While an AVR probably does a great job for many things as the center of your home entertainment system, sometimes you just need more power than it can deliver. This is particularly true with low efficiency speakers or when you like to play it LOUD! There is a more detailed explanation about “I Already Have an AVR, So Why Would I Need a Separate Power Amplifier?” in the Blog section of our website, and one of the key items described there is that your AVR needs both Pre-Out jacks and a certain level of Pre-Out voltage to make sure it is compatible with an external amplifier.

We’re not the only ones who think that adding an external amp is a good idea. Here’s a link to Theater at Home, a popular YouTube Channel with a great job of explaining what this is all about. He even uses both a Model 5000x and Model 7000x, and here is how he connected them.

If you are wondering about compatibility of your source devices that have XLR outputs, all current Outlaw Audio amplifier models have balanced XLR inputs in addition to the more popular RCA inputs. While XLR outputs are more commonly found on surround processors or high-end two-channel stereo products, they are on some high-end AVRs. Balanced XLR outputs are preferred by some because they reject noise better than traditional RCA connections. They also have higher output voltage that helps improve headroom. Since virtually all products with XLR jacks output in the 4 to 8 Vrms range they are fully compatible with Outlaw amps. You can make the XLR connection without worrying about clipping or under-driving your new amp.

Here is a list of some popular AVR models, including many that your fellow Outlaws have already asked about for compatibility with an amp. Can’t find your AVR model or do you have a question? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you out. 

Important notes:

* Some AVRs quote a 1.0Vrms output at their RCA jacks, but in reality their true output is 1.0Vrms to 2.0Vrms, depending on the setting of the volume control. These AVRs will work very well with Outlaw multichannel amplifiers such as the Model 5000x and Model 7000x, as note with "*".

- Some manufacturers do not quote the pre-out voltage. When you see "**" next to a listing we are quoting the voltage as tested by reputable reviewers whose results we trust.

- When adding an external amplifier using an AVR's preamp outputs always go to your AVR's Settings" menu section and look for something similar to "Preamp Mode" and turn the setting to OFF for the output channels you are using with an external amplifier. This will prevent the AVR from clipping internally at lower voltages, it will lower overall distortion and, most importantly, send a much cleaner signal to your external Outlaw amplifier.