Hello all... Snagged a working unit complete with all accessories and original manual for a mere $51. The manual states NOT to use an IEC power cord but the one that came with it. Has anyone tried one? The reason I am asking is I have a really nice PS Audio power cord (albeit IEC) that I would like to use with it.

Yes, it's an older model but it's 7.1 analog ins will be paired with a Pioneer BDP-51FD's 7.1 analog outs. Setting it up for my folks.

Thank you in advance.

The 970 uses a two prong power supply vice the 3 prong IEC cord. Why the 970 can't use the 3 prong cord (if it fits) is a mystery. Call Outlaw service.

^Thank you. Will go the route advised. Hopefully someone will chime in...

If using the three-prong cord, the 3rd prong won't be attached, obviously. But you can purchase heavier power cords in three-prong style. I think using a 16 gauge cord would work fine. You could go with an 18 gauge, as I'm fairly certain the 970 as a processor won't draw too much current for that size.

I can't really tell from the picture of the 970 but the one thing I would be concerned about is the size of the terminals on the 970 power input. If Outlaw used a non-standard blade width or thickness on the 970 then a standard power cable might not make good contact possible resulting in poor performance, voltage transients or excess heat generation at the connector.

If you're concerned (and handy) then you can get a new IEC bulkhead feedthrough for about $2. A couple screws and solder joints and then you can use a standard cable. (Modify at your own risk: no guarantees either written or implied)

Just call Outlaw, they may have a cable.

Set-up at my folks house. Paired the Model 970 with an Atlantic Technology A-2000 7 channel 120 watt per amp. Direct TV Satellite box. Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD blu ray player using its 5.1 analog outs (Wolfson DACS) with DVD input on Bypass. Have the Outlaw ICBM-1 between the pre-amp and the amp. Speakers are all Mirage Omnisats with a pair of SW-8 subs for a "stereo" configuration. Belden 10 gauge speaker wires. All Tara Labs Prisms for interconnects. Outlaw analog cables between ICBM-1 and the A-2000. PS Audio Power Punch cables. Panamax M-5100 power conditioner. TV is a relic being a Sony KDL-52V5100 1080P LCD that I calibrated in using settings culled from the internet. Also using a DVDO iScan HD+ scaler.

Sound quality is excellent overall after dialing in the distances and speaker levels. They have a small living room where it is all at. The Mirage Omnisats really fill in the space having the soundstage larger, wider. The Model 970 does not detract from the overall a/v presentation. Really clean...just disappears from the into the place. Its overall sonics are very, very good with the Direct TV cable box using a coax digital connection.

With the Pioneer, the Model 970 makes for a neutral sounding analog pre-amp. While the folks were out, watched Led-Zeppelin's "The Song Remains The Same" blu ray. Placement was spot on during the concert movie. Really enjoyed it. Before that, did some tests with other flicks. All channels properly played on all effects. Center dialogue anchored firmly in the middle though a bit laid back and ambient.

Stereo music with CD's on Bypass mode. Again, excellent fidelity. The previous owner only had it for only a 2.1 set-up. It really showed its chops on music. I used the Pioneer's separate 2-channel stereo outs with the Model 970's CD analog input.

I have to add that the ICBM-1 really worked well with the rest of the components. All speakers set to Large so it can do its magic. It even negates the Pioneer's weak bass output on its level set-up. The Model 970 and the A-2000 work well as a combo producing a dark yet lush sound. The Mirages not being a direct firing speakers would take some getting used to for some but I really like how it conveys a much larger sweet spot. During 2 channel music listening, it is really immersive and makes the listener think the surrounds are on. The ICBM-1 compensates for its bass shy capabilities running the low frequency work to the SW-8 subs.

Folks really dig this modest set-up. Really blows away the old but trusty Pioneer VSX-47TX receiver that they were using before. They're both retired, watch loads of TV and usually rent Red-Box blus/dvds. Happy for them...

Oh and I bought ("stole") the Model 970 off Craigslist for a mere $51 complete with its original remote, manual and box.