Nice pics of the new ICBM-2, Outlaw. This looks like a very interesting re-birth for a much-loved component.

I notice they included height channels which is absent on the spy photos of the 978. Can I assume this will be included in the 988?

The 978 will be a 7.1 device. As with the Marantz AV7005 the two back channels can be switched to height channels instead. Your choice.

The ICBM will include 9.2 channels so that it is ready for any set-up.

I think you mean the 998, which is a preamp/processor and therefor a different animal. I would not assume anything at this point however. Depending on the design of 998 (or the 978 for that matter), it will be interesting to see if the ICBM 2 is really needed with either prepro. I see that there is a stereo sub switch on the ICBM 2, variable crossovers on all channels down to 30 HZ, and balanced connections in and out. I don't know of anything like it out there right now.

The reason for the ICBM-2 is to support legacy hardware - at least mainly. While I am sure we can come up with scenarios in which the ICBM-2 can be used with new surround processors, the main target is folks with multichannel analog sources that have limited (or no) bass management. With the volume control, it could even be a two-input multichannel analog pre-amp...

Well this looks to be a sweet piece of bass management equipment.
I currently use the classic version of the ICBM currently connected to an OPPO BDP-93 and it works superbly.
With the XLR inputs, it would be an even better match to a BDP-95 which has the XLR outputs.
Oh wait, I just checked the savings account and see only dust and cobwebs in an empty vault.

On the surface, when I first looked at this unit, my initial impression was that with forthcoming players like the Oppo BDP95 and perhaps other audiophile units with their "juiced-up" analog circuitry, it would seem, to me anyway, this would appeal to those that preferred analog connections, with or without HDMI availability in their AVR/Pre-Pros. Prior to having an HDMI capable Pre-Pro, I had an ICBM-1 used primarily for SACD and DVD Audio bass management out of a legacy DVD player that I owned and it worked beautifully. If there was one minor drawback to the ICBM-1 and its operation is that it did add some noticeable noise to the signal path. I would hope this new model is quieter.

I think it is great Outlaw has updated the ICBM with the ICBM-2. I have an ICBM in the wings ready for use in a 2-channel system using monitors and a subwoofer. My setup will only use a fraction of the ICBM's inputs but it was really the best high/low pass filter out there. I particularly like the ability to select a 12 or 36db/octave filter curve on the subwoofer crossover. The ICBM-2 adds greater connectivity and while the crossover frequencies are closer together yielding better fine tuning they stop at 80 while the ICBM's crossovers are further apart and include 100 and 120 Hz. 2-channel systems are certainly not the market for the ICBM-2 but limiting the crossover frequencies to a maximum of 80Hz might reduce the market for folks wanting to add bass management to their 2-channel systems plus those with HT speakers that should be crossed over above 80Hz.

Deftly sidestepping the question at hand, nice. 'No comment' on the 998's channels.

I'm so happy to read that ! I have an ICBM-1, and i have a ButtKicker (who need to be filtered for ULF), and i use a Harman-Kardon Signature 1.0 pre-amplifier only to set the master volume. My only source is a Sony 5000ES. With that ICBM-2, i will do all that i want in only one (master) piece !

SYLEX (a frenchy)