I think something along the lines of what you suggest may be the only way we might ever see a functioning Trinnov solution from Outlaw. It would likely be expensive but might just fly if it could be offered for considerably less than the astronomically-priced ADA alternatives, especially since it would presumably be platform-independent and could appeal to owners of non-Outlaw AVRs and pre/pros.

Just looking at those devices makes it apparent how hard it must be for Outlaw to integrate Trinnov into a pre-pro. Providing 5, 7 or 9 channels is probably the hardest part, since no matter what level they decide to integrate at, someone will be disappointed. If they go at 5 channels it would serve most of us at the lowest cost. 7 or 9 channels will likely cost a lot more for just a few people.

I finally bit the bullet and bought the Sherwood Newcastle R-972. After owning it for over one month I can safely say I don't regret the purchase one bit. As many of you are probably aware, the R-972 can be used as a pre-amp even though it's a full-fledged receiver. For some time I was put off by that and also by the multitudinous complaints from AVS forum members but it works fine in my setup and produces a very pleasing & spacious sound field in my room. My setup is fairly simple: an Oppo 983 (for DVDs) connected via HDMI and a Sony PS3 (for 2D & 3D Blu-rays) also connected via HDMI. The R-972 handles 3D video + audio over HDMI just fine from my PS3. I can't speak for other 3D sources, however. As always, YMMV.

What receiver or pre/pro did you use before purchasing the R-972 and how would you describe the difference Trinnov made between the two?

I can honestly see Outlaw making the 978 capable of Audyssey dsx into 9.2 or 7.2 channels especially because they now state that it will support pro logic llz. I think one of the benefits of waiting for the 998 if developed is the implementation of 11.2 channels. I just have a feeling that jumping from a projected 7 channel system to an 11 channel system is not going to happen for the 978 but would be possible for the 998. I myself already have the 11 speakers necessary to implement the full benefits of dsx so I will definitely hold out till I find out the deal with the 998 or find that a new marantz pre/pro will have similar sound processing and 11 channels. Some people knock the benefit of adding these channels but I personally like the ability to turn it on or off depending on what source material I'm listening to. It is really exciting thinking of the potential sound quality that would be achieved with a 998 11 channel reciever with the saber DAC's. Of course this is all speculation and wishful thinking. I also think that Trinnov may be necessary for some, but those of us with correct speaker placement really don't need the benefit of 3d remapping as no one should with any type of dedicated or purpose built home theater room. I believe Audyssey has a much greater benefit to me than Trinnov. Perhaps they will introduce Trinnov into there 1198. I for one however would not like to pay for this feature in any pre/pro. Does anyone disagree? Maybe I don't really understand the full benefits of Trinnov.

Maybe someone can also let me know how you can go about applying to be a beta tester for these processors? Thank you

There you go.


http://www.outlawaudio.com/support/faq_beta.html

Thank you very much hifihunter

A little history first. Outlaw originally intended their 997 prepro to include Trinnov. It was to be based on the Sherwood 972 chassis. With delay after delay from Sherwood, they dropped the 997, and went with clean sheet design for their 998. The 998 was to include Trinnov, however, it apparently proved too time consuming and quite difficult. So, without a prepro in their lineup, and time slipping away, they decided to take the 998 chassis and employ Audyssey Multi XT. Then they realized that Multi XT32 would be needed to remain competitive, and the design proceeded using it, with further delays. The 998 may or may not ever come to life, as it looks to be too costly for them to develope without sharing costs. So if the 998 finally is released, it most probably will be locked in to the 978 channel configuration but with Trinnov. What you are wishing for might eventually be on a sucessor to the 978/998 chassis, and that would be several years from now. But first they must get the 978 to market.

I've read a lot about the history of the 997 moving to the 998 then to the 978. Yeah the Trinnov might very well be what they gear themselves toward for the 998. From my understanding though is that Trinnov is going to be a problematic system to implement for an Outlaw processor to say the least. I would think that that is what will take years to develop into their processors and they would focus more on implementing DSX and the XT32 system in their current processors as this is what they are focusing on for the 978. I have to believe adding additional channels and a little better processing capabilities to the technology they are already implementing would be allowing them to offer the 998 within a year rather than a couple years adding Trinnov. I could be wrong though. A 998 with Trinnov would be great for some consumers but a little unnecessary for those of us with proper speaker placement. Perhaps they have had one of their research teams this entire time working on the Trinnov integration even though they have claimed to have put it on the back burner. I believe they would have just went for the Trinnov and the original 998 plan if they were anywhere near being able to produce it. I will say though that I am very excited regaurdless of what they do. Regaurdless Outlaw sounds like they are coming very close to a processor that I will buy and enjoy for years to come even if it takes them a couple years longer than I hope.