I just got my 7125 delievered today and got it hooked up to my Nad 752 as a preamp with very disappointing results. While the 7125 sounds good it is not noticably better than the Nad was alone. I have it hooked up with 3ft interconnects could this be the problem? It is not like it sounds bad but I had really hoped for the 7125 and its 125 watts to be able to outperform the Nad and its 80 watts by a noticable amount and I am just not hearing it. This is my first time using a seperate five channel amp so I could be missing something. Could it be the Nad as a preamp? I am really puzzeled and disappointed so any input that could help shine some light on the subject would be much appreciated.

Probably the most important thing to start with is to make certain that you have re-calibrated the output levels. You definately need to do that if you haven't.

I have the output levels the same as when I was using the Nad's interanl amps. If anything shouldn't the 7125 be louder than the Nad was at the same output levels for all the channels. I feel that the 7125 might be a little less dynamic with a little less volume at the same volume settings than the Nad is alone. It doesn't seem that the 7125 sounds bad it just isn't noticably better then the Nad alone. I would say it is less dynamic then the outlaw 1050 that I once owned and it was only 65 watts per channel 3 channels driven. I have spent the day checking the crossover settings and all my connections and I just can't figure out if I am missing something or if I just expected too much.

I can't say for certain, but at the very least, do not presume that the output levels that worked for the internal amps will play properly with ANY external amp. At the very least, run the tones and see if the settings are the same to achieve identical output levels. That's the only way to know for sure. It also helps eliminate one item on the troubleshooting list.

Thanks for the help I just tried to check the levels but I cant find my spl meter. By ear they are fairly close but I will go to Radio Shack and pick a new one up tommorow. I am thinking that I just expected there to a marked improvment but honestly the Nad was a fine sounding receiver so maybe I just expected too much. I will check the channels again tommorow and make sure when I get a new spl but I think I might just have to return it and wait for one of the 200 watt amps that are soon to be released. Thanks again for the helpful input.

This is why I try to push people up to at least 200 Watts/Channel. It is here that I can hear a large difference. I have owned 100 Watt and 125 Watt amps from Carver and NAD and did not notice much difference. When I hooked up the Outlaw 755 I imediately noticed a difference, especially in the low end.

Thanks for the input Doug maybe I am not just crazy. The thing that seems weird is that my old Outlaw 1050 seemed much more dynamic than this amp that is almost twice the power. I am wondering if it may be the fact that the Nad just dosen't make a good preamp even though it is a good sounding receiver. Like I said I may just need to wait for the new 200 watt models and add the new 970 and see how that suits me. Thanks for the input.

Gosh I was going to order the 990/7125 combo for my Klipsch rf 7's which are really efficient but now you have me worried. I checked into the 770 also thinking all I need at the time is a 5 channel. But...like others have stated its no longer being sold. Can't spent the $ on the 7 channel 200watt amp...so what to do? Any advice?

erikm12,

While I prefer the 200 Watt amps driving my Klispch Reference 25 Series speakers and Def Tech surrounds, I have never tried the Outlaw 7125, just other amps of similar wattage. You can always give it a whirl with the 30 trial period and see if it works for you. That also give you 30 days to work on the wife if you need to upgrade to one of the larger units

The Klipsch RF-7 are 102dB efficient - that's miles away from most speakers as far as efficiency goes. I'd suggest trying the 7125; if you feel like you might need more, ask Outlaw about switching to the 7500 when it comes out, but I suspect the 7125 will be a good fit.