Howdy outlaws,

We all know what a great deal the 1050 is from the factory, but I'm not too shy from buying used to save even more dough if possible. I found a used 1050 for $325 which is a good deal but the owner said something that bothered me:

"I don't listen to the surround effect modes but the ones offered all sound the same."

I'm not sure exactly what he means here and whether his unit is defective. He said all 1050's sound that way. By "surround effect modes" I'm not sure if he is speaking of the Natural, Jazz and Hall settings, or the modes that direct information to the proper speakers.

Do you all hear much differences in the effects like Jazz and Hall? If not, this isn't too important to me. However, having the 1050 port the right information to the right channels is of utmost importance to me (phantom, 6.1, etc).

For those of you who own the 1050, what do you guess he was referring to?

Finally, if I take the risk of buying used to save a few bucks, what is the opinion here of whether that risk is worth it: does the 1050 have a good rep for longevity without problems as well as unit-to-unit consistency?... and... will I be well supported by Outlaw should I get a lemon and I have to send it in for repair? (this unit is out of warranty and 2 years old)

Thanks for helping me with my decision!

Randog

Count me with your seller--I don't hear much difference in the surround modes either (there is, of course, a difference in stereo v. natural, etc.). I think my Yamaha 5250 made clearer distinctions. Further, some modes don't work with digital connections to a dvd or cd.

That said, I still perfer the 1050 to the Yamaha for HT, as the 1050 is decidely clearer.

As for buying used, I bought a 2 yr. old 1050 and have had no problems. Since last October it is used almost every night and is on at least 12 hours both Sat. and Sun. Before I got it, it did go back to Outlaw for work on the volume control.

At $325 I don't think you can go wrong (unless shipping is outrageous). Much past $325 and the B stock from Outlaw (with a warranty) is probably a better bet.

The 1050 directs sound to the proper speakers with no trouble at all. Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround 6.1, the direct inputs all work exactly as they're supposed to. Except for the direct mode, you get great bass management, speaker delays, and adjustable trims.

What your dealer means with the surround modes sounding the same is just about the modes used to try to create a surround experience out of a stereo source. This is probably true about every receiver out there that has this feature. The only thing the 1050 lacks that may make this issue worse than some other receivers is Dolby ProLogic II. However, if you don't use these modes, the issue is moot. Sure, it would be great if the 1050 had it, but overall it's an option and not a neccesity.

The 1050 is probably the best built receiver I've ever encountered. It's built very solidly. It's also very underated power-wise. Those 65 watts go a long way.

My thoughts exactly. Thanks for the responses, guys. I have extended an offer and we'll see what happens.

Got it!

$340 *delivered*. Not too shabby!

The newest outlaw

That's a very nice price! Enjoy!