Just figured I'd drop a quick post here having now owned my 990 for over a year. Initially when I got the unit there were a few small bugs, in particular the bass management. I considered returning the unit but decided it had enough strong points to merit keeping it and just using optical inputs (which work ed fine even before the firmware update). At any rate, I'm really glad I did, Outlaw came through and provided an update that made bass management work superbly and better yet it was based on user feedback. Moreover, they actually outline EXACTLY what it does in any possible situation with a clearly published chart, simply invaluable for the user. I applaud Outlaw for this, great customer support too. The unit is logically laid out and while the menus aren't attractive I can be away from doing any adjustments for months and go right into them and understand what I'm doing, not so for many products where I need to refresh myself with the manual often.

The only minor complaint I have with the unit is the way it converts composite or s-video sources to component. I actually had Outlaw send me a second unit because I felt the conversion was subpar and perhaps it was defective. In the end it turns out it's just how it is, maybe using a better method or chip to do the conversion would have added greatly to the cost, I don't know. My solution wound up being using 2 sets of outputs from the outlaw into my TV, one for high quality sources (component video) and another for standard definition, s-video and composite. It passes the signal unchanged just fine. Initially I didn't care for the thought of always having to change my tv's input for different sources but I wound up purchasing a Harmony 880 remote that does all the switching for me so it's no longer any inconvenience. In summation I'd highly recommend the preamp processor. After setting up a couple of my friend's lesser units I feel even moreso about this. If I had to buy another processor today I'd buy the 990 without hesitation.

A satisfied customer,

Rob

I'm nearing the one year mark myself and am also a satisfied customer. Actually, more like an elated customer. The 990/7700 combo simply cannot be beat at this price point (or any price point I'd be willing to pay, at least!)

My only two regrets are that the 990 doesn't have a second pair of 7.1 channel direct analog inputs and no HDMI inputs... which makes it hard for a fella to hook up two hi-def disc players! If my 990 had those two features, I'd probably never replace it. As it is, I am investigating connection options that will allow me to work around the limited 7.1 input issue, and will probably hang on to my 990 at least until Outlaw comes out with an HDMI-equipped prepro.

Amen got some quirks and overall a great unit, I actually can't remember how long I've had mine, but I've run out of inputs. I've had to resort using the front inputs and snaking the wires underneath the unit. Other then that its a great unit. I too have the 880 Harmony and now have run the DVI cable directly to the projector. I know what you're saying about the upconversion. I also wish it had a dimmer. But I debated over this unit and the Adcom GTP880 and went for this one. Although I still use 2 Adcom amps.

But, I'm glad it focuses on the enthusiast who doesn't want all the BS stuff like "jazz mode" and all the DSP stuff that I never use.

Same here,I just came up on a year last week,love the 990/7125 combo,It's just what you need without all the extra stuff you might use a couple of times like the extra soundfields that you try to see what they sound like, but find it just meddles with the music too much. I also wish it had a second set of 7.1 inputs.Still haven't upgraded to new firmware yet,I know its probably time, is the difference huge or just small?

How many other pre's out on the market offer two sets of 7.1 inputs? none that i have seen.. so it makes the 990 right on line with the rest of the consumer market.

Things in electronics change so fast.. that i bet in the not to distant future.. DVD player will all be using HDMI or other undeveloped connections anyway for audio and video.

It would be great if Outlaw Audio was already planning a 990 Ver II with higher end components for those people that need em. Like HDMI and other goodies.

If you don't upgrade the software.. you're not getting the full benefit of what the 990 can do.

Upgrading the software is simple and FREE!

How many other software updated pre's on the market do ANYTHING for free? :p

I know,things got crazy at work and at home,but got laid off a couple of weeks ago[construction] so I might try it this week,the thing is I'm kind of afraid to do it,I watched some of the problems people had and I'm not too computer savy,got a usb and serial cable to do it and all,but like I said I'm kind of a dope when it comes to computers and I don't seem to have the bass mgt issues, bass goes to sub and everything else seems to go where it should

I think I got the firmware too install, what do you do to find out the firmware version and what number is the latest? thanks

okay I found out how to access what firmware it has,my wife helped me on the computer and everything seemed to go okay, followed directions, used usb cable, hooked everything back up, everything works, so I check to see and still have 03 07 04 firmware, what did I do wrong?

it's been a while since i did my upgrade software. but if you follow the directions to a T, it should have worked.

Did you perform the system reset on the last step?

yes I did the system reset and followed instructions to the letter[ in this case T] but still have 03 07 o4 firmware, like I said my wife helped me on the computer part, and she said after about 1 minute that it was loaded, but I didn't see it load, in the instructions it says the upgrade will take 5 minutes depending on usb or r232. I then disconnected the usb [unpluging 990 first] did reset and 87mhz was on front panel I wonder if we didn't give it enogh time or something, I just don't want the 990 to freeze up like other members had happen. thanks

I too am going on close to a year, and am very happy with overall performance. The 990 definitley out-performed my previous NAD set up, which actually surprised me. Now, next step is adding the 7500 in the spring. Very happy indeed-
UMtiger

I've had the 990/770 set a little over a year and am still thrilled by it.
Skyblazer may be right that no other pre-pro has multiple 7.1 ins, but I agree that it would be a
great thing to have.
It's probably too much to hope far, but I'd love to see Outlaw come up with a companion unit for the 990 with Multiple 7.1's HDMI 1.3 conversion and DACs to handle the new HD sound formats.
Something like what Sony did Briefly with the companion unit for there old 9999ES after SACDs and DVD-As first came out.
The 990 is such a great unit, it would by nice to be able to augment it rather than replacing it.

agreed... I think audio and video formats that currently use 7.1 inputs on pre's really should get together and use 1 cable such as HDMI for audio. This having to only being able to hook up one component using the 7.1 analog inputs.. really bites. Do electronics companies actually they they are being user friendly by doing this?

Some day.. maybe some day... all components will use something that will become the industry standard for all electronics to be able to work with each other. I really can't wait for that day to happen.