I am a student with a limited budget building my first HT system. I have been researching the recivers in my price range for almost 2 months now and am ready to make a purchase. I have narrowed the choices down the ONKYO STR-500 ($299) and the Outlaw 1050. I cannot decide though if I can justify the purchase of the Outlaw. Here is my situation
system will be used mostly for stereo music on my Paradigm M7's.
most likely i will not purchase high quality surronds, centers, or a sub but will add them slowly

Will the Outlaw be better for listening to Music? By the time I add decent speakers to my system will the Outlaw be obsolete?

So basically is the Outlaw worth the extra 200 for listening to stereo?

Thanks for your help
John

I enjoyed the heck out of my 1050 for stereo listening -- that was probably its main use initially, and it's (IMHO) quite good at it. If you think you'll be sticking with whatever received you buy today for a long time, the extra $200 for the 1050 (or for a used two-channel integrated amp from someplace like AudioGon[/url if don't plan to add surro...ks]Saloon Links [/i] | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

This is a hard choice. I really like my 1050 for music. In fact, my set-up is used 80% music 20% home theater. For the price you will be blown away with the way the 1050 sounds. On the other hand though, Ive read quite a few posts where people are passing on the 1050 because it doesnt have PLII and other of the latest features. I guess it depends on your time frame.

MFTjd,
I have the 1050 and the Paradigm M7 speakers.
Although I rarely listen to stereo when I do it sounds good to me. I mainly watch DVD's.

Mike

Well let me tell you,I am the proud owner of the 1050.I like it so much,that i am Bi-amping my main channels.You have very good speakers,so just spend the extra money and you would be happy.When the time arrives perhaps you might be interested in home theater.

I love my 1050, but I would not buy one for 2 channel sound, nor would I buy any other HT receiver for 2 channel sound. You'll be paying for channels you're not using.

Do what Gonk says and look into Audiogon for a good, higher end, 2 channel integrated. Creek is a good one to look for, but others as well. Just make sure you research before you buy.

I think the 1050 isn't a bad way to go to start, even if you're only interested in two channel sound at the moment. I used to use mine in two channel mode frequently and it sounded great. Yes, it is a waste of channels, but it also allows you to upgrade to 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 6.1, etc., gradually and without too much cost.

You might outgrow the 1050 but it won't ever really be obsolete. A normal upgrade path for most people would be to eventually go to 6.1 or 7.1 speakers, then add an external power amp, and then go to a full-fledged pre/pro. Even at that point, though, the 1050 will probably still be quite useful for a downstairs rec-room or a computer room or something. It should also hold its value pretty well if you eventually decide to dump it on eBay.

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Matthew J. Hill
matt@idsi.net