This sort of thing is always a toss up and can get subjective. THX is not that big a deal to me, but that's ME. The "extra watts" are something to consider, but remember that Outlaw has always been VERY conservative on their power ratings and one would expect the 1070's amp to hold its own with competative products claiming higher power.

Both are good products. Both share a number of features. (RS-232, 2x1 DVI, etc.) Each has some features the other doesn't. The number inputs for some types are different on each. The size is different, the displays are different (two line on 1070 vs. one line on 8500). Some do the same thing in different ways (DOlby Virtual on the 1070, SRS on the 8500).

Oh, then there is the price. Even at the BEST web price, the 8500 is AT LEAST $300 more than the 1070, maybe even MORE MORE depending on what type of dealer you purchase from.