It looks more to me like they are going to clear out the 7703s to continue selling an alternative to their flagship processor. The 7703/4 are really more similar to the not yet named Phoenix processor which has Atmos and DTSx than they are to the 976, which does not. This doesn't seem to bode well for the flagship Phoenix. Although the Phoenix will likely be significantly cheaper than the 7704, the 7703 is currently about the same desired price point as the Phoenix, with all of the bells and whistles. Years ago I bought the Onkyo PR-SC886 while waiting for the 997/998/978 to be built and it has been everything I need since. Outlaw services it the same as they do their products and with that great service it can't be beat. If I had to get a new processor the 7703 right now is unchallenged for value and features. I wouldn't even need to buy amps to support the 11 channels.