I'm a 5. The whole 972 mess really makes me wonder if a 997 based on that platform will ever be introduced. While Trinnov is intriguing, I think the rest of unit is going to be somewhat 'obsolete at introduction'. I still have a 970 (which is at Outlaw for repairs) but just ordered an 886. If I don't like that I'll likely get a Pioneer Elite 25/27. I don't think a 997 is in my future.

#5. Sorry but I could not resist the sale on the 886 late last year. I am very happy with the 886 and still have the 990 ready to rumble at my other home. Mostly wanted to get rid of the wires but then hooked up the analog anyway when I got the BDP-83. SQ is awesome when the new codecs are in use. The 886 also has a phono input like the 990. I have a lot of albums which I got to rediscover.

2.

My BK processor still works so I am not in a must change yet but have moved from #1 to #2 due to the long delays as its been what over a year? Like many I have full separate power amps (5 in total) so I want a quaity processor mainly for home theater but also audio that is non powered. I just hope they get their act together soon as this is just not good for PR.

5 and 2

I have to follow gonk's lead with a double answer. I jumped to a 970 to put my 7500 in to operation till the 997 came around. Until 2 weeks ago I was a 1, I've slipped to a 2 (possible 3).

1.

With the addition of the Oppo, there's nothing I'm missing.

I won't be surprised if the 997 (as advertised) never shows up and something newer and better does. I don't think Outlaw is just sitting around waiting, doing nothing.

Sorry, I have already jumped ship

The debacle with the Sherwood unit convinced me it was time to move on. If after all of this time the unit has this many problems it will be another year until the 997 appears. It is already becoming obsolete. In addition my 990 died so I had to move forward. My Onkyo PR-SC5507P arrives tomorrow. I will let you know what I think.

I have two systems, one high end stereo system with Aesthetix pre, Halo JC-1s and Sonus Faber speakers, Ayre CD, Clearaudio analog. So I have a pretty good ear. I will evalute the sound of the unit compared to the 990.

For my home theatre set-up I decided that I did not need the highest fidelity unit, but one that works and is available. So far from what I have read most are very happy with the new Onkyo and Onkyo seems responsive to firmware updates to fix the relatively small number of issues.

1.

Like Rick S. the Oppo with my current setup is great and I see no reason to upgrade at this time. If the 997 were available I most likely wouldn't get one at this time because my 990/7700 combo meets all my needs.

1. I am kind of glad the 997 has not yet come out because I don't have to try to convince my wife that I have to replace the 990! I admit though I am mildly concerned that the 997 will be "obsolete" before it is introduced. But, that is an "optical" obsolescence from my perspective because I am not sure what else they would have to add to other systems to make the 997 obsolete for me (e.g.a, I have no desire to add further height channels nor 3-D capabilities, and I do not need any additional HDMI inputs/outputs than what is already planned; but I think that a fully capable 7.1 Zone 2 and/or Zone 3 would be something available in another system that could possibly make the 997 obsolete for me because then I could have another rockin' system piped to my garage, backyard, and/or game room).

Best Regards,
Ed

Been though all of them.
I have two HT'S. One in my living room the other in my bedroom. My 950 was in the bedroom, the 990 is in the living room. I was patiently waiting to upgrade until the 950 died,and was out of warranty.(Then I was impatiently waiting). My plan was to buy the 997 for the living room and use the 990 in the bedroom. When the OUTLAWS reduced the price of the PR-SC886 I jumped ship. I had OUTLAW BUCKS expiring in February. I got the ONKYO shipped for under $400.00. So for a while I was on the fence again. Along with the PR-SC886 I have a Oppo BDP-83, 5 IRD mb's and a Samsung un46b6000vf. 5 in wall speakers and an OUTLAW sub,XM receiver. I now only use the bedroom HT.
So I'm back to #1,if the upgrade bug starts again when the 997 is available, because I'm not using the Living room HT which consists of:
Paradigm studio CC & 60's front,APD'S side,20's rear, SVS 16-46PC+ SUB,SMS-1,OUTLAW-7125 amp,monster HTS5100,PS-3,SONY DVP-CX995V,VUDU,SONY KDF-60XS955, various cables including OUTLAW. Berkline recliners. When I think how this system will sound with the 997 I'm #2. LOL

1.

I'm fairly content with my 990/BDP-83 right now. I'd like to upgrade, primarily for HDMI and Trinnov, but it's not driving my upgrade-itis just yet. An additional complication is that the money I had hoped to use for purchasing the 997--and a few more important purposes--is tied up by a business owner who will not refund my money on a cancelled pre-paid speaker order. My circumstances and good experience with Outlaw purchases and service allow me to continue to wait a while longer.

Rob