The annoucement offers this tidbit:

"Offering the SR6006 is only the start of many exciting things the Outlaws have in store for you in the weeks and months ahead, but we couldn't wait to begin offering the SR6006 today as a great AV Receiver that doubles as a superb virtual processor. "

And it begins with a pretty unambiguous "why now" --
"SR5005 has been a great seller, both for its value as a high-performance AV Receiver as well as its ability to serve as a "virtual processor" thanks to its full set of preamp outputs. Unfortunately, the SR5005 is now no longer available, and its successor model does not have the preamp outputs needed for use with our high-power Outlaw amplifiers. However, the Marantz SR6006 does offer 7.2 preamp outputs, and we are pleased to announce that the Outlaws are now able to bring you what many view as one of the best values in today's market for a fully connected receiver that is also capable of serving as the front end for systems with higher power external amp..."

Really? Throw in the towel? PUHLEASE...



Originally Posted By: Ritz2
That's a nice catch. Maybe Outlaw is going to throw in the towel with the 978 after all. It's still a Chinese made product, but the 978 would have been made there too. The Marantz has all the "creature comforts" you'd expect on a modern home theater receiver and is competitively priced. Given the choice between these two, I'd take the Marantz 6006 over the proposed 978 7 days a week and twice on Sunday. smile

Also, this appears to be the same unit (in a Marantz box) as the Denon AVR-3312CI that I mentioned in another thread as a potential competitor to the 978. Interesting.

Best,