It sounds almost like you are describing an RR2150 with a digital section added and the amps removed...
peters new products hint has me thinking, i guess a 2150 with on board DAC and no amp is my aim. i would want more outputs though, a set of sub outs or just dual pre-outs would be nice so a 2.2 system would be fully manageable. i also would like to see a set of balanced outs so any amp would be plug and play with it. i do love the bass management already employed here, they really have the shell of a quality preamp in the 2150. only features to really change is the silver face(black is timeless fashion in the audio world) and i could lose the tuner too, i dont see people looking for a preamp wanting a tuner, so why spend the money including the feature and waisting the space in the box. i really think an outlaw stereo pre would be a hit as long as they maintain the audio quality Outlaw is know for at a price point that we love from this company. the market has a big hole in it right now, either you find an affordable pre that has very little features or inputs and creature comforts, or its loaded to the gils with every bell and whistle but costs you your first born.
anyway i spent a lot of time with the 970 this weekend and it had me thinking, and so i had to share my thoughts.