How about just 2 tubes on the 2 channel output? If so, how about some big VU meters to go along with it? Talk about a "retro" influence...


Audio-wise, I think Outlaw kinda knows what has to go into a new receiver. All the current decoding modes, enough analog inputs for a few sources, 6 digital inputs (3 coax, 3 toslink), twin multi-channel direct inputs , pre-amp outputs, headphone jack, stereo subwoofer outputs, 7 channels of amplification and a nice, smoothly rotating volume knob.

Besides a digital input for SACD and/or DVD-A, the biggest future questions come on the video side. DVI switching? HDMI? Component Upconversion?

If they could do it, I could see Outlaw seperating the audio and video portions of a new receiver into 2 seperate components. It would be sort of like a receiver with an external video switcher. The two boxes could then be linked by some sort of trigger or proprietary cable so that both could be controlled by the same commands. That way, if the video side changes, Outlaw wouldn't have to start over and come out with a new receiver. They would just have to update the video box and offer some sort of "trade-in" for their current customers.

A little dreaming never hurts...

Wow, here ya go Outlaw. Somebody just layed down the guidelines for a good surround sound processor:

www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_4/feature-ssp-functionality-11-2003.html

Most make a lot of sense. Some, well, I could see as being optional...

Pretty slick list! I'd say that's a good foundation list for a successor to the 950 almost without exception. For a 1050 successor (which would presumably inherit a price tag similar to the 1050's original $600 since the 950/7100 combo takes care of the $1000-$2000 receiver bracket), I think that you could probably sacrifice some items in exchange for price and better implementation of other items.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Below a point it adds no benefit, and the 1050 is already well inside that boundry.



What is this? I've been away - what is SACD mode? I thought SACD/DVD-A were just multi-channel inputs?

I can think of a couple of additional features:

1) A volume control that actually works. I hope I don't need to explain this.

2) Preamp Outputs and Amp Inputs. This would allow the replacement product to be configurable by the user. Additional amps could be added to drive a particularly inefficient set of mains or bi-amp a speaker. Even run a separate zone.

3) Support for dual assignments of analog and digitial audio inputs to the same device with fast accurate automatic selection (this is a step up from the 950).

I would love to see at least a partial list of the features the OutLaws plan to have in the new model. I imagine this may be top secret but some details may get a nice discussion going before it is too late to change the plan.


[This message has been edited by desperado (edited November 19, 2003).]

A couple of ideas:

- An assignable sixth or sixth/seventh channel that could be selected for either surround back or subwoofer output. This is great for small passive subwoofers, especially since most people don't have more than a 5.1 setup.

- The new Firewire digital input. I was under the impression that a standard format had been set. One-wire connection between the 1050 replacement and the new Outlaw DVD player would be sweet.

- Bass management for analog inputs. I would give this feature up if the above feature were implemented.

Some absolute, must-have features, IMO:

- headphones output with Dolby Headphones decoding

- a GOOD multi-channel simulation mode from 2-channel sources. My favs are LOGIC 7 by Harman and Circle Surround II by SRS.

- Bypass 2-channel mode WITH subwoofer output

I can't wait to see specs on the 1050 replacement!

Any of you guys into computers? How about an ethernet port for AIFF or WAV or even mp3 and streaming audio. I for one have most of my CDs stored on computer as AIFF files - same quality, more convience.

Given the USB-in on the RR2150, this is a shoe-in for connecting the 1050's sequel to a computer. I think this is an extremely elegant solution, requiring only support for the USB speaker standard from the host computer's operating system. Most modern OSs provide this out of the box.

Four items for the wish-list:

1. Two sub pre-outs and the ability to assign the LFE and each individual "small" speaker channel to either pre-out. I listened to a system setup with the LFE on one sub and the center below 80 Hz on another sub, which added quite a bit to the overall presentation.

2. I'd like to see bass equalization below 250 Hz - similar to Meridian or Tag.

3. Digital connection for decoding SACD/DVD-A ... maybe use Pioneer's setup if they license.

4. Etherenet port for MP3s ... with software for windows to connect.