Receiver Help for Neophite

I must respectfully disagree somewhat with the Psychic (but then, you already knew I would ;-)

If you must build the entire HT system for under $2k you really can't afford a lot for wires, cables, interconnects, etc. And the cabling can be very component-dependant, so I'd have the "boxes" I love first, then optimize the cabling for each of them. Put more into the basic component quality, and by all means consider buying used to stretch your funds. Electronics depreciate rapidly - you could buy a former top-flight receiver for a third of what it sold for a few years ago - and speakers are routinely available at 50-70% of list.

As far as specific receiver recommendations, it depends whether you must have all the latest surround formats (EX, DPL II, etc) or if basic DD & dts will suffice. Also, how many digital sources do you anticipate? The Outlaw, while a fine value, has only 2 digital inputs. Sure you could add something like the MSB Digital Director, but would be better off with the same money in a better receiver. Also, how important is music vs movies? At any modest price point, I've found the most musically-satisfying receivers (to my ears) from Nakamichi, Newcastle, and NAD.

Obviously, there are a plethora of good options and opinions out there.

The Psychic is also one of the Kings of Bargains...

I have successfully blended CAT5 and Carol silver plated copper speaker cables--it's a 30 ft run and it sounds fine for less than $60. They are both relatively inexpensive. I use Radio Shack "audio/video cables" for my DVD-TV hookup with excellent results ($10.99 for 1 m). Right now there's a Tice A/V Solo like the one I own in the Audiogon classifieds for $220 and a Monster 1000 for $65! Pro Gold is $10.99...The TNT-Audio DIY section I gave a link to is full of cheap tweaks. It *can* be done. If Logan or anyone just starting follows these tips he or she will get extremely decent sound with $2K.