i can't decide if I should go with the 1070, or spend the extra cash and go with the 7075 amp and the 970 (or) 990 pre-amp. Are the seperates really worth the extra cash? is there going to be a noticeable differience in sound quality even at low and moderate volume levels. Please help. Thanks

Go with 990 if you could pull it off. I initially bought the 970 and based on some reviews decided to replace it with 990. Although, I never did the side-by-side comparisons, I believe I have slightly better sound stage for HT and sonically better overall performance.

Separates will generally offer at least somewhat better sound quality (although it all depends on what receiver is being compared to what set of separates). Separate amps can typically provide better sound than receivers because their design is less constrained by space and shielding from other signals, allowing for a larger power supply and better cooling by means of bigger heat sinks. For example, the 7075 is rated at only 10W/channel more than the 1070 but is nearly the same size - and if it is anything like its bigger siblings, there's not a bit of wasted space inside. The other benefit of separates is the ability to upgrade only the processor later, as new processing technology and new formats take the stage - good amps last a long time and will not be made obsolete by changes in the industry.

The 990 will give the most audible improvement, I suspect - the 970 and 1070 are so closely related that the only difference between a 970/7075 and a 1070 (aside from the ability to upgrade the 970 later and keep the 7075) is the larger power supply and slightly extra power for the amps.

Go seperates. Period.

More flexibility (can replace either the amp or the pre amp). If I were making the decision (I know this may not be popular here), I would take the 970 and upgrade the amplifier. You will undoubtedly have the amplifier longer than the preamplifier, so it is better to front-load your expenses and not have to replace a lasting component.

--TDA