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.