I to have been waiting patiently for Outlaw to come thru with the 997. The idea of Trinnov-capability interests me but not to the extent that I have read on this forum from other Outlaws.
I have the 990/7700 combo and I am very pleased with the sound calibration after using a digital spl from radio shack.
My Fathoms have there own calibration system and they work well with the 990.

For me to step-up to the 997 I am hoping for something more dynamic even more than XM/Sirius radio since you have to pay a monthly fee. That feature to me is not a big deal especially since I have recently purchase a iPhone and downloading all of my music and listening to it thru my Home Theater system. With the capability of numerous apps the iphone for me at home listening is more to my liking.

Better processing than the 990 capable of contending with the likes of MacIntosh,Classe' that to me is more important.