Outlaw Audio Update Newsletter
February 2003
This is the time of year when we may be in the depth of the winter, with snow or rain frequently in the forecast, depending on where you live. However, to help take the chill out of those dark winter days, the Outlaws have some hot news for you. Yes, we know we are a bit overdue for a newsletter, but as long term Outlaws know, we've made a conscious decision to keep things quiet until there is something to talk about. This time around, there is plenty to say!
NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS
We've been talking on and off about the Model 7100 for a couple of months, and as often seems to happen, the road to product shipment has been a rocky one. We had hoped to have the 7100 to you sooner, but an unfortunate progression of supplier and component sourcing issues outside our control, beginning with the West Coast dock dispute last year, knocked the 7100 for a loop.
However, we are pleased to announce that everything has finally been resolved, and we are about two to three weeks from beginning shipments. With the availability of the Model 7100 we have also created two specially priced packages that will make the combination of a 7100 and 950 among the best values in home theater today.
By way of review, the Model 7100 is a based on the same system architecture and topology as our Model 755 and 770 amplifiers. The power stages are virtually the same and the sound is everything you have come to expect from Outlaw. The Model 7100 is built in the USA to our design and specifications, and the major specs are as follows:
Power Output (FTC): 7 x 100 watts @ 8 ohms, 20 - 20kHz, 0.05% THD, All Channels Driven
7 x 165 watts @ 4 ohms, 20 - 20kHz, 0.05% THD, All Channels Driven
Frequency Response: 20Hz. -20kHz. +/- 0.1 dB at rated output
Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.05% at rated output, all frequencies, <0.01% at 1 kHz.
Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.05% at rated output.
Power Bandwidth: 5Hz - >100 kHz +0/-3 dB
Damping Factor: > 400 from 10 Hz to 400 Hz
Crosstalk: > -90 dB from 20 Hz to 20Khz
Gain: Voltage gain of 28.
Slew Rate: 50v/Microsecond
Input Impedance: Nominal 50k ohms
Input Sensitivity: 1.00 Volts for Full Rated Output
Remote Trigger Voltage: 3 - 32 Volts DC at 5 milliamperes or greater
Dimensions: (HxWxD): 5" x 17.2" x 16.2"
Weight: 51 lbs
Power Requirements: 115VAC, +/- 3%, 50Hz - 60 Hz. 1200 watts, maximum
Now that you know what the Model 7100 is all about, the next question you'll probably ask is "How much will it cost?" quickly followed by "When can I get one?" and "What is the 'Family Discount'?" Hey, we're glad you asked!
As has been the case with the Model 750, Model 755, Model 770 and our latest Model 200 amplifiers, the Model 7100 is a tremendous value. Indeed, one of our key reasons for building the Model 7100 was not only to offer another amplifier product, but perhaps more importantly, to deliver it at a price that will, for the first time, place high quality, Outlaw separate components within the budget of those who would have had to settle for a competitor's receiver.
The Model 7100 is priced at $899, with a $50 "family discount" for anyone who has previously purchased an Outlaw electronics product (that includes all amplifiers, the Model 1050 and the ICBM, but not "cable-only" purchases).
However, if you purchase a Model 7100 at the same time as a Model 950, the package price for that pair is $1,698, a $100 discount from the individual component pricing. Compare that price to any 7.1 channel receiver you can think of, and we believe that you will see the true value of the 950/7100 combination.
Alternatively, you may purchase the 950/7100 combo with a "PCA Seven Stack" of our highly regarded 0.5-meter PCA audio interconnects for a total package price of $1,798. This option is also $100 less than the individual component price, and it gives you everything required to connect the processor and amplifier. After all, you do need to connect the processor to the amplifier, and we can't think of any better way to do that than our own PCA interconnects.
Either way, the Model 7100/Model 950 combination is a significant advancement for home theater enthusiasts. With Outlaw, full seven-channel performance need not break the bank!
(For those who are wondering, we will also offer a special price of $99 for the PCA Seven Stack when it is purchased at the same time as any Outlaw electronics product.)
A few final notes on the Model 7100. We're putting the final touches on the Owner's Manual now, and we'll post it on the web site as soon as it is ready. Look for a message in the "Model 7100" area of the Saloon when the manual is available. Of course, that also means that we will shortly add a discussion area for the Model 7100 in the Saloon. We're also rushing to get you some photos, and they will also be posted as soon as they are ready. Finally, as is the case with all other products at this time with the exception of the ICBM, we regret that the Model 7100 is available only in a 115-volt only version.
As noted, we expect to begin initial shipments of the Model 7100 in late February or early March. To make certain that those of you who have been waiting for so long to get a 7100 into your system are among the first to get one, a reservations list will be posted by the time you receive this newsletter. Go to
http://www.outlawaudio.com/waitlist.html to place your reservation. We'll follow the same practice you've all become accustomed to and we will notify you a few days before your Model 7100 is read for shipment to confirm your intent to purchase. As always, a reservation secures your place in line, but we will never charge your credit card (or even ask for the number) until the product actually ships. If you are interested, we urge you to reserve now. The Model 7100 will be supported by increased advertising, and that will generate even more interest than we have now. The bottom line is that the Model 7100 will be a very hot item, and it is likely that we will sell out the first production run. Since you are an Outlaw Insider, we want to make certain that you have the first crack at making a reservation for the Model 7100 or a 7100/950 combo.
CURRENT PRODUCT NEWS
All of our current electronics products are in stock and available for immediate shipment. This includes the Model 755 and 770 multi-channel amplifiers, the Model 200 M-Block amplifier, the ICBM-1 and ICBM Magnapan Edition and of course, the Model 1050 receiver. All cable products are also in stock with the exception of the 0.5 meter PCA interconnects. However, when we receive our shipment of PCA 0.5meter Seven Stack sets at the end of the month we will also receive a supply of 0.5 meter paired sets. At that time we will also add the Seven Stack to our general product listings at the $99 price when purchased with any Outlaw electronics product or $119 when purchased as a standalone product.
We are often asked about product reviews, and while we always have product out with the various reviewers, the timing of when reviews appear in print or in line is outside of our control. We are looking forward to some great reviews for the Model 950, both in print and in a number of the on-line " 'zines " within the next few weeks. Among the many reviews you'll see the next few months are one that has just been posted at by Home Theater Sound at
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/outlaw_950.htm. We don't want to give the whole review away here, but we will say that they gave the Model 950 a "Reviewer's Choice" award, and that the last line of the review has even more importance for you with the availability of the Model 950: "Combined with a high-quality amplifier such as Outlaw Audio's own Model 770, it certainly presents a strong argument against the growing tide of expensive receivers." We couldn't have said it better ourselves! For those who are also looking to reviewers for opinions on the Model 200, there are a number of those out for review, as well. However, given the time required for testing of what is a relatively new product, we don't expect to see them for another month or so. Again, we'll keep you posted.
NEW PRODUCT NEWS
Now that we've brought out two new amplifiers within a sixty day period, we'll bet that you are anxious to know what we're cook'n up at the Outlaw Product Development Chuck Wagon. In keeping with our new policy, and as you have requested, we're going to keep the news to ourselves until we're a bit closer to beta time. We always enjoy your guesses, so please keep them coming. You never know: your idea or suggestion may just find its way into a future Outlaw product.
That having been said, we can say that we have at least two, and maybe three products scheduled for release between now and the fall. As mentioned in past newsletters, the first two products will set new benchmarks and possibly even create new ground for their respective categories. But, we remind you once again, we will hold off on any announcements until the products are much closer to market introduction than they are at this time.
Finally, as also noted last month, we are continuing development of an S-Video cable. Anyone with thoughts on that type of product is welcome to post them in the "New Product Suggestions" area of the Saloon. As a reminder, for those who have already made the jump past S-Video to full Y/Pr/Pb, RGBS or RGBHV component connections, our ultra-pure, solid silver PSC coax is the ultimate value for any video or digital audio connection requiring a high performance 75 ohm connection.
EVERYTHING ELSE NEWS
One of the most frequently asked questions we're asked concerns the availability of "B Stock" goods. Although supply may vary based on a number of factors outside of our control. Those interested in these discounted products should send us an e-mail and we'll be happy to let you know what our current availability is. Simply due to length of time they have been in the market, we generally have B Stock availability on the Model 1050 and our amplifiers, but B Stock availability of the ICBM may be tighter. Also, at this time we do not have B Stock availability on the Model 950 or the Magnapan version of the ICBM
As an advance planning note, the Outlaws will once again participate in the Home Theater and HiFi Expo to be held in San Francisco in early June. If your plans call for you to be anywhere on the West Coast from the 6th through the 8th of June, it's never too early to take advantage of an advance fare so that you can see what is new and meet the Outlaws in person! (And maybe we'll even have more pens - or something even better!)
We've seen some notes of late in the Saloon pertaining to the availability of products for 230/240-volt operation. In fact, that is also among the most commonly asked questions we receive. While we would love to be able to supply our electronics in versions that meet the requirements for use outside of 115-volt countries, the economics simply do not make sense at this point. We're continually reviewing this issue, and if there is any change we will certainly let you know. However, in the mean time, it is important that we also state that we strongly recommend against any modifications to Outlaw electronic products for any reasons, whether to change the voltage or to add a "tweak". We remind you that any change to the products that is not made by a service facility specifically trained and authorized by Outlaw will void the product warranty. More importantly, any modification may subject you to exposure to potentially lethal voltages and currents. PLEASE, do not risk the chance of injury or death by attempting to make ANY modification to any electronic product, particularly ours! In addition, unauthorized modifications may also invalidate a unit's FCC and other regulatory certifications with regard to RF and EMI emissions. We hate to be so serious, but this is for your protection!
The Editorial Outlaw
The Editorial Outlaw is way behind in his reading, so there is no homework for all you Outlaws out there this month.
That's about it for now. Short, perhaps, but we hope sweet. We'll be back with another edition of our newsletter in about four to six weeks, sooner if developments warrant.
Regards,
The Outlaws