Although the Outlaw’s theme for the summer is “The Heat is ON!” the amount of news we have for you through the summer reminds us of a great tag line from the glory days of Top 40 radio: “And the hits just keep on coming!” At the end of our last Newsletter we promised to bring you news about previously announced products before too much time goes by. We’re making good on that promise here, with details on two such products, the Model 1070 and the LFM-2. However, we also have an important reminder: As you read through this Newsletter, don’t let the product announcements divert your attention, this message also has details about a very special promotion that will definitely heat things up for everyone during our RED HOT summer!

Model 1070 News

We are pleased to announce that the first production run of the Model 1070, our long awaited re-entry into the AV Receiver market, is complete and the units are now on the water to us. We expect delivery sometime within the next three weeks, with shipments to you starting about a week or so later.

The Model 1070 has been in the works for almost two years, and while we would have loved to make it available sooner, the lengthy development cycle was needed both to assure that the Model 1070 met our standards and yours as well as to add some new features along the way. The added time was also required to complete rigorous hardware and software testing by the Outlaws and our engineering and manufacturing teams. Beyond that, we put the Model 1070 through three separate beta test cycles to confirm that it is everything we promised. That it is, and more.

For those who are new to the Outlaw family, the Model 1070 is a fully featured AV Receiver, designed to deliver the ultimate in sonic performance at a true value price. While the bulk of our products are separates, some Outlaws only have room for a receiver, or prefer that configuration for price or convenience reasons. Others view a high performance receiver as a configurable starting point easily upgradeable later with a new power amplifier. The Model 1070 was designed with all of these requirements in mind.

The Model 1070’s key features are shown below, and it is worth noting that this receiver is a unique hardware and software platform developed by and for us. It is not based on any other product available.

o A high performance, high current output amplifier conservatively rated at 7x65 watts @ 8 ohms, all channels driven, 20 Hz- 20kHz, THD less than 0.08%.
o Power supply based around a massive torroidal transformer and a total of 90,000 ųF of filter caps.
o All discrete output stage.
o An advanced DSP engine based on the highly regarded Cirrus Logic CS 49400 processor engine.
o All current digital formats including Dolby Digital EX™, DTS®, DTS-ES™ and DTS 96/24™. Available matrix processing modes include Dolby ProLogic® IIx with parameter control for music modes, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Virtual Speaker, Dolby Headphone and 5,6 and 7 channel stereo modes.
o Analog bypass mode.
o Extensive analog and digital bass management including 4-way digital crossover. Choice of digital, “true-analog” 80Hz crossover or wire-to-wire bypass for the 7.1 “direct” inputs.
o Cirrus Logic 24 bit/192kHz ADC and DACs
o Independent delay settings for all channels as well as up to 200 mS in Lip Sync delay to compensate for loss of audio sync from digital video sources and displays
o RS-232 port for software/firmware upgradeability and bi-directional control through external systems and keypads
o Video cross-conversion from composite or S-Video to component video for simplified connections. OSD available on component outputs up to 480P.
o A complete suite of inputs and outputs to meet virtually any system configuration:
§ 2x1 DVI video switching (easily convertible to HDMI switching with adapter cables such as Outlaws PDH interconnects)
§ 3x1 component video switching with 100MHz bandwidth for unparalleled HDTV compatibility
§ 4 Audio/video/S-Video inputs, including front panel inputs
§ 4 optical digital inputs, including front panel input
§ 4 coaxial digital inputs, including front panel input
§ Coaxial and optical digital audio outputs
§ Complete preamplifier outputs
§ Front panel headphone jack with level control
§ Audio tape recorder output
§ VCR audio/video recorder output
§ IR in/out jacks
§ Trigger jack for amplifier control
§ Heavy duty, all-metal five-way speaker binding posts
§ All jacks and connections color coded
o All menu selections controllable using the programmable 8-device, backlit remote or front panel controls with either on-screen menus or two line front panel display
o High quality AM/FM tuner by Alps with 30 presets
o Removable power cord

We could go on, but that gives you a good idea of the power, features and functionality of the Model 1070. Of course, there is one more important item here: the price. Although the cost of many key components, particularly metal and copper, has risen dramatically since we began planning the Model 1070, we have been able to hold the line on pricing.

The introductory price for the Model 1070 will be $899. With component pricing and currency conversions in a constant state of flux this is a great bargain, and we pledge to hold this price for at least four months.

Anticipating high initial demand, we will once again open a reservation list so that everyone has an equal chance to be “the first on the block”, and to allow our warehouse to properly stage things as soon as the units arrive and pass our incoming inspection tests.

As with our past reservations lists, there are a few ground rules for you to be aware of:

o The reservation list will open at 9PM EDT/6PM PDT on Sunday, July 31st. We will not accept any reservations before that time.
o To place a reservation once the list opens, go to http://www.outlawaudio.com/waitlist.html and complete the reservation form. No reservations will be taken via phone, standard e-mail or any other means.
o Placing a reservation does not commit you to purchase anything, but it does secure a place in line to order when the product is available.
o Once your reservation is entered you will receive an automated confirmation message by return e-mail so that you have a record of placing the reservation. Please do not call or e-mail to see where your reservation is in the queue, as this will only delay shipment preparation for everyone. We cannot tell you where your “place in the line” is. However, we have made note of the comments from many of those who were on the Model 990 reservation list requesting occasional updates as to where we are in the list once the units start shipping. We’re working on a number of ways to keep you better informed this time around. More on this once shipments start.
o Approximately ten days before your Model 1070 is available for shipment we will contact you to ask if you wish to convert your reservation to an order. At that time we will take your payment information and process the order. We will not charge your credit card until after the order is confirmed, typically about three to five days before shipment so that any credit verification issues may be resolved.
o If you wish to cancel your reservation at that time you may do so without any charge or penalty.
o During the reservation period we will only accept one reservation per address to make certain that the initial limited supply is available to all. Once the Model 1070 is in stock for immediate shipment we will place a notification in the Model 1070 section of the Saloon.

The Model 1050 was a breakthrough product that helped launch Outlaw. We know that many of you have been waiting for a replacement, and with the Model 1070 your wait has been rewarded. Please watch the Model 1070 section of the Saloon for additional updates on the Model 1070. That is where we’ll let you know when the Owner’s Manual and photos have been posted.
LFM-2 News

The second previously announced product we have news about this month is the LFM-2 subwoofer. This “little brother” to our LFM-1 was first previewed at the Home Entertainment Show last April, and it was a big hit. Like its elder sibling, the LFM-2 is a joint development of the Outlaws and Dr. Po Hsu, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading designers of high performance subwoofers. Everyone who heard the LFM-2 demonstrated with our upcoming Model 2150 in New York was astounded by the “big sound” performance from this compact unit. In fact, some of the listeners were so impressed we even thought about changing the product name to “LFM Jr.”. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.

For the ultimate in subwoofer performance in large rooms, the LFM-1 remains a benchmark standard. However, for those with smaller rooms and modest budgets, the LFM-2 is a superb blend of high-power output and remarkably deep bass in a compact size. This is the perfect subwoofer for most dens, smaller living rooms, apartments, dorm rooms and bedrooms.

For you spec hungry bass hounds, here are the details:

· Driver Type: Down Firing, 8" Long-throw Woofer
· Single port design
· Amplifier Power Rating: 150WRMS; 800W peak
· Frequency Response: 28Hz. -180Hz. +/- 2 dB
· Crossover Type: Linkwitz-Reilly 4th Order Low Pass Network
· Crossover Frequency: 30Hz to 90Hz and Bypass
· Phase: 0 to 180 Degrees
· SPL: 110dB (subject to placement and room gain)
· Dimensions: (HxWxD) 17" x 11.25" x 16.5"
· Weight: 37 lbs

The price, you ask? How about an amazingly low $299! But then, what else would you expect from the Outlaws other than great sound at a great price?

Anticipating high demand for the LFM-2, we have loaded in a large initial supply and it is due to arrive within the next ten days. For that reason, we do not need to create a reservation list for the LFM-2. Place your order now, and we’ll keep everyone in a queue with shipments beginning as soon as the container reaches the warehouse dock.

If your home theater is short on space, but you want to go long on bass, experience the LFM-2. We know that you’ll agree with us that this small wonder is one of the biggest improvements you can make in your system for less than $300.

Amplifier and Promotion News

The Outlaws take pride in being straight shooters, so it is appropriate for us to put our cards on the table at this time about our current and future plans for amplifiers.

First, some of you have questioned our logic in not including balanced inputs on the Model 7125, as announced in our last Newsletter. That’s a reasonable question, and the simple answer is that the balanced inputs were simply not appropriate at the Model 7125’s price. However, by having to introduce it earlier than planned, it made it seem as though we had no balanced input products in the pipeline. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The cost issue is due to the fact that the multi-channel amplifiers we will offer with balanced inputs will have true; “no kidding” balanced design. We agree with those who have said that to claim a balanced input you need to do more than just add an XLR connector – anyone can do that. To add proper balanced input circuitry to the Model 7125 would have raised the price beyond our target for an entry-level model. No conspiracy here, just plain old-fashioned cost considerations. It’s as simple as that.

So, you might ask, what ARE the Outlaws’ plans for amplifiers with balanced inputs? No Nobel Prize nomination required to figure that out: Replacement models for both the Model 755 and Model 770 are in the works and we expect to have them available within the next six to eight weeks, depending on the arrival of key components at our manufacturer. The complete details will be announced when we get a little bit closer to the product release, but in the mean time we do have some hints as to what is up our sleeve:

o The two new models will include a “fully balanced” circuit design.
o Both will have our new front panel design to match the Model 990, Model 1070 and other Outlaw products to come over the next year or so. Their final size will be dictated by the requirements of the heat sinks and dual-torroid transformers, but if you want an idea of the overall look, the Model 7125 sets the pattern for their appearance.
o The general topology and feature set will be similar to our current amplifiers.
o As with their predecessors, they will be made in the USA.

When you add it all up, these two new amps will be the next logical step in the evolution of Outlaw’s high-power amplifiers, but unfortunately there is a price attached to all of this. We’ve held the line on the Model 755 and Model 770 since their introduction, despite price increases we have had to absorb due to higher costs for metal and other items. How much more will the new models be? Expect the new models to cost about $200 or so more than the price of those they are replacing.

With that in mind, we’ve decided to give everyone a “last call” to buy a Model 755 or Model 770 either as a combo with a Model 990 or as an upgrade to your existing system at a “when they’re gone, they’re GONE” price. If you have ever thought about adding a powerful amplifier to a receiver (with preamp outputs!) based system, if you have an older or less powerful amplifier but couldn’t stretch your budget to upgrade, or if you are looking to move a current system to another room and upgrade your main room, have we got a bargain for you!

Effective immediately, the pricing for both of our current high-power amplifiers will be reduced to make them a better value than ever:

The 5x200 wpc Model 755 is now $1,149.
This is a $150 reduction over the current price, and putting the price about $350 to $400 less than what its replacement will cost.

The 7x200 wpc Model 770 is now $1,599.
This is an incredible $200 price drop, and it places the new price at least $400 less than what the new model will cost.

Of course, these price reductions will also be part of the combo pricing when you order a Model 990 with an amplifier:
The Model 990/Model 755 combo is now $2,148
An incredible $250 off of their original pricing.

The Model 990/Model 770 combo is now $2,498
And an even more incredible savings of $400 off of their original pricing.

Before closing on this subject, we need to be up front with you about some last parts of the amplifier puzzle. First, we also owe you an update on the previously announced Model 790. It is still in our plans, but the introduction plans have been pushed back so that we are able to concentrate on the Model 7125 and the two new high-power amplifiers. We’ll update you on the progress of the Model 790 as it gets closer. Lastly, please remember that the remaining supplies of the Model 755 and Model 770 are limited, and as we said, “when they’re gone, they’re GONE!” The newly reduced pricing applies only while stock is available, and it definitely will NOT be held over to the new products if you order after the supply runs out. If you are interested in these great values, don’t hesitate!

Closing Notes:

o In our last newsletter we mentioned the Model 990 review by Joel Brinkley at http://ultimateavmag.com/surroundsoundpreampprocessors/705outlaw/. If you haven’t checked it out, we encourage you to take a look. Even if you took our advice and read the review, you might want to check back to see the comments added by UltimateAV’s Editor and highly respected home theater expert, Tom Norton. Tom’s comments on the use of DVI to HDMI cables rather than “block adaptors” clearly mirror our feelings. If you agree, you’ll want to take a look at our new PDH cables for your own use.

o A reminder that our LFM-1 promotion continues until August 31st. If you are just back from a mid-July vacation and missed our last newsletter, go to the Announcements section of our Saloon, or click here to check it out along with news about the introduction of the Model 7125 amplifier.

o For those who might wonder what happened to the RR 2150 RetroReceiver, that too, is part of our plans to keep the heat on this summer. We’ll have some exciting news about the RR 2150 before the leaves begin to fall.

o Finally, we hope that the information in this Newsletter will prompt you to visit our website at www.outlawaudio.com to place an order, visit the Saloon or get more information about our products. If not, we’ll simply drop a hint here that anyone who has not visited our web site lately – and that means within the past 24 hours – might want to click over to the home page for a pleasant surprise.


WHEW! That’s a lot for one Newsletter, so we’ll end here, but we aren’t stopping our campaign to make this a RED HOT summer. Whether you heat up your home theater with one of our new products or take advantage of the new pricing for the Model 755 and Model 770 or our LFM-1 promotion, the Outlaws remain hard at work and you will be hearing from us again soon.

Enjoy the summer and stay cool!


Regards

The Outlaws