Who in their right mind is even looking forward to 9.2?

And commercials? That's what DVRs are for.

Seriously, other than more HDMI inputs/outputs, there's nothing that the upcoming Onkyo preamp has to offer over the 997 and the 997 has Trinnov plus much better support.

Buy an Onkyo and you'll be wishing that you had a 5 year warranty.