I can see where you're coming from with the navigation pad, but I find it cumbersome to some degree. I think you could honestly have it both ways because your remote obviously has a key pad. I found the 990 front panel a bit cumbersome with the navigation pad.

The second reason for the nob is I'm used to the feel of a nob for tuning in radio. I have my 990 hooked up to an rooftop antenna and it's great. The navigation pad is a pan IMO when setting presets or finding stations. I like the feeling of gliding through the channel. It also allows you to control the unit with two hands. The current navigation pad is too bunched together and the buttons are too small.

However, I don't use the front panel on the 990 very much.

Excellent point, and when combined with the inevitable issue of "can't please everyone all of the time" I hesitate to say that one approach is better than another...

You're right, everyone has their own preferences. Let's make it modular. Kidding...


I may produce another image with large flush buttons and put them in a row as you suggested. What do you think? It'll certainly make the unit look cleaner. Be interesting to see.

I finally made a minimalist flush version.

Now that is a sharp looking unit. Talkin' about smokin' hot.
Nicely done.

Here's a thought.
How about hiding all of the knobs and buttons behind a fold down aluminum panel?
How often does anybody actually use any of the front panel controls anyway?
Then make the display larger so you do not have to depend on the OSD to program the unit or make any changes on the fly.

I am enjoying this processor porn. I think I like the silver trim around the display on the old image. I agree, a larger display would be helpful (recently started to have to wear glasses). But in either case, both images are very cool.

Well we could just have a huge touchscreen LCD and either no nobs or just a volume nob and mute nob.

I hardly ever use the LCD display. I typically just use the output through the TV. I have the display timeout after 15 seconds. But I find any and all lights on while viewing a movie annoying. Now if I'm just listening to two channel music, then the display would be helpful.

i would have to disagree w/ Butcho. I actually use the front panel input-surround modes buttons several time a week.

But then again.... i'm a tweaker.

i have yet to see a hidden panel gear look really good.

A touch screen would have a cost impact, I'm sure. Classe has done it with their new product line, but at their prices I doubt it was too difficult to absorb the extra cost. As for front panel dors, I agree with tmdlp that they are difficult to implement nicely. They also add cost, too, and it's an approach that doesn't necessarily fit well with Outlaw's traditional design policies (simple, minimalist).