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Outlaw Audio 7200 7-Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed


  • October 13, 2008

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outlaw_audio_7200.gifOutlaw Audio is one of those rare companies in the industry that comes along and challenges the status quo for home theater enthusiasts. An entirely Internet-based operation, Outlaw Audio has made a name for itself by providing economically conscious consumers with surprisingly high performance AV products at very reasonable prices that just plain work on so many different systems. Case in point, their 7200 multi-channel amplifier reviewed here; it's large weighing in at 90 pounds and measuring a standard 17 inches wide by eight inches high and 18 inches deep whilst churning out a massive 200 watts across all seven channels into eight ohms and 300 Watts into four. Now other companies make an amp with similar dimensions and specs however their all priced around or over $4,000.00 where as the 7200 can be had for a mere $1,849.00 direct to your door. That's a tremendous value in the face of a downward spiraling economy where true luxury goods like home theaters and high ticket gear are going to be more and more sparse as we all try to conserve.

The 7200 features unbalanced connections that are clearly labeled, well spaced and surprisingly robust. The binding posts are the same you'll find on B&W's flagship 802D loudspeaker and are, again, neatly laid out and spaced to accommodate nearly any type of speaker cable. The 7200 has a master power switch on the rear face plate with the front button toggling the unit in and out of standby. A 12-volt trigger and a hefty detachable power cord round out the features on the otherwise Spartan hunk of horsepower.

High Points
• For a large budget amp the 7200 possesses surprising musicality rich with inner detail and extremely resolute for its price.
• The 7200's sound favors a bit more of the midrange and lower registers and has a smooth, though not all together "airy" top end that makes it more palpable and less edgy at extreme volumes.
• The 7200's power output is more than adequate to drive any brand of speaker available today including power hungry pigs like Magnepan 3.6's or MartinLogan CLS.
• The 7200's industrial design mates well with other components and shows that Outlaw put every penny of its cost into the performance.

Low Points
• The 7200 is a large amp that can get very warm to the touch even at moderate playback levels, please adhere to the manual and provide proper ventilation.
• The 7200 is heavy and should be handled by two people and placed on a very sturdy surface or shelf provided its properly ventilated.
• The stock power cord that comes with the 7200 is stiff out of the gate and may be difficult to manipulate in and around your rack for the first few weeks.

Conclusion
It's rare that a product speaks to me on almost every level the way the 7200 did. Sonically, the 7200 just floats my boat. Is it the most pristine sounding amplifier I've ever heard? No. But it's damn good. When you consider what you're going to have to shell out for that last five to ten percent of performance the value proposition of the 7200 begs the question, "Is it worth it?" For some the answer will undoubtedly be yes but for the rest of us we'll be enjoying ourselves too much, basking in the sounds of the 7200, to take notice. I really do love this amp.

Keywords

Outlaw Audio, Outlaw Audio 7200 amp reviewed, Outlaw Audio Review, Multichannel Amplifier, Budget home theater gear, budget amplifiers, Seven Channel Amplifier, Home Theater, Outlaw Home Theater, Multichannel

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