I don't think they're done with the R&D part of the equation yet. That's really frustrating, because even though I'm a newly-registered member, I've been lurking for quite some time, and bought my first Outlaw product (the 7700) in May, in anticipation of mating it with the 978 in June/July.

I think an update on development status is a reasonable request at this point. Hell, I'll probably buy the 978 whenever it comes out, even if I've bought something to tide me over in the meantime, but I'd like to know if I should purchase something this week, or wait another three months. Three months I could live with; a year, no. The really hard part for me is, what if PeterT tells us they're going to start taking pre-orders in September for delivery in November? Ugh.

Buy something now and trade up when the 978 comes out. Denon and Marantz have some great stuff out there as well as Onkyo. Why wait and torture yourself. Besides, wouldn't you rather listen to your system and read about any pitfalls likely to be encountered with the new gear. Maybe look for a used last years top of the line model and hunker down for the release date to be determined.

Good advice. After ... jeeze ... 7? ... happy years with the Outlaw 950 I'm moving on. In this case, it pays to be a luddite, cause I went with a used NAD M15. I just don't need all the other features packed into these pre/pros nowadays. If the reviews are accurate, the M15 has the type of analogue section that I desire. And the two HDMI inputs will be enough for me to get by on for a while.

I'll be keeping an eye out for the new processors from Outlaw. If they are good enough I might leap back to them eventually, but I won't be in the first wave. With the M15 I'm buying the ability to be patient and wait for the best time to get a truly modern processor. From past experience I know that I am not a good early adopter.

Peter, it's time for an update.

I'm picking up an Integra DHC-80.2 from my local dealer on Saturday. I've been following all the various problems associated with it on multiple threads at AVS Forum, and have checked the serial number against the numbers of the units with the acknowledged manufacturer's defects, and have verified that it is NOT one of the affected units. So I'm crossing my fingers and taking the plunge.

When the 978 comes out, as I mentioned above, I'll probably purchase it and give it a 30-day test drive. If the sound quality exceeds that of the Integra, I'll keep it and sell the Integra. So keep your eyes on this space -- you may be able to get a pristine DHC-80.2 for a reasonable price down the road ...

Looks like a nice unit, good luck with it. Let us know how it sounds. Is the Integra DHC-80.2 the same unit as the Onkyo PR-SC5508? Rear panel photos of the units are identical.

Yes, it's the same unit. Only differences I've found are three -- 1) the faceplate (the Integra is more stylized, and has more control buttons visible on the front; Onkyo hides the control buttons behind a drop-down plate, but is boxier look); 2) the SC5508 has a "Pure Audio" mode that disables some other circuitry on command when playing some analog inputs; 3) the Onkyo comes with a 2-year warranty, while the Integra comes with a 3-year warranty.

I was able to negotiate a better price on the Integra with my local dealer than I could find on the Onkyo. And I like the more stylized faceplate.

keep us updated, i have been following same threads on avs. With out much of an update here i don't want to hold out much longer

I am in the same boat for last several months, watching 5508 and 80.2 AVSforums very closely. By the time I finish my current deployment to Afghanistan, I am going to update my 990 with something else. Hopefully Outlaw comes out with the 978 within couple of months, but otherwise my next pre/pro upgrade will be something other than Outlaw.