The Model 976 does not have built-in room correction or Atmos decoding. Those are big features for a lot of shoppers, but not for an Outlaw of the 7.1 channel variety.

There are some quirks you can read about on these forums. Most seem to make their peace with the remote or replace it. Some start the path to learning how to set the EQ with REW for a very home-brew room correction experience. HDMI-CEC throws curve balls with certain configs (not at all unique to the 976 or living in the year 2021).

If you value a straightforward 7.1 channel processor then here are some things rarely celebrated out loud about the 976:

-Toroidal power supply!
-Balanced DACs! The DACs on the Model 976's L/C/R channels are hybrid R2R/Delta Sigma ("Advanced Segment"). If you use your system as a 2 channel music system you will absolutely appreciate this.
-2 subwoofer XLR outputs (on top of all of the other balanced outputs)
-Outlaw Bass Management (distinct x-over point setting for each stereo pair and center)

The Outlaws have a track record of getting their DAC implementations right along with picking the best sounding power supply. I'd love to see an update but the 976 is excellent for its use case: 7.1 channel HT with 2 channel music appreciation.