Here's a thread that covers the problems with the Rotel.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&postid=971770#post971770

Basically, the 5.1 analog inputs, in addition to sending the correct signal to the "5" part of the "5.1", unfortunately also redirect the bass below 80 Hz (I think it is), to the ".1" channel. In other words the .1 channel has LFE *and* redirected bass from all the mains in there.

The Rotel also does this for 2 channels stereo in the "bypass" mode. (I.e., *not* using the internal digital crossover.)

And it also does it for normal 2 channel stuff, even if it is digitally crossed over, if you have the mains set as Large.


As far as the Outlaw, I think we only know that it has the 5.1 problem. Now, the good thing about the 950 is that you can avoid the problem entirely if you crossover using the 80 Hz analog crossover switch on the back. Sure, you don't get full range mains, but you don't get double bass either.

I really don't know if the Outlaw has the same 2 channel (analog and digital) problems that the Rotel does. I remember someone doing some tests once, but I can't remember the results because it wasn't relevant to me!

(I would use small everywhere and crossover anyway.)