while there are newer products available I still don't think that for the same price you can get comparable quality(yet). All I'm saying is that for those that are contemplating this type of move, you really could do a lot worse than the 1050. I personally would wait or buy a similar product from a different manufacturer. I don't think I could justify stepping backwards if my heart was set on separates.
just my opinion though

I can live without DPL-II right now. I just want DD and DTS so I can enjoy my DVD's more.

Also, how many receivers for $500/$450 give you preouts for all channels? I already have a 5 channel amp. I bought that last summer. Plus with Outlaw you get a warrantied product with a 30-day return policy. How much receiver does $500 get you at the local brick & mortar? Shopping online is fine - you will get more receiver for the $500, but unlikely a warranty or return privileges.

Oh yeah, I also have 4 surround speakers hanging on the walls - also bought last year when I thought the 950 was fairly close to market.

Lastly I applaud Outlaw as well for the cheaper 7-channel amp to allow separates to compete price-wise with higher-end receivers. I think it is an excellent marketing strategy. It is similar to people on this forum who use the Parasound 855 amp with their 950. I also believe 7x200W is overkill for almost all situations. I have a conservatively rated 5x125W amp and the only time I have seen my clipping lights come on is when I was cranking it during the opening scene of Toy Story 2 and during the depth charges in U-571. For the mains I can see 200W, but for a surround speaker, I say too much.

People are making a huge deal out of DPL II. Is it _that_ big a deal? My 1050 puts out a double-ton of sound through the rears even when I'm watching something like the Food Network. Now many of the primetime shows are broadcast in 5.1 sound. Wouldn't that make DPL II a little on the obsolete side of things? Most new TVs have multiple component inputs so I don't really see an advantage in the component switching either. Why put the signal through another bunch of connections when you can go straight in?
Fletch

I traded my 1050 for a 950/755. Enormous difference is steering and sound quality. The DPL 11 is certainly an improvement, also. Sold my 1050 on Audiogon in 2 hours!

I agree... I cannot praise DPL-II enough. It makes many of my two channel CDs sound like they were mastered in 5.1, and it makes TV viewing much more enjoyable as well.

And my TV only has one compnent input... I know it's not exactly high-end, but the component video switching is definitely useful to me. I only wish the 950 had three inputs.

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Matthew J. Hill
matt@idsi.net

Actually you are right, I just looked into some receivers and found that 6th Avenue is now selling the Denon AVR3802 (7x110W) for $699! Certainly much more bang for the buck compared to $499 for the 1050.

DPL II is awesome. I have never, ever liked any kind of surround enhancement for 2 channel stero music. It always sounded too artificial. Regular DPL didn't work well, either -- surrounds weren't quite right, and the center channel was way too prominent on most recordings.

But, DPLII really does make many 2 channel recording sound like they were mastered in 5.1. Actually, some sound like better masterings than some true 5.1 DTS CDs!! It really is very, very nice.

Fletch:
DPL II is an improvement over DPL with regards to TV/VHS viewing. If you have a good 2 channel setup, it is like any other processing, you will try it once or twice and discard it. I think upgrading primarily to obtain DPL II would be a dissappointment.

Yes and these days, there are many DPL II receivers under $499. But if you are able to stretch to $699, the Denon 3802 has lots of bang for the buck. Good luck!