first , I was set back by the shear size of the 990 . I had to remove the feet from it to get it on my audio rack . I had some rubber nubs from other audio purchases that I put in thier place . I also had to use cheap speghetti wire for rear channel . My balanced cables did'nt make it same time as the 990 did . Also noticed that my menu button won't bring up my set up screen , I had to use the menu button on the front panel and then use remote to make all necasary adjustments . The remote seems to be very straight forward and easy to use and the back lit light makes it easy to use in the dark . But the remote will find it's way to the remote drawer with the rest as I will continue to use my Harmony 880 .

The back panel was nicely laid out and easy to read labling made the connections a snap . Everything works through all assigned inputs . Sat, DVD , XBOX and CD (SB3) . But it is to late to set speaker levels and set final calibrations with subs . The 990 is very easy to use ( I did'nt even open manual yet).

Can't wait until tomorrow to set up the speaker and sub levels

now I'm going to go to Harmony's sight to add the 990 to my 880

As I sip my libation...same boat, got my 990 and 7500 just as the weekend started!!! So, will hafto compare notes. The only snafu so far, had to dig the manual out to figger out how to get phones working when the wife said put 'em on.

First impressions, really like the setup. Now have a pile of stuff to sell off, but I'm happy!

Here's to new 990 owners! Salud!!!

One thing, noticed a lack of volume via the phone jack with my Sennheisers. Wonder if this is due to their high impedance. Was using a phone amp with the 950, so will probably get it in the loop again.

I'm raising a glass of Jack on ice to ya

Just finished getting the Harmony all set up with the 990 and everything works great .

Where do you get the power from for your head phones ? Do you have to run an amp along with those with the 990 ? Or do Head phones have some type of amplification ?

Cheers !

Someone else recently pointed out that the 990's remote has two menu buttons - you may be hitting the wrong one.

Gonk , You are correct . There are two buttons labled menu . I was using the one by the arrow keys and it did nothing . The menu button located under the number 9 is the one to use. Good call .

I used the zone2 on the 950 to feed a Creek headphone amp. But now I'm actually using the 990 for video, so that approach won't work. May use one of the record outputs to feed the amp. We're watching Wallice & Grommit...good sound!

Now for 880 programming...can't wait to see the waf go way up after she sees how ez it is.

Wondering if I will miss my Plinius pre and Odyssey amp for 2 channel, but boy it's nice to have things all together!

Well Jack I also raise my bottle to you since you are having more fun then I am this weekend. While your waiting for your cables I waiting for the subs and most importantly the 7500 amp!

I think they planned on this delibertly to see how much I can take!

I do have a question for anyone though since I have been forced to read the manual for my entertainment this weekend. If you put a default surround mode of let's say Dolby Prologic on the DVD input and you change it on the DVD menu to DTS I presume that the 990 is going to automaticly detect the surround mode and change it automaticly is this a correct assumption? Also did I miss it in the manual there is an auto detect option as well right?

Merlin

Yes, any audio changes (DD, DTS) you make in your DVD player will be reflected on the 990. I never mess with my 990 for soundfields, except on those rare occasions I want to turn 5 channel stereo on.

The 990 (and any surround processor) automatically detects the incoming signal format (Dolby Digital, DTS, or PCM) and behaves appropriately. Like Jed, I haven't used the surround mode buttons on my 990 in a long while since each input retains a separate memory of the last mode used for each of the different incoming formats. In my case, I have the video inputs (cable, DVD-R, DVD, and Oppo) set to use surround processing for each format and the CD input set up to stereo mode for PCM.

Jed & Gonk,

Thanks for answering my questions. I presumed that was the ansewer but just leading the manual it was a little vague. Just wanted to make sure until I get to play. :rolleyes:

Well at least I got some cables run and the equipment racked this weekend.

Merlin

Finished running an auto set up with mic . The measurements seem to be very accurate . And by ear the speaker levels seem very accurate as well . I need to get my meter back from a friend (forgot I loaned this out).

Still need to get some time to do some critical listening .

Wow, is my comment, with respect to the total lack of noise. It's dead quiet when I get near any speaker!!! This is a far cry from the B&K I had been using. And the lack of 60hz hum from the cable system is gone also. Balanced, which people love to debate, will be my choice when available. And the Harmony does bring harmony, as its name suggests. One funny thing, I'm using balanced/xlr "microphone" cables. That's what the local electronics store had, and it seems fine for the center/surrounds. 20 gauge, neutrik ends, and I am thinking fine.

Hey DOJ how about an update on the 990 after all it is only fair since I have to wait to Saturday to play!

Merlin

Merlin , I need a little more time before giving my impressions of the 990 . I have about 5 movies watched with it , But only about an hour worth of music before I changed the crossovers in my main speakers . I'd like to listen to some more music .

Still can't get over how big this thing is . I had to remove it's feet to fit into my audio rack .

I also just got my balanced cable yesturday .

Managed to jockey things around and get the 990 set up and A/B'd it with my existing pre-amp in stereo bypass mode. After figuring out the little graphic on the left that indicates the speaker configuration, and putting the Front L/R in large with no sub, I was quite impressed with it's transparency. This was one of my greatest concerns when buying a new pre-amp. Now I'll drag out the old Stereo-70 for the surrounds while I'm waiting on the 7125. Just one general question. . . are there any issues with switching the 990 from stand-by to ON with the PA's already turned on?

Sounds like the 990 is working out nicely for you! There shouldn't be any issues with having the amps on already.

You sound like me when I first got my 990. I must have commented on its size every third sentence I wrote. I guess you get used to it after a while, but it is HUGE!!!

Got some listening time in today , And I must say I'm very impressed with the sound that this Outlaw 990 is providing my newly redone 850's

I'm finding it hard to turn the music off . And earlier today I watched "I Walk the Line " And it sound absolutly incredible .

Outlaw will not be printing a return packaging slip for this customer . This 990 has found a home

Glad to hear that the 990's working out so nicely for you, DOJ.

DOJ glad to hear that you like the 990 I just got mine up and running this weekend as well but like you I want to do some more listening and double check the setup. But my first impression is awesome!

Merlin