Well, I couldn't stand it any longer. I've had the upgrade itch real bad for about 6 months and just couldn't wait any longer.

Currently using the Outlaw 990 pre/pro with a Boston 7 channel amp. I've had the Outlaw since they day they came out and it's phenomenal. However, I've outgrown it. It has no HDMI, so I have to deal with that with an external box. When I added BluRay to it, I had to give up my SACD's since it has no internal decoders for BluRay audio. I have an LCD and a projector, so I have to have an external HDMI splitter. I'm out of HDMI inputs on my switcher now and would have to replace that. So, it's time. I've been waiting 2 years for Outlaw to come out with the replacement but they've abandoned that, so I had to go elsewhere.

I just hope this Yamaha is an upgrade! Any users here?

I'm normally a pre/pro guy, but it basically came down to price, features, and financing. I didn't want a receiver, but I just can't afford a $1600 pre/pro. Plus, BestBuy's 3 year financing pretty much nailed down where I was going to get it!

Now, not only would I normally not buy a receiver....much less a Yamaha. I just always perceived them as 'lesser' than other brands. I don't know why.

But, you know what? Yamaha is the ONLY company thoughtful enough to include all the basic features I need, so they got my business.

Onkyo is a bunch of morons for not including a simple 12v DC trigger, or at least a switched outlet for amp/screen turn on.

Denon is a bunch of morons for not including 7.1 analog inputs on their new receivers.

Marantz is a bunch of morons for not including dual HDMI outputs on their new receivers even though the models they directly replaced DID HAVE DUAL OUTPUTS!

So it basically came down to two options...this Yamaha or the Marantz SR7005, which is $600 more, STILL a receiver, and only has 5 HDMI inputs.

Feature wise, the Yamaha is the clear winner. I just hope it's up to snuff sound wise!