Hmmm... if this thread needs Xanax, then I wonder what the R-972 thread on AVS would need? Maybe a full-strength tranquilizer? Probably from an elephant gun while were at it. At least no one here has been making personal attacks toward anyone at Outlaw like at least one did towards Stereojeff. Dang, that was getting ugly.

I fully understand and respect why some here have waited for the 997. But I do not understand why some here are not using their systems at all waiting for the 997. At the least go out and buy a low to mid level receiver till the 997 is available. I can not see having a whole HT system sitting there waiting for a prepro that could be delayed several more months. Just a thought .

Bill

Hello. Back again. I was just checking in with the progress, or "gossip" on the 997. I just read all of this page(2). Some of you all should maybe consider loosening up. I am itching to purchase the new prepro myself. Whether you have a 990, something else, or not. HDMI is the way to go, and has been for some time. Here is something for some of you to think about. I had made a post last December sometime inquiring about running wiring for my 990 in the house with a 12 foot wall. It wasn't easy, but it is done. With research, alot of thinking, and input from here, it got done. It took alot longer than I had figured....alot longer, but it is finished. With my line of work, every day is a challenge, and I like it. Sometimes we are handed something that should take a couple of hours to setup, and program, but takes up to 12 hours (one and a half working days) to complete a preprogramed configuration for a customer. It takes what it takes, but it has to be done. The end result is a product that is delivered as promised, or EXPECTED. Sometimes it takes longer than an anticipated amount of time, sometimes, not. Also, we always support the product in the field with updates, or solutions. Getting back to this post...I have Outlaw products for the same reason as my job. They offer superior products with quality, and value in mind, with excellent tech support. (This is my opinion)... If they are offering a product, such as Onkyo which is an alternative to keep customers, or keep them from running away.. so be it. You don't have to buy it, but they gave YOU an option before they released something in the long making. I am sure when the 997 is released, it will be worth the long wait. I can't wait, but I am going to. Have a nice day!

Wow this rhetoric is all too familiar... We went through this back in the days of the 950. Although there was a lot more date promises missed back then, if I remember right. I am going to put a different perspective than deadlines, being late or products killed.

I actually stumbled back onto this forum after digging through an old email account and finding a few OUTLAW emails. I personally don't have my theater gear anymore, sold off most of what I had. Now I am slowly getting back into the home theater thing. I've got a great 52" LCD TV and am trying to put finishing touches on my ever on going, pull my hair out HD-HTPC project. Now I am looking at the months ahead and where I want to be with my home theater.

Where am I going with this?? Here is my 2.5 cents.

Everything I do now has to have a value for my dollar and I am working on a tighter budget. Even more so now then way back in 2001/2002. I am a researchaholic. I am looking for quality, features at an amazing price. I am looking for that DEAL. The 997 may just be THAT deal.

So, lets be honest here. If your looking for bleeding edge top of line, feature packed pre pro, time to fork over 6k and be done with it and not worry if and when the 997 ever makes it to market. This forum doesn't need to be littered with "I can't wait any longer" posts. It's understandable that its frustrating, but you have to look at the times, economy and what outlaw is trying to do.

If you are looking for that deal. That great quality/price value you get with Outlaw. It may just be worth the wait. If you need HDMI switching and your looking for a deal right now, get the Onkyo deal that outlaw has. Onkyo makes some great stuff. I had a Integra 8.4 and was quite happy with it.

For me I'll wait a while longer, see what comes of this and see where they are headed. Worse comes to Worse I'll pick up an 886 or a Integra 9.9.

..:: Jeff ::..

This is an excellent point. If I had the cash, I'd have picked up an Anthem AVM50v instead of the 885, in which case I would only be interested in the 997 out of academic curiosity...

Yeah, if I had the cash, I'd get the latest and greatest Lexicon piece, but most of us here don't, which is why we are here.

What about the Integra 30.1 and 20.1 receivers?
How do all of you see these models stacking up against the 997?

The 30.1 and 20.1 look to be based on mid-level Onkyo receivers (the 30.1 from the TX-SR607, the 20.1 from perhaps the TX-SR507). Those Onkyo receivers sell for betwenn $600 and $400, possibly less if you find a discount. I would expect the analog sections to be a definite step down the food chain from the 997. The video section will be less robust, as well (the 30.1 has the old Faroudja chip, which was a good chip in its day but isn't as good as the Reon).

Thanks Gonk, if I were to get either, it would probobly be the 30.1.
I guess you can't expect either to compete with a something that is twice the price.
The 30.1 and the 20.1 do have one thing going for them... they are actually available to buy.

The upcoming Integra DHC-80.1 looks really really impressive. Probably has everything you could ask for including net radio.

Looking forward to the 997, but it'll be a generation or two behind some of the stuff announced at cedia, unless of course, Outlaw changes things up.