I seem to remember Outlaw partnering with Onkyo in the past and I would love to buy this processor with an Outlaw amp.

They did sell the PR-SC886 for a while, but that was late in the 886's production life and they never did offer the PR-SC5507 that replaced it. They've been working mainly with Marantz this year (SR5004, AV8003, SR5005, and now the AV7005) while moving ahead with Model 998 and Model 978 development, with no sign of any Onkyo gear during that time. I doubt they'll offer the 5508.

Makes sense Gonk, but is a bummer.

On the plus side I get to nudge my post count up. Which, after seven and a half years lurking around here, seems a little low after looking at yours!

On the bright side, they do have the AV7005 right now (and the Model 978 to follow). From all I've read, the AV7005 looks like a very nice piece of gear (and at a lower price than the 5508).

My fingers have been overing over the mouse all day for the 7005 and Outlaw 7900 combo.

Care to talk me off the ledge? (Intentionally worded to allow it to go either way!)

I've been waiting for Trinnov, but with that now seeming years away I may as well pick something up.

Frankly, the 7005 and 7900 sounds like a monster of a system. Some might suggest that you could consider the 7005/7700 combo unless you have really power-hungry speakers. Aside from that, I can't argue against that particular combo.

Oh, the 7700 is a much better fit, IMO, but if I can still get the deal the 7900 is only $500 more. To me, considering free shipping now, but maybe not later, I would rather get the 7900 now and then when I get another even better processor (I'll still need/(want) one more) I'll already have my preferred amp -- with free shipping. And I don't see amplifier technology being in transition like processors. Clean power with large capacitors is just that -- can't see why I would want a different flavour next year (though I'm all ears if there is a secret I don't know)?

My B&K 200.7 is 70lbs and drives my Wharfedale Opus 5.1 system louder than I'll ever need it. And, I have actually had to move it more times than I ever thought I would. The 7900 is 145lbs. you can't move that alone unless you want to ding the amp, and all of your furniture. What speakers are you driving that need 300w/ch?

I have the 7500 and it is a beast to move. The 7900 will need to be on the bottom of a heavy duty rack or out in the open somewhere. You will only be able to move it with a handtruck. It weighs half a much as a refrigerator and can really stress some muscles if you are not careful. It also requires special circuitry in your house. It will also need some special protection gear. All in all it is a special piece of gear that has too much power for most of us. If you need that kind of power it will cost some $$$ to set it up.