I need some input (maybe it's just convincing) on what to do. I sold my 970/7125 combo as I figured I'd pick up an HDMI receiver and wait til the 997 was introduced, then pick that up along with a new amp. Well, I bought an Onkyo 606 to get by and have my Toshiba HD-A2, Oppo 980, and DirecTV HD receiver hooked up via HDMI. I really like the functionality of HDMI (and one cable connection!!), and my wife and daughters like the ease of use of the receiver. Unfortunately, I'm not wild about the SQ. I'm really just 'settling' for the sound quality, but my family really uses the receiver more than my previous Outlaw setup (and to them the Onkyo sounds great). My wife told me she'd get me a blu ray player for Christmas, but the plans are to get one of the Black Friday specials so the cost is under $200. One caveat with this is that very few at this price point have 5 channel analog outs, but they all have HDMI. Any of the sale ones will plug right in to the last vacant HDMI input on my receiver. So here's my problem: Keep the receiver or go back to Outlaw equipment now. With Outlaw's Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals I was thinking about picking up a 7500 now to go with the future 997, but I don't think I'll be able to get just the amp and let it sit for 6 months or so...so I'll probably be 'forced' to get a 970 too.
If I do that I'll be happy with the sq but I'm back to using DVI adapters and no TrueHD or DTS MA, a compatible blu ray player is out of my wife's price range (so no blu ray for me), and the family is not going to be happy. If I keep the receiver I get a blu ray player and everyone is happy (except me..well, I will have a blu ray player). I think I know the answer to this but I need some help here.....

I am thinking of getting the new Panasonic bd 55 which list for $499 but online I've seen it for $320 and I am thinking of getting one after christmas when they might go even lower? They have a lower price one the BD35 but it does not have the better audio outputs so that is why I am thinking of the BD55. I think both models came out in October 08'?

I would get something like the BD55 from Panasonic then wait and get both the new 997 and the new amp at the same time; why drool when you can not use it yet?

Well, that was my original plan (getting both when the 997 is released) but I don't know if we'll see the 7500 priced that low again...and I really want that amp.

i've been "looking at" my 7500 for a few months now. Actually, I'm using it as my external amp for the RR-2150. Either way, I'm waiting for the 997 with 3 unused channels......

Well, I'm thinking at this point of just picking up a 7500 today and 'wait' for the 997 to come out. I'll 'limp' along with the receiver and get a blu ray player with no analog outs. I'm guessing the 997 won't be available til spring at this point, but the price on a 7500 is really hard to pass up.

why not hook the new amp up to the onkyo until the 997 comes out? Thats what I did for years with an old Yamaha reciever. made it bearable until I could finally get a 950.

I wouldn't wait on the 7500 either.
If nothing else get the 990 and the 7500 now at the sale prices and use the 990 until the 997 comes out.
Then you can use the $200.00 credit against the 997 and sell the 990 on Audiogon or E-Bay if you want.
The 990/7500 combo is incredible.

The model I have doesn't have preouts (except for the sub). I spent all day debating the purchase and didn't pull the trigger. Guess I will wait til the 997 comes out and do a combo buy then. At least I'm hoping there are some combo deals available when it's introduced. I previously owned a 970 so I'm in on the $200 off.