Way back in the beginning of the thread we talked about coming out with a modular chassis ala Integra Research's RDC-7.1.

The idea for Outlaw would probably be a complete flop...Onkyo is discontinuing support for their modular chassis receivers and preamps. There will be no HDMI 1.3 upgrade path for those that own an RDC-7.1 or the two similar receivers that Onkyo sold.

Outlaw would have to use an OEM based modular chassis and hope that support for it remained for a length of time. Plus from a business standpoint it's just better to come out with new pieces every 2 to 3 years and have people replace them completely as opposed to have them spend a few hundred dollars here and there.

It seems like modularity would be a good marketing idea, but it certainly doesn't really allow for long term upgradeability. At least not that we've seen in the marketplace.

Oh and for all those that shelled out $4000 to $5000 on an RDC-7.1. Onkyo will allow you to trade it in for an Integra DTC-9.8 if you pay them $700.

OK so you give up a preamp that is worth ~$2000 used in base form (no additional modules) and have to pay $700 for a $1600 preamp?

What a joke.