1. Preamp/Processor
2. 2 (1 pre-amp, 1 processor)
3. It makes sense to divide the preamp circuitry and processor circuitry into separate boxes. Therefore you don't have to change out your preamp when new surround formats spring from the heads of marketing
analysts at Dolby and DTS Labs.

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The "Short-stack" kills two birds with one stone. Those who have a preamp/reciever with multi-channel inputs can add the outlaw processor to enchance their existing setup. The Processor would feature all the latest surround formats, video switching, bass managment, and a nice menu system.

The bottom part of the "Short-stack" is a standard analog preamp. The preamp has one or more sets of multi-channel inputs and when it detects a signal from the processor through the multi-channel inputs it automatically switches to "external" or "processor" mode where it acts simply as a volume control.
When the "external" inputs are not turned on, the preamp acts as a standard analog preamp, no worries about analog bypass here! This would appeal to both the enthusiast and audiophile alike, who want to keep boxes seperate.

The "short stack" would fix several problems with current surround preamps:
1. Analog bypass
2. Seperate shielding of digital and analog circuitry/power supplies
3. Video switching and analog preampness in the same box.

Here is a summary:

Short Stack:
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Also, outlaw would effecively offer a preamp/processor package without the trouble of having to constantly build new preamp circuitry whenever they need to update their processor.

The processor might even offer jitter correction! I hope you offer it in silver!

If this isn't it I am going to patent this idea! =)

[This message has been edited by Zan780 (edited April 26, 2001).]