I tend to agree that this will NOT be a big hit in the "broad" marketplace but for an "esoteric" offering it is an interesting approach. If the "marketing spin" is handled appropriately I can imagine there being some traction for this. I mean when I see folks in their late 20s / early 30s riding expensive, heavy "Dutch utility" bicycles and other manner of oddball transportation or this same screwy demographic sinking a huge pile of their allegedly scarce cash into a ancient looking Italian commercial style espresso machine for the joys of manually drawing designs in the foam in the privacy of their home or seeking out pathetically underpowered tube amplifiers, grossly over priced DACs and outrageously over hyped headphones I can sorta see room for a "no correction / unadulterated" device.

I don't think I would want one with some assurances that some kind of reasonably affordable Trinnov or perhaps high-end OPEN SOURCE dedicated PC based correction platform might be available down the road. Now THAT would be VERY interesting.

Bummer...well, it is targeted at the 'budget-minded' consumer. We'll have to wait and see what else it brings to the table.

-John

From Peter's comments, I would assume the 975 is a 970 replacement with HDMI and hopefully without the no-sound issues that plagued that line of gear. I wonder if it will be at the 990's level of sound quality.

You may have it, 73Bruin. Could be a 970 relacement with great SQ - we'll see.

If the sound quality is there and it falls within an acceptable price envelope, it could work. I look forward to listening to it when the time comes.

Best,

The competition is very fierce in the entry level processor field and without room correction it will be a tough sell.

Xenonman,

I have to ask, who exactly do you see as the competition in the entry-level processor market? I couldn't find a whole lot of under-$1000 AV processors when I had had a look, or are you including AV receivers with 7.1 pre-amp outputs as well?

From my perspective, I'll be comparing the 975/7075 combo with a few select AV receivers in the 'up to $1200' price range including the Cambridge Audio 541R, Anthem MRX300 and NAD T757 --- not all of whom have room correction. Possibly the Marantz SR5007 or SR6007 although I have an aversion to manufacturers that release a new product every year.

-John

Quite a few hurdles to jump here for this entry level unit.

Yes, no room correction could be a deal breaker but the bigger elephant in the room is the video processor and HDMI performance.

Peter, when can we expect to see more details and specs?

We are still waiting for more results in Beta. So far so good. We have been able to resolve 12 or so identified bugs to everyone's satisfaction.

Regression testing is difficult. Every time you introduce a software change, not only do you have to see if it resoves the bug, but also you have to go back to see if the fix "broke" something else that was fine before. It is very tricky.

Peter

Right on, Peter. EVERY time we get an ODM to fix a significant bug, the fix causes a new minor bug (at least). Software is a b_tch, isn't it?