Outlaw to sell Onkyo PR-SC886

[dvenardos]

Due to the extended delays on their new processor Outlaw is now offering the Onkyo Professional PR-SC886. From their newsletter:

The Onkyo Professional PR-SC886

Through a special arrangement with our long time friends at Onkyo, we are pleased to announce that effective today, Outlaw Audio is an authorized internet-only outlet for the Onkyo Professional PR-SC886 surround processor. Anyone reading the forums knows that this product is highly regarded. Indeed, it has become the "I need something now" product of choice for those on the waiting list for a number of products. When we are asked to recommend a surround processor other than our own, this is definitely it.
...
Saving the best for last, here's the most exciting part of this news. Our everyday price for the PR-SC886 will be just $1,649. Despite the considerable discount from the list price, these are all brand new units with the latest software already installed.

[gonk]

They've also written a setup guide for the 886, which I've just started to skim through. So far, I really like it. I have spent quite a bit of time messing with my 885, and a good piece of documentation for it would be welcome.

[emac]

Got that email too. Can't say I'm expecting the 997 any time soon now. I know it's not a fair comparison, but can't help but lump it along w/ the UFW-12 HR. A lot of discussion, but nothing but delays.

[gonk]

Not really a fair comparison at all. Outlaw first announced the 997 last fall (by which point the 12 HR was already years overdue), and has only made two announcements about it since. It has always been tied to the release of the R-972, which is being developed by Sherwood and Inkel. So that's much less discussion and much less delay on a project that is at least an order of magnitude or two more complex.

[emac]

Not really a fair comparison at all. Outlaw first announced the 997 last fall (by which point the 12 HR was already years overdue), and has only made two announcements about it since. It has always been tied to the release of the R-972, which is being developed by Sherwood and Inkel. So that's much less discussion and much less delay on a project that is at least an order of magnitude or two more complex.

Very true, and perhaps I wouldn't have the same feeling if there weren't any issues w/ the UFW-12. But they are both products I don't feel are going to be released any time soon.

[gonk]

Even there, you have differences. Outlaw is clearly warning folks (and has been for some time) that the 997 is not going to ship in the short term. AV123, meanwhile, has been saying that the first 20 HR kits will ship "this week" for a couple weeks now and has been promising the next 4-6 weeks for at least a year. I just don't see any points of commonality aside from the fact that both are products that you can't get right now.

[emac]

Even there, you have differences. Outlaw is clearly warning folks (and has been for some time) that the 997 is not going to ship in the short term. AV123, meanwhile, has been saying that the first 20 HR kits will ship "this week" for a couple weeks now and has been promising the next 4-6 weeks for at least a year. I just don't see any points of commonality aside from the fact that both are products that you can't get right now.

As I've said, you're 100% right. Also, please note, I'm not attacking Outlaw as they seem to be a reasonable company. Personal feelings, that's all.

Thinking about it, I guess my feelings aren't being helped because I was itching to get the R-972 before the 997 was announced. So, those 2 aren't separate in my mind.

[gonk]

I can definitely relate to that - the R-972 has been alternately exciting and irritating, doubly so with the Model 997 having to sit in line behind it and the hints at what Trinnov may be capable of. The R-972's release does bear some resemblance to the UFW12HR. I don't think it's gone on as long, but it's uncomfortably close.

[emac]

I think part of what makes the wait for the Trinnov processors more difficult is that it is a new technology (or at least as something that's affordable for the average person). At least w/ the UFW-12 HR, if I really felt the itch, I could go out and buy something that's equal to or better right now.

[James1005]

Hard to sell at $1700 when Shoponkyo.com is selling refurb's for $899 + tax (where applicable) + free shipping.

[SomeCiscoGuy]

Hard to sell at $1700 when Shoponkyo.com is selling refurb's for $899 + tax (where applicable) + free shipping.

Very good point. I got the 885 earlier this year from Accessories4less - it was supposed to be refurb, but the only part that said refurb was a sticker on the box. The rest of the unit looked BNIB and I know of many who were able to get the same deal (for even less $$) through Shoponkyo.com.