Model 997 Update

One of the keystones of our tenth anniversary year is the forthcoming Model 997 Surround Processor, so we'd be remiss if we didn't bring you up to date on its status.

As was the case with our Model 990, the platform for our new flagship processor is a joint development with our long term friend Sherwood Newcastle. As a result, Sherwood Newcastle will deliver the first expression of this platform, a 7.1 channel receiver. Our Model 997 , the exclusive processor on this platform, will follow approximately 60 days later. Sherwood Newcastle will introduce their receiver sometime between late June and mid-July, and once that date is finalized we will update you on the Model 997's final release schedule.

At the present time pilot production samples of the Model 997 are in the hands of a group of internal and external beta testers to stress-test both the product as a whole and the Outlaw-specific differences between our processor and Sherwood's receiver. In a product of this complexity there will undoubtedly be some bugs as it is exposed to a wide range of additional systems and enthusiasts. Beyond that, the beta testers are under a strict NDA that prohibits them from speaking about or even announcing their participation in the process.

The time it takes to resolve any bugs and re-test until we have the final software is the true determinant of the release date, as we won't ship the Model 997 until it is rock-solid. At this point we can say that the initial tests are positive and the Model 997 is well on its way to continuing the tradition of excellence that the Outlaw family of products has come to define. This is particularly true when it comes to the testers' initial responses to the Model 997's implementation of Trinnov EQ, which have exceeded even our lofty expectations for this incredible technology. Most importantly, the beta testers have raved about how cohesive movie soundtracks become once the groundbreaking algorithms utilized by Trinnov are employed in their systems. One tester went so far as to say that the Trinnov EQ technology "truly separates the men from the boys in the world of home theater auto-equalization."

For many of you who have been patiently following along in the Saloon and as fans of Outlaw Audio on our Facebook page, we encourage you to hang in there just a little bit longer. The end is in sight and the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow promises overwhelming A/V riches!

Model 997 Update (8/25/09)


As many of you know, the Outlaws have been working with our design and manufacturing partners at Sherwood to jointly develop a single hardware/software platform that they will sell as the R-972 audio/video receiver while we create the exclusive processor-only version of the platform, our Model 997. The plan had been for the Model 997 to be ready for production approximately sixty days after the first mass production release of the R-972.


There are a number of key hardware and software differences between the two products, so when you hear news of the Sherwood R-972's introduction, consider it a sign that the Model 997 is moving forward, but not the start of a precise "60 day countdown clock". Before production of the Model 997 starts we need to verify that the Outlaw-specific changes have been properly implemented. We'll ship it as soon as possible, but not until it meets our quality standards.


Given a choice between an introduction date that is a bit later than we'd like, or having the Model 997 be less than perfect, we'll choose the delay. We will continue to provide periodic updates, but to be pragmatic we have to say that the first shipments of the Model 997 will probably not occur until late this year.


With that in mind, we will continue to offer the Model 990 and Model 970 while inventory is available. Our current processors are great values, and remain so, but we know that some of you simply cannot wait for the Model 997.