I asked myself this question: What features does the 997 offer that would compel me to wait and purchase it? I use a 990 and recently added a Blu-ray player with 7.1 analog out. So for me the only major advantages of the 997 would be video processing of inputs such as a VCR and cable box and Trinnov room correction. If both of these features are important I'm sure the 997 will be a fine product and will be worth waiting for. If you don't need room correction (as Nostalgia originally noted) but need just video processing then the $700 DVDO Edge might be an option to add to a 990 and 7.1 Blu-ray player.

Well, I bought a low end receiver to try out HDMI connectivity and Audyssey (Onkyo 606). I liked the one cable connectivity, and Audyssey actually was nice, but audio was what I expected from a low/mid-fi receiver...not so good. Anyway, since I sold it and bought a 7500, I've been trying to decide what to do about a preamp/processor. I've thought about the Onkyo 885/886, but some of the problems people seem to have encountered have given me pause. Thought about a receiver to use as a preamp, but I'm not really wild about that either. I guess the more I think about it I'm leaning to going back to a 970 or 990, selling my Oppo 980 and Panny BD35, buying an Oppo BDP83, and just be happy. I won't have room correction that I'd get with the 997 (whenever it comes out!) but I can get a 990/BDP 83 for about the same price as the 997. Of course there goes one cable connectivity too, but hey, I hung on to my HDMI-DVI cables from my 970. Sound like a plan?

I think that there will be a lot of folks with a 990/BDP-83 setup. The combination plays well to each product's strengths.

I have the Oppo BDP-83 and Outlaw 990 combination. Working fine for me. Have no real inclination to upgrade. The 990 even compares favorably to my McIntosh C2200 for two-channel.

Thanks for all the great input everyone. I took another look at the projected specs of the 970 and my current system, and I may be leaning back in that direction. I'd be able to switch all of my video through the 997, making my life that much easier.

We'll see. I'm in no hurry. It's good exercise having to get up to adjust my 950


-Joe

I just went through this decsion back in March. I have two audio video systems and my living room system built around Magnepan 1.6 speakers and a Threshold s500/e power amp needed an updated preamp/processor.

I decided on a 990 and have been very pleased with it's build and sound quality and features. HDMI was not really needed in that system as it is mainly used for music and I don't have an HDTV hooked to it anyways...just a sony 27 inch crt.

My main home theater system in my family room was another story though since video is a major part of what I use it for. In that application HDMI and video proceesing were inportant and I went with an Integra dhc 9.9 there. I am very satisfied with it's performance as well.

As far as audio performance, I think the 990 and the integra are in the same league. They both sound very very good and meet all of my needs in the applications they are used in.

If you don't have a need for HDMI capabilities in your pre amp, such as when you will be hooking your video directly to your TV, then the 990 should be all you need.

Add me to the 990/BDP-83 lineup. I'm really happy with the new Oppo and I think that the analog inputs, although kind of messy from a "back of the beast" perspective, are sounding fantastic! I was looking forward to drooling over the 997 (even if I had to buy a phono preamp)but am now feeling like the 990, all dialed in and working fine, will do me for quite a while.

Well you can count me in the Model 990+ BD Player w/ 7.1 Audio Analog outputs. I finally was able to put the $ together for the legend. It has been a long itme coming for me. Woo Hoo!!!

I tried the Onkyo PR SC 886 but for the life of me couldn't figure out a lot of it and I didn't like the fact that I had to find out about the firmware udpates and how to do them via a totally different convoluted ad filled forum. Onkyo customer service as well as their official service personel weren't helpful @ all.

I can't wait for my 990. If and when the 997 comes around I'll see how things go but I know I have a quality component coming my way with A LOT of good customer service and support. This forum really goes a long way for a guy like me.

Thx JD.

Outlaw ships fast. I recall I ordered mine on a cold day in early march at about 11 in the morning. They had it shipped out a few hours later.

Like others in this thread I am using a BDP83 with 990. The analog vs. digital, (when comparing either as yet non-BD discs or CDs) clearly has the analog sound better. I even had Mrs. nfaguys do an A/B. She thought the analog was clearer. It was. And of course SACD was magnificent.

I might add that the digital cable was good glass. The analogs were just cheapies that come with gear over the years.

I don't need HDMI switching in a pre/pro. If I did there are several good ones.

Still. I anticipate with interest the launch of the 997 and the excellent reviews which will come on these forums. Thanks guys.