Thanks much for the additional input Kevin. You have reinforced my decision to give the 1050 a try.

I will be using my new receiver for simple two-channel reproduction of music probably 95% of the time... so that is what I am most interested in. The lack of DPL-II concerns me not at all, since I doubt I would ever use it (or any of the other "simulated" surround modes... none of those effects appeals to my ears at all). When I'm watching movies, I'll go with just unaltered Dolby Digital or DTS. And 5 channels is plenty for me!