I think they've both missed the boat on their new pre-processors (the 997 for Outlaw and the UMC-1 for Emotiva) and both companies are left in the lurch by the actual manufacturer of their products (in China).

To be honest, I don't understand why some folks feel the need to create some artificial sense of "rivalry" between Outlaw and Emotiva. The companies are much more alike than they are different. They sell mid to higher end audio gear under their own brand that is manufactured by someone else (though it could be said that Outlaw's ATI amps are made "in house" since Peter Tribeman is involved with both companies).

I've never owned any Emotiva gear, but they appear to offer a very similar set of products at prices that appear to undercut Outlaw's for the most part. If I was willing to Wink at the "made in China" thing, I'd have no qualms about buying gear from either company. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my Outlaw equipment which I purchased prior to spending a few years in China and seeing first hand what a poop hole it is.

Best,