I currently have a 970 that I am trying out. It is working reasonaly well, but I am wondering if I would be happier with a 990. The reason I chose the 970 over the 990 was because the 990 is too large for my cabinet. I have fixed position shelves that are ~7.6" inches apart, and the Height of the 990 is listed as 7.75". Based on the size of the feet on the 970, removing the feet from the 990 should allow it it fit.

I am just contemplating for now (i.e. I am not real serious). What do you think?

My 990 doesn't get hot at all, so heat shouldn't be an issue unless it pulls air throught the bottom. I have never really looked at the unit in this matter. The 990 does provide better performance and a few options the 970 does not, such as the balanced outputs, phono input, etc. If the extra $400 wouldn't set you back too much I would recommend it.

I am moving up to 990 based on Doug's review. Instead of upgrading every 2 years, I will do it every 3-4 years. I am sure the extra $400 will be well worth it.

I am also going to swap my 970 for a 990 and one of the reasons I leaned towards the 970 was because it was a better fit in the AV Rack I had just bought. The 990 will fit my rack but it will have to go on the top shelf of a 6-shelf rack; pretty high up there and will look kind of funny but now I have my eye on a nice new Salamander AV Rack and will move this one to my bedroom.

You have 30 days to swap Outlaw equipment right? I have emailed them about it and they said it was fine and to call them but I have not been able to find the time yet; how strict are they on the "30 day" policy? Hopefully they will let me go a day or two over since I have already contacted them about my intentions. The 970 is very nice but I want the user-assignable DVI & Component connections along with the better DAC's and also want the Second Zone now.

How exactly does the swap work? Are the 990 and 970 transactions related such that you only pay the difference, or do you have to purchase a 990, and then get refunded for the 970?

If you are in your 30-day window on the 970 (and I suspect you're OK if you give them a call Monday since you've already contacted them, ZoFo), you can return it and get a refund on the purchase price and outbound shipping (you may the return shipping). The purchase of a 990 would be a separate transaction.

Was there any conclusion to the matter of taking the feet off? I will have far greater flexibility for setting up my new 990/7125 combo if I can take off the feet or replace them with smaller feet.

On that note, does anyone know where feet can be purchased?

The 990 manual says to leave 2 or 3 inches above the unit for proper ventilation. I would think this also assumes there is the already space below provided by the feet so air can circulate. Having a shelf directly in contact with the case above and below could be a problem.

The manual also says to contact Outlaw for any specific questions. That might be wise.

treetownal
If you have no other choice but to remove the legs you could (if you have the tools to do this)
cut a opening through the shelf it is sitting on so a 1/2"-1" of the 990 will over lap the opening in the shelf.This will allow you to use the airspace from the equipment below. Only you can decide if there would be to much heat from the equipment below to share the space.