To avoid that apoplexy in the DVD-A and SACD camps, the 950’s 5.1 channel analog input comes with its own analog bass management that allows you to maintain the purity of the analog signal path without redigitizing the signal a la Onkyo. This crossover is fixed at 80 Hz, although, should you feel the need for more flexibility, Outlaw does make a comprehensive outboard analog bass- management box called the ICBM-1 that you can use between your high-res player and the 950. For all of the other inputs, the 950 offers a full set of digital bass- management tools.

Where the Outlaw people have shown a complete lack of restraint is with the design of the 770 power amplifier. While its unassuming faceplate makes it look like any other mid-priced power amp, I wouldn’t try picking this one up without first stretching and donning a back brace. At a shelf-bending 90 lb., the 770 clearly houses a lot of iron, and a quick glance at the specifications shows why. Simple math tells you that this beast, with its seven channels at 200 W each, can deliver some 1400 W in total, and this figure is derived without re sorting to fuzzy specification math. Should you decide not to add rear surround, there is a slightly smaller five-channel version called the 755. But even the 755 weighs in at 78 lb., so handling it still requires a pretty strong back.

The Outlaw remote is a programmable learning model based on a popular third-party design we’ve seen many times over the years. The basic functions fall readily to hand, even if less commonly used ones can sometimes be a bit tricky to figure out. Luckily, the whole thing will light up to help you find those pesky buttons. With the ability to memorize four macro strings, this one should be enjoyed by mothers-in-law everywhere.