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Outlaw 1050 (discontinued)

Outlaw 1050

Entered CNET Catalog: 08/18/2001

SKU: 1050

Manufacturer: Outlaw Audio Corp.

Manufacturer description

Outlaw Audio has announced the introduction of the world's first 6.1 channel A/V receiver. A handful of 6.1 channel products are currently available, but only the Outlaw 1050 brings this exciting new technology to the consumer at an affordable price. Through the use of Zoran's ZR38650 multi-format digital audio processor IC, the new Outlaw receiver delivers precise decoding from all popular digital and analog surround formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Surround and other analog based matrix surround systems. Outlaw's designers worked with Zoran to develop three additional new analog surround modes as well as the proprietary algorithm for Outlaw's Surround 6.1 process. In addition, the automatic format selection feature of the ZR38650 allows the Outlaw 1050 to automatically switch to the appropriate incoming audio format, without user interaction. Building on the brand philosophy established with the highly rated Model 750 Power Amplifier, Outlaw's first receiver not only delivers all the features consumers expect in a high quality A/V receiver, it adds the capability to extract the center surround information available in the digital soundtracks of many newly released DVDs. The center-rear surround channel enables movie sound mixers to place a sound effect clearly behind the listener's head. Now, the sound of a bullet fired toward the audience can be heard to fly over and strike behind their heads, rather than get lost at the sides of the room. With Outlaw's Model 1050 Receiver, consumers will be able to experience those effects at an affordable price. Other audiophile touches include gold plated, true five-way binding post terminals for all speaker outputs, an adjustable cross-over frequency with five settings to tailor the Model 1050 to almost any subwoofer and speaker system, an IR output jack to control other products in systems applications, and a selectable 8-ohm/4-ohm load switch. Set-up is quick and easy using a bright florescent front panel display that uses speaker image icons to simplify speaker configuration. Direct access buttons on the front panel or a multi-device programmable remote control other system parameters.

CNET editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 02/25/2001
You've never seen Outlaw Audio's home theater gear on the shelves of your local electronics store because this little company sells its wares directly over the Internet. By cutting out the middleman, Outlaw is able to offer its products for hundreds of dollars less than better-known brands. If you're looking for a superb receiver made for folks with huge expectations but normal-sized wallets, the Model 1050 6.1-channel home-theater receiver is worth checking out. You've never seen Outlaw Audio's home theater gear on the shelves of your local electronics store because this little company sells its wares directly over the Internet. By cutting out the middleman, Outlaw is able to offer its products for hundreds of dollars less than better-known brands. If you're looking for a superb receiver made for folks with huge expectations but normal-sized wallets, the Model 1050 6.1-channel home-theater receiver is worth checking out.

Fully equipped
The 1050 is pretty plain to look at in the front, although the layout of the display, buttons, and knobs is eminently usable. On the back are all the jacks you really need, including four audio/video inputs (with three S-Video inputs), three audio-only inputs, and three assignable digital-audio inputs (one coaxial and two optical). If you want component-video switching from your receiver, you'll need to buy a more expensive receiver, however. But it does have a 5.1-channel input for a DVD-Audio player or other processor.

The receiver itself is very well built. Its heft will give you confidence that this is no toy. The six amplifier channels put out a modest 65 watts each; if you have big, inefficient speakers or intend to play your movies really loud, the 6.1-channel preamp outputs on the 1050 with a dedicated power amp might be a better choice. Using efficient bookshelf speakers, the 1050 sounded clean and unstrained, even at high volumes. The unit's bass management is superb, offering a five crossover settings, from 60Hz (for large speakers) to 200Hz (for microsatellites). Our only disappointment was the preprogrammed universal remote control, which can't learn new commands and emits an annoying buzzing sound when the backlight is turned on.

Outlaw designed its own proprietary algorithm for 6.1-channel surround-sound processing. As a result, the 1050 is not a certified THX Surround EX receiver. Outlaw instead describes it as "Surround EX compatible." We found the surround sound decoding to be just as convincing as other 6.1-channel receivers we've listened to, such as Onkyo's TX-DS787.

Sold on the Internet
Outlaw Audio sells the $599 Model 1050 online only, so you won't be able to stroll down to your local retail outlet and test-drive the 1050. Consequently, Outlaw's 30-day, unconditional money-back guarantee acts as your testing session. It's nice to be able to use it in your own home, but you'll pay for the return shipping if you decide not to keep it.

There's little chance of that, though. Not only is the receiver well built, but the manual is well written, and the tech support is outstanding. The reps at Outlaw are happy to walk you through the setup if you hit a hurdle that the comprehensive manual doesn't address. With this sort of personal attention, getting the most out of your 1050 is a snap.

Though a Dolby Digital/DTS receiver for $599 is easy to come by, a 6.1-channel model for that price is unheard of. So long as you don't have massive speakers in a cavernous home theater room or need component-video switching, the Model 1050 should serve you well.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

User Rating: 8/10

Nothing touches it in its price range

Pros: don't be fooled by the 65watts/channel. It sounds better than 100watt/channel amps. It has huge capacitors which gives it deep bottom end. Its hard to clip.

Cons: Remote is basic, less bells than others but build quality makes up for it.

Review:

User Rating: 8/10

dont underestimate the outlaws

Pros: quality of product. this dude weighs a ton. value for the price can not be beat. ive been a sony disciple for years and this thing blows the doors off sony and many others. dont freak out because you cant go to circuit city of best buy and try it out. you

Cons: it may not have the bells and whistles of a denon, oynko, sony etc. your friends may look at you funny when you tell them its outlaw but you'll be laughing at the guy who brags about his denon and sony es.

Review:

User Rating: 8/10

Try it before you knock it!

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Cons:

Review: I don't think that people who haven't heard this unit to rate it. I have the 1050 and despite not having DPLII it sounds great! I replaced a mid-range Pioneer and even my wife is impressed with the improvement! Is this the best thing out there? I sure hope not, but it sure sounds good!

User Rating: 8/10

THX Quality for Peanuts

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Cons:

Review: Those that give this thuimbs down because it puts out "only" 65 watts per channel or those that won't order because it's mail order have all missed the boat. Six discreet amps blows away most 200watt per channel receivers. They usually have one amp that seperates the channels. This unit is clean, powerfull, and best of all affordable. I'v had mine for close to 1 year and have had nothing but enjoyable home theater experiences.

User Rating: 7/10

Best value I've ever seen or heard.

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Cons:

Review: This is basically the best receiver you can get for the price in many ways. It decodes almost all HT formats, and has outputs and imputs available to hook up external processors if you absolutely have to have everything. I agree with many of the previous users' comments in that those who've negatively reviewed this product probably haven't heard it. FCC regulations state that a manufacturer when rating a product need only state the conditions under which it is tested. This is why many Sonys and Yamahas look great at a glance, but when you read the specs they don't have all the power they claim. For instance they'd rate their receiver as 100 watts, but that's only driving one channel with a limited bandwidth. Open up the spectrum and drive three channels, as Outlaw does, and Sony's and Yamaha's specs for similar receivers are the same or lower than the Outlaw's. Ditto for signal to noise ratio and Total Harmonic Distortion. I've heard this amp, and with my tax return I'm going to buy it. It's worth every penny.

User Rating: 8/10

Runs in the family

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Cons:

Review: After listening to my father?s I outlaw receiver I decided it was a good buy for what you get. Why would you want to buy a consumer level receiver from best buy that is mass produced just to make a buck for the company? Outlaw was designed and made for those who want good quality sound at a price most can afford. Go ahead and buy your Sony or JVC receivers. You do get what you pay for. I have listened to this unit in three different configs with different speakers and equipment. Every time outlaw performed very well. Will a person who loves Carey buy this? Probably not. This is for the person who wants to step into the real world of audio fun.

User Rating: 9/10

Fantastic for the price.

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Review: I had checked other receivers that had cost more and provided less. It sounds excellant. I could not be happier.

User Rating: 9/10

Sweeeet!!!!

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Review: I bought one a year ago and absolutely LOVE my home theater system. I am running Pinnacle PN8+ up front with a BA center and surrounds. I added a BA subwoofer and the whole house rocks!! Highly recommended, especially in this price range

User Rating: 8/10

best for value

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Review: Got mine in May and was very impressed. Tried out several dvd's in the 6.1 mode. "A bugs life", "Gladiator", and "The world is not enough". They all sound superb through the Outlaw.

User Rating: 8/10

GREAT SOUND

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Cons:

Review: Ive had the 1050 a month now and i still cant belive how good it sounds. no mass market puppy can touch this baby. all the features i need plus a great price. the dsp modes are worthless though and im having a slight problem with fm reception. all in all though i have never owned a quality product like this. the sound is so clear and its got plenty of power. highly reccommened.

User Rating: 9/10

A real audio sleeper!

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Cons:

Review: I have owned it for a year now pushing Acoustic Research S50 towers and it sounds wonderful. Lots of headroom, quick clean sound. A very straight forward design with not excessive B.S. onboard. Kinda plain looking but when it is turned on, there is nothing to slam about it when you hear the high end sound. My ONLY gripe is no AB speaker outs. I had to buy additional gear in order to run another pair of speakers.And since the speaker switcher can handle 6 pairs of speakers, I HAD to buy more speakers that I originally intended :) Outlaw could of saved me big bucks if they would just included the AB switch. BTW, I regularly push the amp at 4 ohms WIDE open powering 5 pairs of speakers and have had no problems with overheating or noticeable distortion.The wife even approves of it since now she can crank it up while she is vacuuming the house! Feel free to use that feature fellas! Drop me a line if you have any questions.

User Rating: 10/10

Awsome Sound! Lots of Power!

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I have been using the 1050 for about 6 months now. I am using it with Paradigm Monitor 9 Fronts, CC350 center, and Atoms for surround. The sound is awesome. Pluses: 1)Sound Quality. This is the main reason to buy a receiver in the 1st place. Stereo, DD and DTS sound fantastic. 2) Linear volume control. I didn't even think of this as a feature until I got the Outlaw. With logarithmic volume controls you are usually at full power by the time you turn the dial half way. With linear you are at half power when you turn the volume half way. What this means to you? The volume is much easier to get "Just right" when listening to music or watching movies. 3)Power. Don't be misled by people who have never heard this receiver say that 65 watts is not enough. This Blows my old Sony 100 watt receiver right out the door. Before I got the 1050 I was planning on getting a subwoofer. After I got the 1050 I decided it is not needed. The highest I have ever turned the 1050 is to 70/100. My whole house shook while watching the pod racing scene and my home theater is set up in the basement. The room size is approx. 15" x 25". Neutral: 1)Remote. The remote is backlit and runs all of my components. But is not a learning remote and doesn?t have macros. 2)DSP. Only Phantom us worth using. In the past I have never used DSP. Now I use phantom for two channel music. 3)Proprietary 6.1 sound may be a concern for some. Negative: 1)What is the deal with the ugly green button in front for power? 2)Verify that it has enough digital inputs for you. There are only three. I am only using two so not a problem for me. Summary: If you can afford the 1050 and you have or are planning on getting quality speakers you owe it to yourself to try the 1050. If it does not meet your needs send it back. If you order it with that in mind you will keep it. What hi-fi dealer has your speakers and your room acoustics in their showroom. With the 1050 you can try it out with your equipment and your room

User Rating: 10/10

Best BANG for the buck!

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Cons:

Review: I bought the Outlaw 1050 in November. My wife would say "I just don't get it." As I gathered my equipment for my home theater system. Once I put it together, now she says "WOW!" The unit is well built. Everything about the reviews are true. This is no play toy! It is very loud. Don't let the watts fool you. No matter how much you turn it up the sounds stays clear. I had a question & emailed the company on Sat. night. Sunday Morning I had an answer. There Forum is second to none. When I listen to the Outlaw I just smile. My son inlaw was grinning the whole time as we watched a movie. I am using for speakers JBL SCS 135 home theater speakers. What is nice my teenage daughter is yelling at ME to turn it down......Life is good! Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Or go to www.outlawaudio.com

User Rating: 10/10

Audiophile Bargain Hunter's Dream

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I've owned my 1050 for 3 weeks and I've used it constantly (been on vaca). Before purchasing the Outlaw I researched 6 channel recievers on the web, in trade magazines, and in retail shops for over a year. I've invested an absolutely silly amount of time researching and listening to comparable equipment. Yes, it is short on digital inputs for some people. Not for me. The remote is just O.K., but it is backlit and gets easier to use every day. Most of it's DSP modes do sound the same...I use "natural" when watching reg. cable. This mode does a nice job with my crapy cable signal. For music, two channel "stereo" mode still works the best... go figure. The 5.1, DTS, and 6.1 surround modes are all excellent. While some reviewers on this site and others have complained about the 65 watt output, I have to believe this is because they have not actually heard the 1050. It's power is clean, dynamic, and more refined than any other reciever anywhere near it's price range. It clearly blows away the DD,DTS 100wpc X 5 Pioneer reciever that is now moving to my girlfriends house. Bob and Norcimo (see previous reviews)are clearly buying the hype of inflated power ratings, "certifications", and superfluous gagetry that so many manufacturers use to market and advertise their products. Why write a review on an audio product you have never heard? The Outlaw 1050's sound and build quality are exceptional when compared to units 2-3 times the cost. If you are willing to spend up to $1500 on a home theater reciever try the Outlaw. The shipping is worth the risk, but I'll bet you will keep the Outlaw. I know I am.

User Rating: 8/10

Great for home theatre, but harsh for music

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Cons:

Review: If you plan on watching lots of DVD's, then this thing is for you. Very clean sound on all channels; however, I found the it a harsh sounding when listening to CD's. You can adjust surround, center, and sub levels in +/- 1 db increments, but bass and treble only in +/- 2 db increments. Radio tuner just plain sucks. I personally liked the adjustable sub x-over. The controls are a bit confusing at first knowing when CD or DVD is on vs. using digital input. Has nearly all surround modes anyone pratically needs except the newer 7.1 and Dolby Pro Logic II modes. For now, I've returned mine, but may end up purchasing it again if I can't find something that marries music with home theatre. Still warrants a thumbs up.

User Rating: 9/10

As Good as it gets

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Cons:

Review: You cant find a better receiver for this price. For all the so called reviewers who are crying about "Only 65 Watts" per channel", you simply don't comprehend the true meaning of what this really means.

User Rating: 10/10

Better than my Yamaha 2092!

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Cons:

Review: Sounds better than my other unit (2092). I had to substitute a separate amp for the yamaha. The yamaha also does not perform as well as a pre/pro. Interesting possibility of utilizing Surround Mode 6.1 for bass management on DVD-A. This would make this receiver a unique bargain. Will be testing this soon.

User Rating: 9/10

Best $500 receiver around!!!

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Review: The dynamic range of this receiver is incredible. Extremely happy with customer support. Got a call on a Sunday night from Outlaw following up a setup question emailed to them that morning. Very impressed all around!

User Rating: 9/10

Its "just" a remarkable value

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Review: All of the reviews that I have read reach the same conclusion: value. At $600.00 this is the receiver to get.I have made up kmy mind.

User Rating: 8/10

ALOT FOR THE PRICE

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Review: IT`S NOT CERTIFIED.THE REMOTE MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER UNITS.A MINOR INCONVENIENCE TO ME.I THINK FOR THE PRICE IT IS A SOLID START TO AN IN HOME THEATRE,OR FOR SIMPLY A GOOD SOUNDING UNIT.65 WATTS PER CHANNEL I THINK IS FINE FOR A REGULAR SIZE ROOM.AND THE SPEAKERS TO MATCH WON`T COST YOU A FORTUNE.I`D TAKE IT OVER BRAND NAMES THAT YOU PAY EXACTLY THAT FOR.THE BRAND NAME.

User Rating: 10/10

Best receiver under $500!!!

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Review: Now only $499 + shipping. The idiots who comment on the lack of power have not experienced the pure power of this little machine. The 65 watts is indeed misleading, but more honest and accurate than the countless JVC's, Sony's, Onkyo's, etc. that boast 100+ watts per channel to 5 channels and fail to do so with mucho distortion. This receiver is a workhorse, and is comparable to receivers costing twice as much. For example, I have an original Rockford Fosgate Mosfet Punch 45 HD 2 channel amp rated at 22.5 watts per channel that runs circles around my 4 channel kenwood 100 watt amp. Louder, clearer, and built better, much like the Outlaw. Do some research and testing before you publicly knock a great product, and leave your e-mail address or name so Outlaw can respond to your comments.

User Rating: 8/10

Excellent Sound/ Well Thought Out/Great Value

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Review: Best buy for the money, THX isn't important to me, and is older technology anyways. DTS and Dolby are Fantastick. Well thought out back of reciever makes for easy straight forward connections.Looking forward to their new products with DVD - Audio.

User Rating: 10/10

Best Choice under $1500.00

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Review: Had it about 2 weeks now, and it's fantastic. I can't believe it's 65watts, I can't take the volume long before the amp is maxed out. Sound is clean and accurate. Priced like other retail brands, it woulb be over $1000.00 BUY IT! You can return it if you don't like it, nothing to lose. Tech support was the best when I wanted recomendations on a sub and sub amp, hookup questions, etc.

User Rating: 4/10

You've got to be kidding, CNet

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Cons:

Review: For that money....well actually less I bought a Yamaha loaded with DTS, DOLBY 3MODE, THEATER, IS CERTIFIED BY THX, has opticals, plenty of inputs...all the S-video, and most of all for the future input for the NEXT generation beyond DTS...I paid less than $350.00 for it at Sound Advice. THD is far less s/n ratio far less SUPERIOR Yamaha amp 85watt, NOT RMS smart remote w/lite palm size remote that is backlit..... HOW can you compare? Even Denon beats them? Nakamichi (sp)? is into mid line audio... I cannot believe you'd recommend this due to it being MAIL ORDER only.....how about parts?? Distribution??? Long term availability of remotes and replacement screens, etc???

User Rating: 10/10

one of the best home theater values on the market

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Review: With an amp section that puts most receivers to shame, DD and DTS and a DD 6.1 mode, a clean interface, and great sound, the 1050 was a bargain at $599. The recent price change makes it even more appealing at $499. If you are looking for a receiver for less than $1000, take a break from looking at Sony and Yamaha and Denon -- check out the Outlaw, and you may save some money.

User Rating: 8/10

A brilliant piece of no nonsense kit

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Review: Wonderfully controlled and powerful reciever that performs superbly under all modes including stereo. Far form being a Nad clone (unlike the Arcam AVR100) this receiver knocks the T751 and T761 for six in termes of useability and sound quality. Leaving a negative opinion without a reply address? Well that sounds like the tactics of a jealous schoolboy!!

Keywords

6898269   |   Model 1050   |  

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Outlaw 1050 specifications

  • General
  • Product Type AV receiver
  • Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight AV receiver : 17.2 in x 18.3 in x 6.1 in / 36.4 lbs
  • Width 17.2 in
  • Depth 18.3 in
  • Height 6.1 in
  • Weight 36.4 lbs
  • Enclosure Color Black
  • Enclosure Material Plastic , Metal
  • Localization English
  • Audio System
  • Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
  • Built-in Decoders DTS decoder , Dolby Digital , Dolby Pro Logic
  • Surround System Class 6.1 channel
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio 97.0 dB
  • Output Channel Qty 6.0
  • Output Power / Total 390.0 Watt
  • Input Impedance 45.0 KOhm
  • Input Sensitivity 350.0 mV
  • Total Harmonic Distortion 0.05 %
  • Amplifier Output Details 65.0 Watt - 8.0 Ohm - THD 0.05 % - 6.0 channel(s)
  • Built-in Display Fluorescent
  • Radio
  • Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
  • Tuner Frequency Range FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz , 520 - 1710 kHz
  • Tuning Display Fluorescent display
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio 55.0 dB
  • Turntable
  • Type None
  • CD System
  • CD system type None
  • DVD
  • Type None
  • Cassette System
  • Cassette system type None
  • MD System
  • MD system type None
  • Headphones
  • Headphones Type None
  • Microphone
  • Type None
  • Remote Control
  • Remote Control None
  • Connections
  • Connector Type 1.0 x Main speakers output ( RCA phono ) - Rear , 1.0 x FM antenna ( F connector ) - Rear , 1.0 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear , 1.0 x SPDIF input ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear , 1.0 x Center speaker output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 1.0 x S-Video input ( Click-fit x 2 ) - Rear , 1.0 x AM antenna ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 1.0 x Composite video input ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm ) - Rear , Headphones ( Banana x 2 ) - Front , SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) - Rear , Subwoofer output ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear , Front speakers output ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear , S-Video output ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear , Audio line-in - Rear , Rear speakers output - Rear , Audio line-out - Rear
  • Power
  • Power Device Power supply - Integrated
  • Power ± 10% ( 60 Hz )
  • Power Consumption Operational 425.0 Watt
  • Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 3.7 Watt
  • Miscellaneous
  • AV Furniture None
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Service & Support 2 years warranty
  • Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
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