Ach!! My M8 Died!!

I know this isn't the M8 forum, but looks like nobody has posted in there for a year...and also, I have a 975, so was hoping you guys might be able to chime in with some sub recommendations to pair with this pre/pro. I loved the M8...nice and small, but potent...perfect for my apartment. But apparently the amp is fried, even though it's been used pretty lightly over the last few years.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I would find a sub that pairs well with my mains vice the 975. Take a look at HSU and SVS for starters assuming another Outlaw sub is not in your plans. Outlaw can repair the MS and a second one would give even more oomph.

Thanks, Xenon...good to see you still around these parts. I remember seeing your name on here quite often over the years.

The thought of just buying a replacement amp for the M8 (it's out of warranty, unfortunately) and adding a second one did cross my mind...right this moment I have a slightly bad taste in my mouth over it, though, to be honest. In all fairness, I've never had an outlaw product go bad, but IIRC the M8 is basically just an outlaw in name only...so I'm thinking I may just move on from it. It's a shame, cause it was really potent for an 8" driver..

Good call on SVS. I've had 5 of their subs over the years, so maybe I'll just go back to what I'm familiar with. I would imagine the trusty 975 would be fine with that decision.

Replacement of the plate amp is probably not going to be a good option. Poking around at PE the amp choices in the M8's power range are going to be lacking compared to what came from factory. Have you considered taking it to a tech for repair?

Finding something that works in an apartment without annoying the neighbors can be difficult. If you have something that works well for you it might be worth having it checked for repair. If you do decide replacement is your best option I would be interested in buying the amp and driver.

Hey Stephen...thanks for the feedback. I was actually thinking Outlaw could just sell me a replacement factory amp...you don't think that's a possibility?

BTW, check your PMs

Hi AJ,

The best option, if necessary, would be to have just the amp plate sent in for servicing. Please give me a call M-F 9:00am - 5:00pm EST at (866) OUTLAWS, so we can discuss this further.

Ben was typing at the same time I was so did not see his reply until after I posted mine. If Outlaw will service it for you that would be your safest bet.

What were the circumstances leading up to the failure? Did it fail while in use or did it just not show up for TV night?

Do we know who made the unit for Outlaw so I can look for a schematic of the amp? In the early days Sony was bad about putting fuses inside the units. A sub left in stand by mode would blow fuses reacting to dips and the subsequent surges on the power lines. Back then if the average used had surge protection it was normally a cheap power strip from a discount store. Subs could pull enough current to create overloads. Just like CRT monitors in the early computer days. (if you have not already tried, plug the unit into a different power source)

Doing a quick Google search you have a tech in Flowery Branch and are close enough to Atlanta finding good service for the amp should not be an issue. I would pull the amp from the cabinet and look for anything obvious. If there is nothing you can see or fix yourself it is still worth having checked.

Ben: Thanks, much appreciated. Always had great service from the Outlaws


Steve: So basically the M8 has been sitting in the corner of my office for the last 6-9mo or so, unused, and this past weekend I finally got around to re-doing my small HT rig. I hooked up the M8 to the 975, turned the gain down on the sub, and when I plugged it in I immediately heard the loud humming noise. At first I thought I had left the test tones on on the 975 or soemthing boneheaded like that, so I just disconnected everything and started over. By the third time I turned it on, I had literally nothing connected to it at all. I had already ruled out every other possibility, so all that was left was the sub itself. I plugged it in to the outlet and "bzzzzzzzz"...so that's when I realized it was FUBAR.

I bought this thing as an inexpensive place holder type sub, and ended up falling in love with it. Especially when placed on the Auralex SubDude riser, it's both clean and potent.