Recommendation for REALLY inexpensive receiver

Thank you, all, so far, for your responses. I am heavily leaning toward the Outlaw--I read 100+ reviews at audio review. Would any of you take a Denon AVR-3300 (assuming in near-perfect condition) for $450- including shipping over the Outlaw?

BTW, I didn't get the Class A, B, C, D stuff from Ezmerelda--is it relevant to what I'm looking at?

Jarujammer:

I am with the others here as well. I would go with the Outlaw as my first choice, and then if that doesn't quite do it for you, then I would look at an Onkyo SR600 (if that's the right model number of their current $600.00 audio/video receiver).

Good Luck.......

--Charles--

Jaru:

The Class A/B/C/D amplifier design discussion is not one to get too worked up about, when considering an HT receiver. Essentially the designation refers to how the amplifier is "designed and works." What intrigued me about digital amplifiers is that they utilize digital crossovers ... ergo, they should be quieter. Plus they run much cooler ... which should lead to an amplifier that should last longer. This year, for example, Harman Kardon's TOTL HT receiver is a digital amp design. Good luck with whatever you decide. Regards, Rich.

I've had the Outlaw 1050 for well over a year and am still very satisfied. Their website currently shows that they have "B"-stock units available for $439 plus shipping. That would save you $60 off the regular "A"-stock price.

If your budget is really limited and the $500 is seriously stretching, there are other options. Out on ebay and here at Audiogon you can find new, refurbished, or used gear in your price range. Granted, it might not be brand spankin' new gear from Outlaw, Onkyo, or Denon, but you might be satisfied with something else if you're just getting started. Also, you could consider a receiver that is a little older and simply ProLogic (or digital ready) instead of having Dolby Digital or DTS decoding on-board. From just doing a brief scan on the receivers here, I note some receivers from Marantz, Yamaha, Denon, and Onkyo with the most expensive listed at $289.

I still stand by recommending the Outlaw 1050. If however, you could get into serious spousal trouble by spending that much (as I've almost done), then I think that you can still get a good used receiver on this site at a more comfortable price.

Chris