Hmmm, the logos would be a tough choice for me to say yay or nay if it were my option.
I definitely like the understated of the unit, but it almost too plain.
Maybe the logos currently at the bottom could be moved INSIDE of that cover panel,
and then along the bottom could place some SMALL logos.
The silver volume knob is a bit much too for me personally.
I don't mind a little mix of silver buttons, but I'd prefer the knob to be black.
Either that of change the color of silver to a darker color of silver for all the buttons and knob.
The knob just seems to stand out a bit too much... though maybe some logos along the bottom would help to offset that too.
Just food for thought. ;-)

Yes, I liked the picture of the all black 998 faceplate, with what looked like a deeper design inset.

I would agree that being able to map one connection to multiple inputs can be useful - the Model 990 did this, and I used it several times.


I doubt that both HDMI outputs will be active at once - the vast majority of dual-output processors only output to one of them at a time. Splitting HDMI is a messy proposition, especially when the two signals are going to displays that support different resolutions.


FLAC is a file type, much like AAC or WMA or MP3. Does your HTPC actually output the file's undecoded data over any connection? I would think it would have to at least decode into stereo or multichannel PCM before outputting over coaxial, optical, or HDMI. I could be wrong, though - haven't tried to set up an HTPC like this before.

It won't be a show stopper for me if both HDMI outputs cannot be active simultaneously. My Denon AVP-A1 prepro does support this and I think it also offers different resolutions per output (but both of my display resolutions are identical so I'm not sure about this).

My HTPC does bitstream the FLAC format directly via HDMI (the AVP-A1 displays the input signal as such), and because the signal can be manipulated by the prepro's DSP, I'm pretty sure that FLAC>PCM conversion occurs internally. Marantz's AV7005 supports FLAC input, so I don't think it would be a stretch for the 978 to do so as well.

I like the styling overall as hip-retro, but I agree with you about the volume knob and buttons. I think a dark-silver (titanium) finish would provide a very eloquent look. It would be double-eloquent if Outlaw could do a metal veneer for the volume control where the owner could see and feel metal grain. In the interest of practical cost, the buttons could simply be painted.

As for surround labeling on the front, I personally could live without it, but I think I recall some equipment vendors at CES a few years ago telling me that the surround labels were required as part of the license for using the codecs. I have no idea if this mandate would apply to Outlaw or not.

They may have to put those logos somewhere, but the rear panel may be an acceptable location to satisfy licensing agreements...

It is interesting to note although there is a composite video out to other zones, there is component video "in" BUT no "out".
This unit is obviously previewing the final demise of analog video connections.

I noticed that too and agree with this direction for the most part. However, I think phono, analog CD, and multi-channel analog input will have to be supported for the foreseeable future. Conversely, I would not be surprised if component disappeared from receivers within the next generation or two of receivers/prepros. I also wouldn't be surprised if the number of coax and toslink connectors are reduced-but not eliminated-in the next generation or two.

Perhaps, but if I could imagine myself as a marketing rep for Audyssey or Dolby Labs, and had a contract with a given AV vendor to display my codec logo on product X, I'd be pretty insistent about having the logos in the most visible location. To do otherwise would largely defeat the purpose for requiring logos in the first place.

No RJ45 or RS-232...

I have emailed Audyssey to ask if their MultEQ Pro (the Pro kit) ever interfaces via USB. Not Pro-ready is a deal breaker for me...

Jeff