I noticed a new 7-channel amp being introduced by Sherbourn. The model is 7/1250A, which will deliver 125 watts per channel. As many of us know, Sherbourn, Atlantic Technologies and Outlaw all share the same look and feel on similar components. Of course, the way these products are marketed (dealer network vs. direct internet sales) can greatly affect the final price…except for price; the product functions and capabilities are very similar.

So now to the point…I feel my current HT set-up cannot handle the 200 watt per channel that the model 770 amp provides, but believe I could use more then the 100 watts per channel from what the model 7100 can offer. With the anticipation of new Outlaw products coming out this year, I was wondering if we might see Outlaws increasing their amplification scale from 100 watts to 125-150 watts per channel through new product introductions similar to Sherbourn. Of course, those of you who need the massive power of 300 W/ch can start drooling over the model 790.

Here is the link: http://www.sherbourn.com/news/pressreleases/7-1250A_amplifier.php

I feel Outlaw gives you more bang for the buck but would like a little more oomph than what I can get from a 100 W per channel. I am waiting for new Pre/Pro (need Pro Logic IIx) to be released and will decide on combo platter (Pre/Pro & Amp) at that time. I also have a wide range of speaker amplification requirements.

Fronts L/R – KEF RDM 3
Amplifier Requirements: 30 – 200W
Impedance: 4 ohms

Center – KEF 100C
Amplifier Requirements: 20 – 175W
Impedance: 6 ohms

Rear Surrounds – KEF RDM 2
Amplifier Requirements: 30 – 175W
Impedance: 6 ohms

Side Surrounds – KEF Ci 130DS
Amplifier Requirements: 10 – 60W
Impedance: 4 ohms

Sub Woofer – HSU Research STF 2

Hmmm... It will be curious to see what all Outlaw has in store for us this year. They've been somewhat quiet on the new amp development front for a while now, so maybe there will be more than just the 790 this year.

Sherbourn and Atlantic Technology have both produced pre-amps that use the 950 design, but in the past I do not believe that there has been any similarity between the amps from those companies and the amps from Outlaw. For example, the Sherbourn amps (including this one) use a separate toroidal transformer for each channel, whereas the Outlaw 7100 uses a single transformer for all channels and the 755 and 770 use two transformers. Obviously, the added transformers in the Sherbourn come at a cost: you could buy seven M200's for less money than the 7/1250A lists for and have separate separate transformers for each channel and more power.

Another thing to think about while looking at what amp you might want to get. Your speakers are a mix of 4 ohm and 6 ohm designs. The 7100's output of 100W per channel is based on an 8 ohm load. At 4 ohms, the 7100 is rated at 165W per channel . A 6 ohm load would yield a maximum power output somewhere between 100W and 165W. Just something else to mull over...

Gonk, thanks for your input. The nice folks at Outlaw did recommend the 7100 based on my mix of 4 and 6 ohms speakers. I believe this will be a big upgrade from my Denon AVR-3200 (85 W x 5 ch) and feel going to separates will make a huge improvement.

However, I always hear (from other posts I’ve read) that it’s good to have a little power headroom. As you stated, the model 7100 delivers 165W per channel at 4 ohms. I’m would still be under the 200W @ 4 ohm rating of my fronts, and 175W @ 6ohms for my surrounds and center.

Not a big deal, since I cannot utilize all 7 channels until I purchase new components to replace my current 5.1 system (added 7.1 this year when I finished my basement).

Just looking for that little extra boost. Since I am waiting on new pre/pro 970 to become available (hopefully in near future), I can wait a little longer to see if any new amps (besides 790) are brought into the Outlaw family.

Keep in mind going from 100W to 200W/ch only
increases sound level by 3db. Going from 100 to
125 is only 1db, which is generally defined as
the smallest sound level difference detectable.
[Of course some hear better some worse, but my
point is I wouldn't upgrade for this small increase in power.]

Actually, I believe the 7/1250A AMP uses two large transformers, not 7.

I believe the 7/2100A used 7...

You are quite correct, I misread the press release.