OK, So I see that the new model 970 has been released and has already won an award.

But what is the difference between the 990 and the 970?

What do you get in the 990 (over the 970) for the extra $400?

And which is the better deal?

I'll add the 970 to my pre/pro chart today or tomorrow. Both have DVI switching, 3 component inputs and transcoding to component, quadruple crossover, a headphone output, and the same processing modes. The 990 adds balanced pre-amp outputs (a plus if you want to use balanced amps), a second zone, some extra inputs, the USB input, and upsampling for stereo sources. There may be some other differences in components (DAC's used and such), and the 970 uses the same "analog or digital" bass management switch as the 1070. I'm not sure yet which is the better deal.

The big question is.....

Are the Component and DVI inputs assignable like the 990 or are they fixed like the 1070??

Looking at the pictures of the back of the 970 it appears that they are not, but I am hopeful.

I'd tend to suspect that they're going to mimic the 1070 rather than borrow from the 990, but we'll know for certain when the manual goes up.

I am very interested in this product. I could care less about the bells and whistles it doesn't have. What I'm interested in is how does it sound. I'm only guessing it sounds the same as the 990 for movies.

Hello All,

Please understand that the Model 970 is not a Model 990 for $400 less. While it's true that no processor below $1000 will offer this type of performance and feature package for just $699, the Model 990 at $1099 has proven the equal of processors costing thousands more in both consumer and professional reviews alike. In fact, later this week one of the most well respected webzines will post a rave review of the Model 990. You can also visit here for a comparison to a unit three times its price!

In addition the Model 990 also adds the following:

1. Expensive state of the art DACs and premium op amps throughout for ultimate audio performance. (This difference will be audible)
2. audio up-sampling to get any stereo source away from the "brick wall filters"
3. auto set up (with microphone included) and ready for auto EQ if we decide on one
4. two way RS232 control for third party systems
5. phono preamp
6. totally independent second zone
7. USB input
8. and yes, assignable DVI switching

With that handy post from Scott, I'll add that I've updated my processor comparison chart to add the 970.

Having spent some time with my 990 and years with the 950 that it replaced, I'd be surprised if the 970 could keep up with the 990 on sound quality - the 990 really does a heck of a job in that department. On the other hand, the 970 looks like it could be considered a direct successor to the 950 (same price as the 950 sold for when it was discontinued) with the current generation's features (things like DVI switching, transcoding to component video, software upgradeability, individual channel distance settings, and power-on volume default) added for good measure.

I would expect the 970 to perform almost exactly like the 1070. The difference being the quality of the amps you attach to it. Someone else on the board reported that the 1070 and 990 were very much similar for surround sound, but the 990 was significantly better for two channel listening. I was just hoping that they made that one little change for DVI/Component assignability.

Personally the 970 looks to be a good fit for me over the next couple of years. It is a relatively inexpensive fix for me until the industry figures out the whole HDMI debacle (not to mention Blue-Ray/HD-DVD).

When will they be sending the remote codes to Harmony??? (just kidding)

That's probably a very accurate summary, brubacca. And with the option of analog or digital bass management (along with the oft-mentioned DVI switching), the 970 will be nearly as well equipped as a you can ask for Blu-ray and HD-DVD (aside from the PS3, I would expect all Blu-ray and HD-DVD players to offer onboard DAC's to go with the mandatory onboard decoding, so a 7.1 input with some bass management options will be a good solution for the early years of our new format war).

I have been comparing the unit and have noticed the following differences right off:

990 Technical Advantages:

7 video inputs (only 5 for the 970)
Dual mono sub analog preouts
USB port
Auto Setup
Lip synch in 1ms increments (10ms increment for 970)
Assignable DVI inputs
Zone 2 capability
Balanced Preouts
Theater Compensation
Assignable Component Inputs
Better DAC in front channels
2 Trigger Outputs (970 only has one)
Phono Input
2-channel Upsampling


970 Technical Advantages:

Fixed Analog Bass Management
Auto Video input selection
4 Coax inputs (990 only has 2)
Individual input level trims
Auto-Polling
Bass/Treble settings per individual video inputs
6.1 or 7.1 capability
Better range of OSD timeout settings
Setup via Front Panel Display


Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on anything.