as with most peple i have been experiencing the no audio problem. while it is a pain in the butt its workable with the prospect of a fix around the corner. but recently i have experienced two different and troubling problems. the first was a nasty static out of my right front speaker when i fired up the unit in aux mode (for my ipod) this was fixed by powering on and off and hasnt returned for two days. more recently i was changing channels from an hd source to an analog source on my cable box and got a very high pitched piercing feedback / distortion from my left front speaker. i quickly changed channels on the cable box and changed back and it was fine. but i am definitely concerned. this sound felt like it could be damaging if it continued. i too like the price point, functionality and size of the 970 but i am still within my trial and wonder if its worth it to move up to the 990. obviously price and space are considerations and its definitely overkill for my set-up but it doesnt seem to suffer from as many problems as the 970. any thoughts out there

If the extra money is not that big of a difference for you I would defintely get the 990.

If you're still within your trial period, return it. The 970 is buggy from top to bottom. Yes, when it works it's a pleasure but the unit obviously has issues and I'm surprised Outlaw is still selling it.

In my opinion, they owe it to the public to stop selling such a buggy unit and start offering a return policy for us 970 users.

I have my workaround for the "no audio" problem, simply cycle through the audio modes. My workaround for distortion/popping noise, I always turn on my 970 with the amp off, turn off my 970 with the amp off as well. My workaround for when the unit stops responding, unplug it from the wall. My workaround for when the front panel buttons don't respond, only use the remote.

Otherwise, the unit is great, when it works properly. ;-)

yeah. i am definitely leaning towrd the 990. i'll see if outlaw has any reassuring info on forthcoming fixes for the 970 (as it physical size makes it appealing for my set up). but the posts here seem to be much more problem filled than the posts for the 990.

I have a Marantz SR 5500 that I am contemplating using instead of the 970 processor. My understanding is that I can use the preamp (reciever) outputs to my amp and use a 12 dc converter from the switched outlet to activate the 12 volt trigger. Has anyone heard of using a reciever as just a preamp? Does it matter if I do not use the amplifier section from my receiver?

I am having similar problems with the "buggy" 970. I have not done any damage as far as I know but I would rather not wait.

Your understanding is exactly correct - and there are many people using receivers as preamps.

Before I go an unhook everything, anyone have any opinions on what it might sound like? Would the Marantz preamp be a better choice than the outlaw 970? Thanks.