It was hard to tell from the announcement if the 998 development is too far along for any changes or modifications, or if all of the features are locked in.

If there is any flexibility, I'd like to suggest the following:

• Ethernet connection for firmware updates, media library connections, and/or internet radio
• Built-in HD radio, along with high-quality AM/FM tuners
• Larger display, with dimmable settings. The 990 is hard to read across the room. A larger panel would make that easier, and the ability to set different brightness settings would be really helpful for various applications. For example, in a darkened home theater room, the 990 is glaringly bright. But, if it were any dimmer, it would be very hard to read in a sunlit room.
• Front panel USB port for firmware upgrades. If an ethernet port can't be used, this is the second best solution. Please, don't put it on the back of the unit, though. It makes it really difficult for those of us with rack systems to try and contort our arms to reach the port, without being able to see it. If it were hidden behind a panel on the front, upgrading the firmware would be a piece of cake.

The 998 looks like a very intereresting product. I can't wait until later this year to see all of the features, and hear it's all of it's capabilities.

Scott

I would like to see at least one set of balanced inputs for a CD or external DAC. Also include a headphone jack and phono input.

Here is my suggestion -- lossless headphone virtualizing so the device can be used as an awesome headphone preamp (esp. suitable as no big power amp stage needed for this use).

http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=82883#Post82883

I would like to see good, old-fashioned phono inputs.

I second that request!

I, too, would like to see the phono input remain. I'd also like to see a better remote - similar to the Logitech ones. As an aside, I wonder if the Outlaws have ever contemplated getting into tube gear. That would be something I'd be interested in.

As far as the 997 goes I wasn't going to get one - quite happy with my 990. If this new 998 is that much ahead of the curve with respect to its features it may be too tempting to pass up.

Don

Phono inputs for me also. It is a major factor in my decision between an onkyo and outlaw.

Bernie

A second on the Balanced inputs. At least one set. The ability to use as a source direct throughput would be especially fantastic. A rack mount option would be nice too - all my stuff is racked.

Am I going mad, but I've searched the site and can't find either the news release or details about the 998.

Can someone help?

Thx
Rob

It's posted in the Announcements section.