Great write up, Lizard King. And thanks for the kind words.

Like you, I cut my teeth on good two-channel gear, including a fair share of tube equipment, in my earlier days in the hobby. So I think our points of reference are very similar. Likewise, my expectations walking into my system overhaul was to find reasonably priced gear that would (#1) deliver good quality stereo music playback, and (#2) could do doubly duty as a HT system.

Well, Outlaw certiuanly delivered. Although we differ in terms of the fact I am using the 970 as opposed to the 1070, from a Pre/Pro standpoint, we are using the same platform and I couldn't be happier. If there are any weak links currently in my system, the 970 is not one of them. In bypass mode, the unit simply "gets out of the way" of the music. And the well executed 80Hz analog crossover is perfectly suited to my speakers and allows the McCormack amp to really sing without, as I feared, being colored by a pre/pro that is less than half its price. That is a real testament to the sound-for-the-dollar you get with Outlaw products.

I hope you continue to enjoy your new system!