Just picked up a copy of the Winter 2007 issue of The Perfect Vision and noticed the 1070 received an Editor's Choice award for A/V Receivers.

I guess, by extension, the accolade rubs off on the 970 since it's the same platform.
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Outlaw 970
McCormack DNA-125 (mains), Emotiva LPA-1 (surrounds)
Quad 11L (F&C) Wharfedale (R) LFM1 (Sub) w/ SMS-1
Squeezebox -> Behringer SRC2496 -> Musiland MD10 DAC
Sota Sapphire; Marantz 10B;
Video: Hitachi 42HDS52A; Oppo 971H
System Pics