Here is the information from the manual regarding the recommended clearance:

"18. If you install the apparatus in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or rack, ensure that there is adequate ventilation. Leave 20 cm (8") of free space at the top and sides and 10 cm (4") at the rear. The rear edge of the shelf or board above the apparatus shall be set 10 cm (4") away from the rear panel or wall, creating a flue-like gap for warm air to escape."

The 12v trigger issue has been a pain. I assume that Onkyo figured that all would use the receiver's amps for the mains and a separate amp for the 2nd zone. This has been a rather perplexing problem and tried numerous solutions. Turning on the 2nd zone and trying to get the Outlaw triggered by the Onkyo that way was simply not desireable. It was late, but appeared that my rear surrounds were not being fed with that setup as when I did a test tone I did not get a tone from the rear surrounds. My late night reading of the manual appeared to me to indicate that with that arrangement I could use 7.1 for the main system. Possibly, they intended to have 7.1 with the receiver amps and not through the pre-outs. Kind of a bummer, but I have a spare 950 lying around and it triggers the 770 very well (obviously). Kind of a high tech trigger device but a lot less hassle than my alternatives (also, no additional cash outlay). Gonk put me onto a potential solution involving a Belkin PF60, but the discount place was out of stock, and this works for me. I envision using this only until Outlaw comes out with their new pre-pro with HDMI 1.3s and TrueHD and DTS-HD MA abilities next year (assuming that happens). This is a good interim solution for me and allows me to listen to the new formats with an excellent unit acting as a pre-pro through a much better amp than comes with the receiver (I have not used the receiver's amps but cannot imagine them comparing to the 770).

Hope that helps!

Mike

One thing you might try is getting an inexpensive 12VDC power supply from Radio Shack and putting a 3.5MM mono plug on it then plug it into your switched 120VAC outlets on the reciever. That way whenever the receiver is turned on the transformer will send a 12VDC signal to the amp.

Thanks, butchgo. I kind of like that. Not being an electrical expert by any means I cannot picture the physical setup in my mind, but may take a look around to see what I can see.

It sure was nostalgic to see the old 950 hooked up again. Quite a nice little unit. I remember how excited I was when I first put it into my system with the 770.

Thanks!

Mike

It's a very good suggestion - I've seen it mentioned before and forgot about it, although now that I think about it I think it's even included in some of Outlaw's amp manuals. Here's the blurb from the Model 7500 manual:
I'd forgotten about this trick, but it's definitely an option in your case, mgdurand. It might be worth a trip to Radio Shack to see what you can find.

Some do not but some do. I do not know the exact number of HD and BR DVDs that will have them, but it is realistic to stay that most new movies will. They will take advantage of the newer technologies.

Those audio formats are in place. HDMI specs are in place.

Other AV makers are releasing gear with HDMI v1.3 and the extra audio codecs in place. I relaize these companies have more resources ($ and people) but I sure hope Outlaw gets going on this quick.

If you have a HD and a BR player, you would need 2 sets of 7.1 inputs. Thats a lot of connections!

Or get a player like Samsung's upcoming combo player - one set of 7.1 analog cables to support both formats.

The Onkyo 805 has all the audio codecs and 3 HDMI inputs for $629.00.

Onkyo has released several similiar AV receivers and with this kind of price, should sell a lot of these.

Purists (like us) will want a little more of "quality" in a product, and I am positive Outlaw will provide. Hopefully soon!

My guess is that with the recent drop in price of the 990, maybe Outlaw is trying to get rid of its inventory and th enew product will be out soon.

I picked up mine for that $629.00 price. I have to tell you, I am extremely surprised and pleased by it. I am not usig theamps and am using it only as a pre-pro for the new codecs and HDMI switching. Am keeping the Outlaw 770 in the chain for now, but sonically I cannot say it is inferior to the 990. Will be watching for the "new" 990 replacement, though!

Mike

I have to agree with Gonk, I think Samsung as well as LG really made a smart move when building a combo player. I think Samsung is going to sell quit a bit of the 5000's for the simple fact that it has 7.1 analogs and alot of 990 owners may be jumping all over this, not to mention only having to deal with one HDMI connection and having both HD formats in one single player.