gonk,

I see you haven't played with Denon, Marantz, and Pioneer Elite receivers for a while. Download a manual (say for the Pioneer Elite 84) and you'll see what I'm talking about as to 7.1 decoding. It doesn't sound like the Outlaws can do this yet. It's a matter of software ergonomics.

As for Sherwood Newcastle, doesn't Outlaw have their newer pre-amps manufactured at the same plant?

I'd like to see Outlaw use the best DAC's possible too. I believe ARCAM uses top of the line Wolfson's and their products are some of the best sounding at any price IMHO. Of course, ARCAM also tries to keep the noise floor at a bare minimum too and uses very good capacitors, power supplies, and circuit board designs. They are not hugely expensive products either.

Dan