What advantage do balanced interconnects have between the pre/pro and amp? I have gold plated RCA audio cables that I am planning on using to go from my 970 to the 7075. The balanced cables are kind of expensive for a set so I wonder if I really need them.

The balanced cables won't work with the 970 or 7075 anyway - you need balanced connectors at both processor and amp (meaning, in the case of Outlaw gear, a Model 990 and a 7500, 7700, 7900, or some M2200 amplification).

Balanced connections were designed for recording studios, where long cable runs and lots of EM and RF interference were a major pain. On shorter runs and a less EM/RF hostile environment such as we have in homes, the benefits are difficult to pin down.

Gonk - Thanks as always for the reply. Guess I can save my money for now, unless I return the 970 for the 990 and a different amp.