Build Quality, amplifier performance, flexibility to acccommodate future innovations, excellent real world performance, incredible value

Nothing of any consequence

After a year of research, I recently ordered a Model 1050 A/V receiver from Outlaw Audio, the groundbreaking online A/V electronics company. It took a year to find what I wanted at a $500 or less price point, i.e.: · Bulletproof build quality, · Discrete amp design on all channels, · No-B.S. 4-ohm performance, · Real power ratings measured at a full frequency response of 20-20k, · On-the-fly volume adjustments of the subwoofer, center channel, and surrounds, and · Both 5.1 inputs and outputs on the preamp section. I sweated the introduction of the new 6.1 Dolby Digital and DTS decoders for all of about two minutes. However, when I realized that I could never put more than two surround speakers in the room, the issue resolved itself. So, the latest-and-greatest decoders were a non-issue. But, if I ever do decide to use the sixth channel, I’m covered. The Outlaw’s proprietary Zoran processor is fully compatible with the Dolby Digital EX 6.1 standard. Pro Logic II? Who cares? I don’t use the VCR much anymore, so regular Pro Logic is fine. Further, I don’t do critical music listening in surround modes. If I do, though, the Outlaw’s DSP is quite pleasant in the natural and jazz settings. Did I mention build-quality as an important issue? (Sure I did. ‘Just checking your memory.) The Outlaw Audio website has detailed photos of the innards. Take a look! · Massive die-cast heat sinks, · A monster power supply with big cap’s, · A discrete output amp board for each of the six channels, · Gold-plating on all of the pre-amp connectors, · Big, well-spaced speaker binding posts, and · A super-ventilated steel case. At 37 pounds, this beast outweighs the typical $500 receiver by more than 15 pounds. The DHL delivery woman did not appreciate this attribute. She had to schlep it up four flights of stairs to my office. In my 14-by-20-foot room, four stand-mounted Paradigm Type-II Mini-Monitors are used for the fronts and surrounds, and a Paradigm Type-II CC-370 takes care of the center channel. The CC-370 is on the floor under the television stand and tilted up at an angle of about 45 degrees to effectively minimize carpet muffling. Because this speaker is on the floor, the discrete center-channel volume control on the Outlaw is set for +4dB to boost vocal-track clarity. The rather sophisticated bass management system on the receiver is set at 60 cycles. This is low enough to allow the Paradigms to strut their stuff without robbing power to needlessly feed extended bass passages. The subwoofer is the current version of the 10-inch, 120-watt KLH from Costco. Yes, yes, yes . . . One can fret about subwoofer fine points. But, the reality about sub’s is this: all they really have to do is thump, bump and growl at adequate constant and transient volumes without humming, buzzing, rattling, clipping or blowing-up. In the case of my set-up, it only has to do these things at frequencies of 60 cycles and below. With a miniscule >40-cycle range to cover, the sub never gets in the way of the highly accurate, distortion-free performance of the Paradigms. Here’s the clincher on the KLH . . . it only cost 80 bucks after rebate! For now, I’ll take the $320 price difference between it and “something better” and buy more DVDs. If the KLH ever does blow-up, I might consider something better, but just for the sake of durability. Otherwise, its performance is technically and aesthetically acceptable. So, how does all of this sound? The discrete, conservatively rated 65-watt amps never clip, even when driving the super-clear speakers to ear-bleeding sound-pressure levels. Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, Star Wars I and II, Independence Day, Godzilla, or The Matrix? Bring ‘em on. Three-dimensional imaging is there as it should be, and it is seamless. The receiver is easy to use. And, Hey! The remote looks cool when it’s glowing blue in a darkened room. What more could you ask?

Similar Products Used:

NAD receivers, Integra preamps, Crown power amps, Hafler tuners, Integra and Onkyo CD decks, Sony minidisk decks

2 Channel Stereo Simplicity Quality Value

Internal DAC may not be the best on the market.

Outstanding product. Have been using the receiver off and on for the past few months in a second system. Recently decieded to simplify and sold my seperates (tube preamp and ss amp - both highly rated on this website) - I was worried about the quality of the outlaw in 2 channel. I also have a NAD 317, went with the Outlaw in the main system to have the flexibility of HT. With the CD/DVD (Sony 9000) hooked up directly into the 5.1 inputs it sounds fantastic. It is as good as my seperates and rivals many systems I have heard costing thousands more. This product matches well with the Triangle speakers.

Similar Products Used:

NAD 317, Sherwood Receiver and Seperates CJ, AI and so on.

Still an okay value option over some Onkyo/Dennon units...but you may prefer the others. Nice display. Much malignes remote is actually very functional.

Lacks power/headroom, even apparent on smaller speakers. Lack of ES and other "now standard" modes is a problem.

This is an update to my previous review. I'm lowering the rating by one star. This is STILL an excellent amp and value, but I'm more certain of it's "Japanese" sound than ever. I recently listed to the same model powering Snell JIIIs, and Snell M's as surrounds. The Snells were simply not as musical sounding as with the previous Acuras amp. Dispite efforts by owners to convince, I beleive that the Outlaw provides average sound in its class, especially with newer higher powered options entering the market. I recently heard a newer Marantz and found it to be less harsh sounding. At 500.00, the Outlaw is now getting long in the tooth, as they say. I'm adding a Rotel 1080 soon, which should improve things. Let's call the Outlaw what it NOW is: A Bandaid for HT requirements until the dust settles and you buy something worthy of better speakers.

Similar Products Used:

Acuras, Marantz, carver, Parasound

Dynamics and clean power

none

I've used the 1050 for 2 months now and and I'm still amazed at the sound of this receiver. The sound quality is clean and punchy. It is far better than yamaha rx495a and maranz 7000.

Similar Products Used:

maranz 7000 yamaha rxv495a

Good sound, well designed.

Could be a bit more powerful. Lacks ES mode. Shallow soundstage.

Yes, it's a bargain, but don't imagine that this unit sounds quite as good as more expensive gear. It DOES sound better than a Yamaha or Onkyo, but I think it's less sweet than a Marantz. Compared to my old Amphi Mondial HT reciever, it also lacks power, unable to control the bass well at higher volumes. The Mondial was rated at just 5 watts more, so I wonder abot the Outlaw's headroom. The Mondial also had a deeper soundstage. For small to midsize speakers, the Outlaw is fine. Beyond that you'll need more power or a sub to take off some pressure to the mains. My mains are very large Carver Amazing Silvers, so I'm asking a lot for 65 watts, but the 70 watt Mondial did not compress as much and that's a fact. Still, this a good value for the HT fan. If you listen more to music, you may want to look at a few other amps. I'm planning to add a 140 watt Rotel amp and a Paradigm 2200 sub.

Similar Products Used:

Carver, Mondial

Sound on two channel music and movie sound tracks. Great universal remote as well.

Lack of newer modes Dolby-Ex, DTS-es

I've used the 1050 for 4 months now and and I'm still amazed at the sound of this receiver. I listened to svereal brands of sub-500 dolar receivers and they all had less than stellar music sound. The Outlaw has the best sound I've heard by far. The high end with my Kef Q55 mains is detailed and the mid-range strong and smooth. With DVD's the audio is tremendous as well. The only weakness is i the lack of connectivity compared to some of the budget receivers by Sony, Denon and all. FBut none of them can touch the Outlaw for sound unless you spend twice as much or more.

Similar Products Used:

Denon, Marantz, Onkyo

Power, well constructed, low price (don't let that fool you), tech support and clean sound.

cannot think of any.

This unit saved me well over 400.00+ and after listening to it and breaking the receiver in, it sounds sweeter everytime! I also looked at Denon, NAD and Rotel, and with all others 900.00 and above, it makes this machine that much sweeter! I was skeptical of the 65w at first, but once I received it and hooked up my speakers (Athena Audition AS-F2), the house was rocking with pleanty of punch and superb (not too much) deep, wall rattling bass. It handeled all of my DVD's and CD's with ease, and with plenty of punch left in reserve. The instruction booklet was good and tech support was freindly and prompt! Outlaw saved me hundreds of bucks, which I used for my wires and speakers. I couldn't be happier nor could I recommend a product more.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel, NAD, Denon, Parasound

clean power, bass management, 6.1 decoding, build quality.

could use a couple more digital inputs no dolby pro-logic II

This HT receiver is as good as all the reviews said, easy set up, easy to use and great sound. Build quality is unbelievable at this price.

Similar Products Used:

sony, kenwood,

Clean power. Easy to set up. Simple front plate design. Very, Very, Very nice construction. Fantastic company customer service (thats important)

Right now I will say none

I am not going to make this long. Because if you have read the 107 reviews before this one will have all the info you need. I will say I was worried about not having DPII. But after hooking up my DVD player, I could care less if I watch another movie on tape again...digital all the way!!! The 1050 makes my speakers sing like never before. And considering it is a HT receiver I cant beleive the 2 channel stereo sound for music, very nice. So like most before me, I say give this baby a chance its a keeper.

Similar Products Used:

Hafler, NAD, Denon, HK

Built likie a 1970s model, not to many options on the front panel, just enough! Great with 4 Klipsch chorus, RS 3 2s rears, Klipsch sub, academy center and Klipsch KLF-C7 rear center!

NONE

I bought this unit and have had it several months, and so far NO complaints! Even with 3 outboard 2 channel amps for amplified 6.1 its still as clear as a bell! I am very satisfied with my outlaw, the best HT reciever ive had in this house yet1

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Sony