Why I'll continue to wait for the 978:

1 - I'm using a Pioneer SC-05 as a pre/pro to my B&K Ref. 200.7, so I'm in no hurry.

2 - Outlaw isn't stupid. In the $1500 - $2000 price range, already available are the Marantz & Onkyo/Integra units. By all accounts both are terrific performers. Outlaw has to know they have to come up with something really special to compete with these two; or else the 978 may be dead out of the gate. After about $2000, the price of pre/pros seems to skyrocket. Outlaw has promised state of the art DACS & flawless operation - if they pull this off I think they will have a true giant slayer.

3 - I am aware that unless you base your pre/pro off of an existing AVR chassis, it takes time to dial it in. Bryston's new unit (will list for $9500) was first announced late in 2008. It still is not for sale. On another forum someone from Bryston said they had been waiting for 3 months for Dolby/DTS approvals.