Axiom is Canadian - the "USA" may be what makes their statement accurate.

Wonder if they really are authorized if they're misstating the MSRP.

So here is an interesting discussion point with regards to the new Trinnov Equalization. As I understand the R-972 manual, you can set the system for a flat response and it will somehow deal with the variation in the system (including amplifiers, cables and speakers). To some extent this should deal with he problem unless you have a set of horrible cables/amplifiers/speakers.

Thanks Gonk, Yeah I remembered yesterday when I headed out to see 'Half-Blood Prince' that Axiom was in Canada. D'oh!

tkntz: Good point, especially if they're making claims on the MSRP that's apparently not accurate... by $400!

digitalconnection.com in So CA is authorized.

"it will somehow deal with the variation in the system (including amplifiers, cables and speakers)."

That's what EQ does.

The EQ is dealing with the sound as recieved at the microphone and correcting that. it doesn't need to deal with amps and cables ect individually.
Problem is, it only flattens it out, it doesn't improve it, so it won't make up for inferior components.

Well, it looks like I found a rather fishy etailer, huh? Claims of the only SN authorized retailer in the U.S, misinforming the MSRP price, selling above the actual MSRP and now a distributor over at the AVS message forum says it'll be two weeks before they become fully available, and this place says they have them now. *rolls eyes*

And here I hoped I had helpful info... *sheepish grin* Well, I guess I did; an etailer to be wary of. Not saying they're gonna rip anyone off, just... shady.

Well, personal Kudos to Outlaw for being such a great and _honest_ etailer. I know from personal experience, being a very happy and very satisfied owner of a 7125 amp.

"it only flattens it out, it doesn't improve it, so it won't make up for inferior components. "

If it smooths the response speakers w/bumpy response, I'd call that an improvement.

But the room is going to make the response more uneven than decent speakers, and that's why it's often called room correction instead of EQ.

The real MSRP for the Newcastle 972 is $1800. Some real dealers have indicated they are willing to discount. I do not yet know what the lowest real price is.

Places online claiming the MSRP is $2200 or something like that are BS places. They also claim to have 972's "in stock" when they really don't.

I would be curious if the Outlaw 997 has any Trinnov setting output (like to your PC to see what the processor is doing) or adjustment features that the 972 does not.

Oh, and MANY people claim they can hear the difference in expensive cables -- but despite many double blind tests online and in print I've never, NEVER, seen one where someone with a "golden ear" has been able to correctly identify the cables in a real double blind test.

I am not making any statements about the website referenced above, claiming to have the SN 972 in stock. I am always a bit cautious when it comes to online retailers unless they are well known and have a proven track record. However, I believe the MSRP that they are stating includes a plethora of interconnects. I come up with 11 cables including 5 HDMI cables. I have no idea what those cables are really worth and I imagine most people would prefer to buy their own cables anyway, but I am guessing that is why the MSRP they are showing is $400 above the 972 MSRP. I do have to question whether they have any in stock though.

Matt