They don't ship with the latest firmware because they'd have to open the box. As soon as the box is opened it becomes a B stock unit.
This is pretty much true for all manufacturers for all equipment. Few people would accept a new unit in a resealed box.
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Outlaw 990; Carver TFM45 (mains); Carver TFM35 (surrounds); Carver TFM24 (bridged for center); Carver TFM15CB (rears); Acoustic Research AR9 mains; Polk CS400I center; Polk FX500I surrounds; Polk FX300I rears; Sony KDS-60A2000; Oppo DV-981HD; MX-850