There was an announcement of a price drop today. The price is now 1449.00. Now if we can just convince Outlaw to apply the 997 promotion ($200 off the 997 for any original 970/990 owners) to the 886. Many people who own the 990/970 are going to be looking for a new pre/pro and once they make that purchase they probably won't be buying for a little while at least. Applying the 990/970 original owners special might just be the thing to entice many people to buy. Besides, I think it would put it closer to what people are expecting to pay for the 997 ($1399.00 - $200.00 (original owner discount) = 1199.00 vs the $1449.00- $200 = 1249.00. Just a thought/suggestion though.

Why would Outlaw do that? I suspect their profit margin on the Onkyo isn't nearly as high as it is on Outlaw branded equipment. But (just to be devil's advocate) they are still charging $450 more than other online shops for the same unit...even with the new and improved pricing. And I'm sure those other places are making a profit, even at $999.

These are interesting times.

As mentioned, some of us will buy a new pre/pro or reciever for that matter and not purchase for few years. Many will buy from another company and be satisfied - therefore it is unlikely that they will buy the 997 just because they will get $200 off - they have what they need. Additionally, as you mentioned, there are other ID retailers selling the same unit for less money. If it were me, I would rather sell a hundred units with a small profit than sell a few with less profit. I agree with you, these are interesting times - fortunately, many have time to wait and see.

On another note, Axiom has a suggested price for the 972 - $2499.00 (Canadian dollars). With the dollar slowly lurching to being at par, this is far from any bargain. For slightly more money, the 886 or 997 (when released) plus a 7125 will be better money spent. Just a few thoughts regarding SN/Outlaw/Onkyo and Axiom. We will have to see what Emotiva brings to the market.

Has the R-972 ever had an actual MSRP listed? Based on the Axiom suggested price converted to U.S. dollars that's over $2300. Seems higher than I though I remembered seeing elsewhere, but then that very well might have been one of those places claiming they can sell you the R-972 when none were available. *eyeroll*

According to the latest update from Sherwood USA, the R-972 will be available in the USA on Sept.24th and in Canada a week or so later. The suggested Canadian price will be $2499.95.

Thanks again for your e-mail! If you would like me to me to follow-up directly by phone, just drop me a line with an appropriate time and a number for me to do so. Alternatively, you are always welcome to dial Axiom's toll-free number (1-866-244-8796) - any of our Audio Experts would be pleased to help.


Above is the reply I recieved when making an inquiry to Axiom. Unless we order from a U.S. company, we pay a premium for electronics. Sadly it is usually less expensive for us to order from places like Outlaw - pay the GST/PST/Shippping than buy from a Canadian retailer. I currently own a 7500, I can't imagine buying a 2505 from a retailer. We would still have to pay all the taxes and shipping plus the mark up. I can recall ordering a 1202, in the packaging someone also put the invoice from ATI for a number of thier products. The retailer cost was quite a difference between what the actual cost that ATI was charging.

I think the R-972's list price is $1800, but it's been a while since I saw that price.

According to on-line currency converters $2500 Canadian is a bit more than $2300 for U.S. currency. Dang! With a difference of some $500 I'd be highly tempted to either cross the Canadian/U.S. boarder if a retailer was close enough or use (If available) a certified S/N e-tailer. Might not be what the Canadian government would want, (I know my home states hate it when people buy on-line and don't pay sales tax.) but that's a pretty big difference. Yikes.

Border, not boarder. Gotta proof-read better.

Just finished running Audyssey on the 886. I took 6 readings before I hit the wrong button and it started calculating. Thats Okay. My Wife has a Big Christmas tree up. After Xmas I will run all positions and get serious.
But I am Happy with what it has done so far., It is amazing how far we have come over the years.