Does anyone know if this product has been released yet? As far as I can tell, there are no dealers in within 200 miles of where I live (SE Michigan).

I'm not sure I can wait for the Outlaw Model 997.

Sherwood Newcastle is saying that the R-972 will be released "some time" in April. The 997 is to follow by 60 days.

My understanding is that the R-972 has not launched yet. Latest word is that they are planning on releasing it next month.

There is suddenly some buzz in the avsforum about the Sherwood Newcastle R-972 receiver version of this platform being finally within sight.

See the thread, starting about here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16551023#post16551023

Dave K.