts up a glowing announcement of their upcoming entry level processor(not the XMC). He actually calls it a worthy successor to the UMC. Talk out damning it with faint praise! Oh, and unlike the 975, it's not ready for pre-order and he gives absolutely no timeline or date for its release. He does include 5 pictures though.

The 975 does look interesting for my bedroom system, I don't need a ton of connectivity. I like that it can do 1080p scaling.

It depends on what scaler they use. Just because it scales to 1080p doesn't automatically mean it will be good.

Yes but that's a given. To me at this price point it's a plus. I don't think Outlaw, who lives and dies by word of mouth on the internet, is going to release something that can't perform decently. Although there are no guarantees.
Edited by runnin' - 11/17/12 at 2:01pm

You guys forget, there is at least 1 really good use for a pre/pro like this which is my case.
I use a DVDO edge scaler on the video side and it does all my switching and scaling so I need only the bare minimum audio and hookups since all I want is full surround decoding and a volume control.
No point in wasting money on a receiver then not use the amps and still pay for them to run idle all the time.

I do wish it had Audessey but not a huge deal as I dont have that now.

Really the only reason I am buying now is also my 950 had all the digital inputs fail on me, wont stay locked to any source.
So I need something not expensive but of good quality, which outlaw usually is, and need it now-ish

Currently using my ooooooold Marantz DP870 dolby digital( read AC-3 in that day) decoder simply for a volume control and some decoding hehe

I don't know, I still think a $550 street-priced receiver with pre-out will sill be a better value because it will give you more input, some form of audio calibration and less chance of HDMI handshake issue and/or lock-ups.

Are there any AVRs with pre outs at that price? And they won't have that small form factor, but if there are some options with AVRs I guess it would depend on ones priorities and needs.

No, but you can just get LOC for about $60 total and you'll get line-out from a, say, Marantz 1602.

Regardless, I want to see what this pre-pro can do. Potentially it can be a great-value pre-pro.

Sometimes receivers from newegg go on sale for that price with pre-out. A Marantz SR5007 can be had for 722 at crutchfield outlet if you don't mind slightly worn.

Pioneer with pre-outs on sale:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117412

Usually when you are buying a processor, the AVR option is significantly cheaper, but in this case it's not, though the AVR would still have more options. But for a entry level processor, sets a new bar for price.

I bought a Yamaha rx-a800 for $299 from newegg about a year ago. I bought it because it was an inexpensive receiver that supported 7.1 pre-outs. I don't use it as pre-pro as I originally planned. I use it as a standalone receiver and it's a great receiver for what I paid.

They did mention it's available for purchase on 11/21. I certainly prefer the feature set of the UMC-200 over the Outlaw, but time will tell if either of these are great processors.

The point I was making was that they have not yet given a shipping date, just like the XSP, for which many have signed up on the pre-order list and have waited many months so far. They also haven't even got a product page for it on their store at this time, yet they'll sell you a spot in line on Wednesday. That indicates a rush job to get it announced after they learned that Outlaw had announced the 975. You may beg to differ. Some are saying that this UMC doesn't have video scaling, and with its higher retail price(unless you have one of their rebate cards) it might not be as attractive.

As to which one you prefer, I agree that only time will tell.

Yes, there will always be those special deals that can come along occasionally, but for the usual retail pricing and current models, you would be hard pressed beat a price of 550. Again, compare this to the usual state of affairs when a dedicated preamp processor costs 1500 - 4000 or more. The AVR with preouts is much cheaper than these options.

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/umc200

XSPs are shipping and in some people's hands already.

It does not indicate anything at all. There are things like coincidences...

Whoops, I meant the XMC, not the XSP, sorry about that. Like I said, you may beg to differ about the timing, but that is how business and businessmen operate. Think what you choose.

But this "new" pre-pro only have the features of receiver of yesteryears anyway. No NeoX, no calibration system, only 4 HDMI inputs, no front HDMI. So it's only fair to compare this pre-pro with 2-year-old receivers.

Well, if you want features, get a loaded receiver. If you want separates and features, you will pay a lot more. Compare it to whatever works for you, I think I'll keep looking.

Yup, the Emotiva plus a separate 5-ch power mp will only cost me $2500 makes more sense than Outlaw (total) $1500 solution. You'll get same sound quality with much more versatility from a $1500 Elite receiver.

I am not saying the $1500 receiver is a bad idea, but FWIW, you can put together an Emotiva pre/pro and a 5 channel amp for under $1500. With the current sale, it could be done for under $1000.