I believe Outlaw would consider all companies selling any type of speaker, sub, amp, processor or cable to be a direct competitor. I'll bet Outlaw and Emotiva both feel they are in direct competition every day.

Companies? Yes, at least in some ways. Products? The UMC-1 and Model 997 are distinct products, each with a different focus. They will be compared with each other solely because both come from companies that distribute internet-direct. There are some fairly notable differences in feature sets that would seem to prevent them from being direct competitors, though. For example, the more expensive Model 997 will provide room correction that has the potential to exceed Audyssey, while the UMC-1 will use a more basic EQ solution that is not as sophisticated as either Audyssey MultEQ or Trinnov. It is similar to the comparisons of OPPO's BDP-83 to less expensive players from Sony or Panasonic: they all play Blu-ray discs, but the more expensive product also has some additional features and benefits. The products aren't direct competitors, and so when they are compared the comparison must be balanced against an individual's needs. Or, to put it another way, simply because two products with different feature sets and price points may end up competing for an individual's money does not make them direct competitors in the marketplace.

Like everyone esle, I've hunkered down with my $1399 and am playing the waiting game. I was told about three weeks ago, when calling Outlaw > yep a non-committal date of approximately Christmas sounds reasonable.

Like everyone else I say get it right Outlaw, and when you turn on the tap. make sure you've got a warehouse load so the faithful don't have to wait too long.

I've got a 7.2 system with 15 professional BGW and AB International amps waiting to hook up to the 997, along with 4 DBX driverack 260's and a Crown RTA to boot>>>>

I'm chomping at the bit here>> but hoping patience will bring satisfaction.

And farewell so sad..Goodbye to Denon too....

I can say as a multi-amp user I wish I had gotten chosen as one of the one to Beta; but think you would have to have hands laid on you to get that.

I'm on the pre-order list for the Emotiva UMC-1, so I'm going to try that brand this time around.

I was happy with the 950, and then "upgraded" to the 970. The 970 despite the firmware fixes is still a buggy piece of machinery as it still suffers from random no-audio or lock ups on me. Nothing that I can't fix by getting up and flipping the switch on and off, but its still frustrating.

Now with the 997 coming out and the price premium of another $700 (or $500 with the $200 credit), over the UMC-1, and comparing the feature specs for what I really need, I'm going to go with the UMC-1.

Mick16,

If you want to harden the 970 from lock-up, call Scott and we will take a look at it. It seems that in the last18 months the problems have disappeared.

Peter

If it's any help mick16, I purchased a 970/7125 combo this past July. It gets heavy use on a daily basis at our house, from music to DirecTv and home theater use. We could not be happier, it sounds awesome and we have not had any problems, bugs or hiccups. On some weekends, it will be running from morning through the night continuous. Sorry to change the subject from the 997, but I thought I could offer some helpful input. Give PeterT a call.

Well, while Outlaw drags its feet, competition continues to hit the market.
The Integra DHC 40.1 pre/pro looks pretty darn good to me at this point and the MSRP aligns it with the 997.
I am seeing the Emo UMC-1 and the 997 looking less attractive each passing day.

It may look good, but is missing XLR; which I'd need for my amps for best performance. Worst thing to worse, would be to just good with the 80.1 > thats looks pretty good...

Will the 997 have Burr Browns as op amps? does anyone know; hello Outlaw > can you give an answer?

I would wait for a few "real world" reviews before running to the 80.1 Pre/Pro first. There has been an initial derogatory report of audible relay clicking under audio format selections. But this has not been confirmed.

Again, this really appears to be an example of "growing pains" in the new additional features of a new Pre/Pro.