For over ten years, we've closed virtually every newsletter with our trademark slogan "The best values in home theater are just a mouse click away.™" Today, we are taking that value to a new and even higher level.

As you know, we've been working on two new surround processors for over two years. One was the subject of intense public discussion and the other, a product that we just recently revealed. This second project has met, if not exceeded, our expectations and it is now time for us to not only share the full details, but also to begin taking reservation orders for shipment before the end of this year.

Introducing the Outlaw Model 975 Surround Processor

While most people think of surround processors in the context of large, grand scale systems, we know that many Outlaws have more modest systems and budget limitations. Indeed, our earlier and simpler processors going back to the Model 950 prove that sometimes, simple is better. We strongly believe that a basic processor, if executed intelligently, need not have any limitations that would compromise audio/video performance, ease-of-use, build quality, feature set or reliability. Delivering in all these areas at a value price is precisely what the Model 975 is all about.

Starting with audio, the Model 975 offers all the latest Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio along with Pro Logic IIz and DTS Neo:6 post-processing. Once decoded, the signals travel through an ultra low-noise signal path thanks to careful design and layout, and a robust power supply with a compact torroidal transformer.

In keeping with our tradition of "legacy support," the Model 975 includes a pair of both optical and coax inputs, as well as analog inputs and a high performance FM Stereo/FM/AM tuner. For those who use streaming services originating in their TV, HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) capability means it is unnecessary to run an extra cable to route the audio from a compatible TV to the Model 975.

In keeping with the Model 975's combination of value and performance we'll state up front (as previously noted in the Saloon), that an EQ system is not included in this product. We could have easily implemented the EQ program provided with the Cirrus DSP chip, but it simply did not meet our performance standards. While we considered a rewrite of that system, we concluded that the effort would only provide a marginal improvement given the limitation of available filters within the Cirrus architecture. Though a third-party EQ system could have also been employed, it would have delayed the project considerably, and more importantly, would have raised the price well beyond our target. We strongly believe that the sonic performance and feature set of the Model 975 will meet the needs of even the most demanding home theater enthusiast. When you hear it yourself, we are confident that you'll agree.

On the video side, the Model 975 faces another curious situation: It is targeted at a value price, yet many of the systems where it will be used still require legacy inputs and video scaling which are often omitted on higher-priced models. For example, we see the Model 975 being used in conjunction with the component or composite outputs of a Wii, the component outputs of a DVD recorder or the composite or S-Video outputs of the last VCR in the house. For that reason, the Model 975 not only includes four HDMI inputs with 3D capability, it also offers composite, S-Video and component inputs and outputs.

More importantly, the Model 975 includes video scaling so that 480i analog sources will be converted up to 1080p for use with the vast majority of video displays that cannot accept 480i via HDMI. Flipped around the other way, for games or sources where you want to take the processing out of the signal path, the Model 975 also has a "bypass" mode that sends the video straight through without any alteration. This provides you the best of both video worlds in a way that even some higher priced products no longer accommodate.

Of course, all of these inputs and outputs are of little use if you can't use or configure them for the requirements of your specific system. This is another area where the Model 975 shines. The menu system is straightforward with all the settings you need and expect. Input connections are fully assignable and the crossovers have a wide range of adjustments from 40Hz to 150Hz in 10Hz increments with an additional setting at 200Hz. There are also subwoofer and LFE trims that may be specified by surround mode and much more. All the menus are as crisp and easy to use as anything we've seen, regardless of price.

Perhaps the biggest surprise will come when you experience the Model 975 first hand. It has an elegant, slim-line appearance and a clutter free, black aluminum front panel. Our safety approval certification prevents us from allowing you to remove the top cover (yes, the Model 975 carries the ETL mark). However, if you could, you would see that while the chassis is compact, the components and PCBs are top shelf. The Model 975's modest size belies its remarkable heft - solid without being too heavy to sit on the glass shelves of today's horizontal home theater furniture.

Of course, there's much more to the Model 975 than we have room for here, so we encourage you to go here for the complete specifications, but here is a recap of the top level items:
  • 4 HDMI inputs with 3D compatibility, Deep Color and ARC
  • 2 each Component, S-Video and Composite Video inputs
  • 5 Analog Audio inputs and 2 each Optical and Coaxial Digital inputs
  • Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS-HD and DTS-Master Audio decoding
  • Pro Logic IIz, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS Neo:6 post-processing
  • Full Bass Management with Quad-crossover settings from 40Hz to 200Hz with 12dB/octave (2nd order) high-pass and 24dB/octave (4th order) low-pass slopes
  • High performance FM Stereo/AM tuner
  • Video scaling to 1080p, 100Mhz Component Video inputs and video by-pass setting
  • Comprehensive, yet easy-to-use menus
  • Front panel headphone jack, analog record output and a 12VDC sequential trigger output on rear panel
  • Black aluminum front panel with Video Fluorescent Display (VFD)
  • An unusually comprehensive owner's manual that intuitively guides you through setup and system configuration using both traditional text and innovative visual instructions
  • A compact remote is included with initial shipments, and ALL Model 975 owners will receive a fully programmable, multi-device remote at no extra charge (These new controllers are expected to be available before the end of January)
This newsletter started with a mention of the Model 975's incredible value. From there we described how the Model 975 is more than just the most compact, affordable, high-performance surround processor available today. As the only product in its class with a full range of legacy video inputs, 1080p video scaling, and the latest HDMI and digital surround processing technologies, it truly delivers the features that matter most. Yet with all of these features and capabilities, the Model 975's true value is defined by a category busting price.

The Model 975 is priced at only $549! Starting today, we are accepting reservation orders for delivery in early December. In addition, for the next six months, we'll take $50 off that price for the original owner of ANY Outlaw brand multi-channel receiver or processor. As you might expect, in addition to the great stand-alone price for the Model 975 we'll be offering discounts on combo packages to pair with our multi-channel amps. To view these package discounts click here.

While we are flying in a number of Model 975's from the first production run, these initial quantities will be limited and we expect demand to be high. To secure your best chance of having a Model 975 in your system for holiday movies, bowl games and the year-end classic sporting events, please place your reservation order now. We will deliver these units on a "first come-first served" basis.

As always, your credit card will not be charged until the unit is shipped. As with all Outlaw Audio components, the Model 975 carries our 30-day in-home audition period.

With today's Model 975 announcement, the introduction of the OSB-1 H-PAS Sound Bar last month, and with a few more surprises in the upcoming year, we will close this newsletter where we began, by reminding you that at Outlaw Audio, "The best values in Home Theater are just a mouse click away.™"

Best regards,
The Outlaws

If you purchase a combo package and return one of the bundled products for credit, pricing for the products not returned will be adjusted to their regular retail and any package discount will be DEDUCTED from your refund amount.