YES!! Thank you Outlaws. The 976 should do fine. Sounds like you had planned on my suggestion all along with the 976 first and then the big caddy with all the bells and whistles several months later. It looks like the 976 is just what I need since ceiling speakers or top-of-surrounds is just about impossible in my layout. A solid 7.2 with my 4K Sony projection is more than adequate.
Looking forward to the detail 976 specs and the order page, but until then how about a couple quick questions: (1) Are both HDMI outputs simultaneous and compatible with v1.4 at least - with v2.0a on #1? (2)Will HDMI out #1 be upgradable (e.g., firmware)? (3) XLR audio outs are from balanced op-amps/driver and not transformers? (4)Will 976 fold Dolby Atmos UHD Blu-Ray audio to 7.1 (7.2) correctly? (It seems to always go to 5.1 on the 975. Is this correct? Depends on the disc directives? I missed the memo with the answers?)(5) Tested with any 4K capable Blu-Ray players yet?
Thanks again Outlaws - Great job