It's a shame I didn't see anything in the posting for the 997 that stated in room EQ like the audyssey system will be available. I know many people have stated that these EQ systems haven't made any positive difference in the sound of their system but I have heard just as many people swear the sound is substantially better. Since I'm sure it would be easy to turn any EQ system off I can't imagine a downside (perhaps besides price and timing) that would exclude this type of system from appearing in the 997.