HT pre-amp/proccessor advise.

Thanks to everyone for your advise. I'm still looking, but can take my time. I actually found a problem with my system that was causing some issues. Somehow I developed the dreaded ground loop hum. The only time it was a real problem was when the volume was way up, which doesn't happen that often these days, and when using analog inputs. However, I finally cured it and guess what, that little hum is more than just a hum. Better picture on my TV and much better sound. That little buzz was actually masking allot of the details, even at low volumes. I never realized how much this problem effected the auido and video in my system. I put a ISO-MAX JT VRD-1FF on the cable input and now all is well. Lesson learned.

I chose the Sherwood P-965 over the Outlaw 990 for a few reasons:

1. The Sherwood has a room EQ feature called "SNAP" that EQ's the entire audible range, including subwoofer response. The Outlaw 990 currently has no room EQ. I may not use that feature, but I want it there just in case.

2. I don't need balanced outputs because my interconnect distances are short, they sound fine as they are, and my amplifiers don't have balanced inputs. My sub is passive, so it has speaker cable going to it, not an interconnect.

3. I don't plan to use the pre-pro for video switching, so DVI doesn't matter to me.

4. I got the Sherwood, new with warranty, for slightly less than the Outlaw. You can do a search on this site and find the listing if it is still posted.

Two days after I ordered the Sherwood, Outlaw announced their new Model 970 pre-pro for $699, which is basically their Model 1070 receiver minus the amplifier. When the 1070 was released 2 months ago, some of the comments indicated that the 990 sounded better for 2 channel music than the 1070 used as a preamp. I assume the 990 will sound better than the 970 as well. I assume (and hope) that the Sherwood will sound the same as the Outlaw 990.

The Sherwood is a fine sounding unit. I have had mine since last March and I am quite pleased with it. Also the support is exceptional. Jeff from Sherwood frequents AVS forums, and works with members there to resolve any problems encountered. In fact the latest firmware revision was a direct result of issues brought up by members there.
John

You can find the Cary Audio Cinema 6 used around here for just over $1500. It really excels at sound quality for both music and HT. It's missing many of the bells and whistles, but has the latest sound formats, is easy to operate, and its sound quality in both 2 channel and multichannel just slays anything near its price.

In fact I've had a number of people say that they've flat out never heard a better sound system anywhere - and that was playing 2 channel music through a HT Pre/Pro, 5 channel amp, and DVD player (all Cary). On AVS there are two individuals I've PM's that both used to own the Parasound Halo gear (megabuck) and prefer the sound of the Cary.

One other nice thing is that running all your component video through the Cinema 6 doesn't cause even the slightest degradation of picture quality - whether HD, DVD or whatever. Good luck!

Why don't you just keep the Outlaw and by a nice tube preamp with home theater by pass. I am sure for stereo it would sound substantially better.