This is interesting...
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_3/outlaw-1070-receiver-9-2005-part-2.html#Note

So what's the story? Do some units have the "modified circuit" and others don't?

Could this be the reason some owners commented that the output seemed a bit louder after the firmware upgrade?

I doubt it was strictly a firmware change, in my case the firmware upgrade only affected the analog input volume.

I'm guessing from the wording that it was an actual hardware change, it would be nice to get some offical comment from the Outlaws.

What? Can any of the Outlaws clear this up? If there is truth to this, please tell me what I need to do to get the upgrade if possible.
Thanks,
Ragnar

I see that they ensured their power source was at 120 volts this time as well. That alone could be it. Could just as easily be that HTHF screwed up the first set of measurements too.

I edited my original post to add the fixed 120 volt information in as well. I wouldn't have guessed that 120 vs. 115 would make that much difference...but hey I'm no electrician.

As is the case for most manufacturers of quality audio/video equipment, the Outlaws maintain a policy of continuous improvement for all of our products. In particular, the Model 1070 and Model 970 have been able to take advantage of the RS-232 software upgrade feature to correct some minor issues and improve functionality. We are also currently working on the software validation process for an upgrade to the Model 990 and another for the 970 platform. We plan on making these upgrades available at some point during the spring season.

In response to John Johnson’s review of the Model 1070, there have been some questions concerning the nature of the change he referred to in relation to the higher power measurements in his revised review.

Part of the change in the power statement is due to alterations in John’s test procedures and the use of updated, calibrated equipment. This allowed the power measurement to be more accurately reported.

The rest of the change is the result of an optimization of the gain structure in the preamp section of the Model 1070. Part of the software update mentioned above addresses this change and is available to all owners at no charge by downloading the latest software. This two dB increase when combined with the new test procedure insures that the unit meets its claimed power ratings.

The “modified circuit” referred to in the review, is more correctly a description of the total package of the new software and a few minor component tweaks made as “running changes” that are an outgrowth of the continuous improvement process noted above. These component changes do not lend themselves to an upgrade and are only able to be made in new production. They do not address product defects and are not really audible but in conjunction with the software available to all, continue to subtly raise the bar for the Model 1070.

Cool, thanks for the response.

Well, I guess I didn't really notice any change in sound levels once the software was uploaded.

I'd like to get an improved louder version.

Ragnar,

The Outlaw 1070 is a very nice sounding receiver, but it's not a 'party amp'. I've noticed it's louder since the last firmware update, but it's still not LOUD. It sounds great at low to moderately loud volumes, and the pre-amp stage is excellent, but if you like to listen to music at a loud volume I would suggest supplementing the 1070 with a power amp or looking at a receiver with very strong amps like the NAD T753.

John

I still wonder what the efficiency on people's speakers must be to be having trouble with the 1070, but I guess I'm probably just spoiled by my Klipsch speakers.

JHoff80, I'm not saying I'm having *trouble* just that it's not quite as loud as something like a NAD T753 (I just picked this one because it's similarly priced to the Outlaw and I used to own it's predecessor, the NAD T752). I do prefer the sound of the 1070 to the T753 though. I have relatively efficient speakers (95dB) as well. The fact is yesterday was the first opportunity I had in several months to really crank it up, so it's not a big deal for me anymore. If loudness was a high priority though I would be looking for something with a touch more power.