I wonder if the new partnership with Marantz indicates what company will build the 998? The SV5004 looks to be a great processor/receiver but its price undercuts the 998 and could really hurt the 2150. Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot??

The RR2150? Think so? I don't know much about bidness, but the Marantz doesn't seem like a direct competitor. The RR2150 is my primary source for listening, but the sense I've gotten from reading the forum is that it is the second or alternate system for many consumers. And for primaries like me, it's still alone out there in terms of combined features in one sweet-sounding package. I don't know of another receiver that offers such flexibility, especially at the price point. Just thinking aloud…

What I meant was that since Outlaw currently does not offer a receiver other than the 2150, people in the market for a music machine might just decide to upgrade to the Marantz vice limit themselves to just 2 channels. I would expect the Marantz to have an awesome stereo section as it has been the strength for almost 40 years.

I totally agree about the Marantz stereo sound: I have a friend who bought a Marantz A/V processor a few years ago, and though she doesn't partake of its multichannel capabilities (and had to enlist me to find an affordable phono preamp because she had no idea that what she bought wasn't compatible with her old turntable), the sound of the unit in two-channel always amazes me.

The Outlaw's price seems a little higher than other internet dealers. For example, Costco sells the 5004 for $699.00 shipping included. And this is the Canadian price. Unless this is a different unit. I know Costco is not an authorized dealer, however, they do warranty the product (as with Denon, when they sell them).

Well people were selling the Onkyo 886 at a significantly lower price point online as well. Being an online reseller is a cut-throat business. People aren't terribly loyal when they know they can get the same exact product from another vendor for a few hundred bucks less.

It was a lot easier to appear to be value priced when Outlaw was reselling product under their own brand. (e.g. They could sell ATI quality at a substantial discount) But when you're selling the exact same product as another online vendor you pretty much HAVE to be price competitive or you're not going to move any product. Strange....

Best,