There are not too many Audio companies that rely completely on the internet for all of their advertisments and sales. The major manufacturers market their stuff through retail outlets and industry publications. If Outlaw doesn't keep its loyal customer base informed about new products and other equipment they might be marketing they wouldn't be in business a year. For all of those who have recently joined the ranks of people waiting on the 978, welcome. For those who have been waiting for the last 4 years through all the phases and lack of timely updates, hang in there. The Outlaws are sure to tell us which way they will go eventually.

Model 997 Price and Delivery Estimates

Working samples are on their way to us now, but as you might imagine, we need to put them through extensive internal testing, numerous agency certifications and licensor acceptance tests, and finally, external beta testing by your fellow Outlaws. At the same time, the Sherwood Newcastle model is currently being field-tested, and any required hardware modifications or software tweaks uncovered by that process will be incorporated in the Model 997. This parallel testing process will help assure that this product will be as bug-free as possible from the very first unit, even as both companies break new ground with the first consumer implementation of the Trinnov Optimizer.

The introduction date for the Model 997 will be determined once the initial production of the Sherwood Newcastle R-972 AV Receiver is completed. Delivery of the first Model 997’s will follow shortly thereafter. At the present time, our estimate for the ship date is close to the very end of this year or early in January 2009. Please understand that this is our best estimate based upon what we know today and, as with all new technology products, it is subject to change. We’ll keep you posted on this date as we move into late autumn, and we will open a reservation list when the release date becomes “hardened”.

As to the Model 997’s price, we are working on the final costs but, as previously announced, it will be about twice the current price of the Model 990, with an estimated “introductory price” of $1,399. Don’t forget, original Model 990 or Model 970 owners will receive a $200 discount from the Model 997’s price.

For those who missed the original announcement of the 997/998/978 processors string the above is a quote straight from the September 19 2008 announcement. Haunting isn't it?

Since we're in "rehash mode" -- Trinnov receiver review

The reason the 997 was never released was because of the kinds of problems that plagued its "sister product". Beyond the obvious problems in the above linked review, reliability and even usability issues abound. If the people that run Outlaw Audio had a different set of ethics maybe they would have OK'd release of the 997 with all its issues and the firm would be swamped with returns, angry customers and generally in a far worse position than they are today.

I am satisfied that the list of tasks that were included in the earlier status update from this spring is largely progressing toward a release of the 998 that should enable sports fans to enjoy some big games during the 2012 NFL season and I trust that should unforeseen issues crop-up that will prevent delivery in that time frame the folks at Outlaw Audio will post details as to the direction of the product.

That spring update also hinted at various other products that were in various stages of development and it would seem useful for folks that like to post here to perhaps spend some time on threads dedicated to "future product plans" -- Your Two Cents -- Future Product Ideas from our customers

Of course I know there are those that have stated in those threads their desire for Outlaw Audio to devote all resources to nothing other than the 998. I think that is a little foolish and fails to acknowledge that certain steps of product development are more like pregnancy than construction -- while doubling the manpower for framers and electricians can come pretty close to halving the delivery time for a house, trying to hire multiple surrogates will do nothing to improve on the standard nine month timeline for a standard bundle of joy...

Reminds me of something the president of my previous company said. Something like: I know when I'm communicating enough because people are always asking for more.

Which I take to mean not enough so that you know everything but not so little that you loose interest.

All of this is a nice way of putting the situation, especially the italicized part, IMO.

I gave you an example already of another company that is providing much more frequent customer communication, actual presence on the user forums, monthly podcasts, presence at major trade shows (camping out in someone else's booth doesn't really count), etc.

Best,

I spoke to Jennifer at Outlaw and asked about 998 and she to me that is not happening. That the 978 is replacing the 998.
?????

Well I know you're an Emotiva fanboy, so your views on this matter are not exactly trustworthy. I'm not sure why you even hang around here since you disapprove of Outlaw so much and prefer Emotiva. I mean, what's the point?

BTW, I could give you a dozen examples of Emotiva getting themselves into hot water with customers with their more frequent communications/promises, but you'd still defend them, so...

I'm not trustworthy? LOL

I don't own any Emotiva equipment and I've said as much. I'm not defending anyone...just providing an example. You seem pretty invested in Outlaw for someone who doesn't own any Outlaw gear. I guess you're not "trustworthy" either? Why hang out in an Outlaw forum if you don't own any Outlaw equipment? *shrug*

I think most people would prefer frequent communication from a vendor, even if that communication isn't always what they want to hear.

Fanboy...hehehe....I like that.

Best,

It's frequent communication that expands communication from the fanboys to the outside audio circles. Just like networking we can become a soundboard FOR Outlaw in other forums or public if Outlaw gave information. Just like free advertising. There is Facebook, Twitter, etc. No news in this world is BAD news. You are either IN or OUT. The important thing is Outlaw must continuously fight to be IN. Outlaw really needs to get its marketing in gear because the big dogs are already advertising and have deeper pockets. Outlaw isn't going to outsell the larger companies but can still be in the noteworthy circles so when the 978 does come out people know their name. Emotiva is definitely doing a better job on this for a smaller company.