So... is/will the 976 be available w/o Atmos? ...I don't need, or want, Atmos...simply seeking and updated 4K rated processor with updated (latest) HDMI's.

The 976 does NOT include Atmos. It is a 7.2 output processor and sounds like exactly what you want.

Is it for sale on the Outlaw website? Can't seem to find it...

UPDATE: Just called Outlaw, they advised that the 976 will appear on their site, for ordering, late this week or early next...Can't wait!

(page 24 of this thread)

You can preorder one using the link in this thread. A few other folks seem to have done so, me included.

How long is the trial period on the 976? Have been following this site since I started looking for a new Pre/Pro and looking at a couple of options, the 976 included. Just trying to decided if a trial period is long enough for me to ferret out any problems or if I should wait awhile for you guys to do it.

I would think it would be the usual 30day return policy.

I second this. It should be the normal 30 day trial period.

Thanks mdanderson & Owl's_Warder.

Wish these would hurry up and ship so I can see people's opinion so I can make up my mind. :-)

OK Outlaws.
There have been a lot of questions posted here now so I would think it is time to address some of them.
Especially for those of us that are on the fence about ordering, like me.
I have been waiting for a new processor for several years and here it is but with some short comings.
No phono preamp is kind of a big deal but easily overcome.
Not being able to rename inputs is odd but, hopefully will be addressed in a firmware update.
Speaking of firmware updates how are these going to be done?
It appears that the old way of RS232 is the only way.
I don't know about you but my laptop doesn't have an RS232 connection so now what?
Please give us a little update.