I might add that the component inputs on the 990 are also assignable.

By the way, it wasn't there earlier, but the 970's manual is now available .

This is kind of a big suprise. One night we are talking what ifs about a possible 970 processor the next afternoon it is on the order page. This is the perfect fit for me I just hope that I can get the combo price since I haven't even got my 7125 delievered yet that I ordered last week.

I ordered the 970 earlier this morning and will be comparing it to the Yamaha 2500 and 990 I will have in my posession soon enough. So far, I think I like some of the features of the 970 better than the 990, but it will most likely come down to sound quality.

rdperry - traditionally Outlaw has honored deals for folks who purchased in the 30 days prior to the deal (the time frame that matches their return policy), so I'd certainly give them a call or an e-mail and see about (1) getting in on the first batch and (2) getting the 970/7125 combo price.

Doug917 - sounds like the making of a very cool three-way challenge. I look forward to hearing how it goes.

I don't know about anyone else but I have always found the 2nd zone to be the least valuble feature in a Processor. I would have liked to have seen balanced output but for $699 it is a steal. I am curious if there is any real change from the 950 other than another component input. That alone is a big selling point to me as it will make it easier for my wife to operate.

Changes from the 950 are many and important. To name a few:

* Four-way crossover replaces three way
* Software upgrade capability
* Lip Sync Delay
* Much more comprehensive control for delay settings
* More modes (Dolby Headphone, etc)
* Three-way settings for the analog bass management
* 100 MHz component video bandwidth
* DVI switching
* CS 49400 DSP vs CS 49326 in the 950

Then again, the 970 doesn't have a green power button. THat is one feature you can't replace!

There's also video transcoding from s-video and composite to the component output and the headphone jack itself. The remote's not quite as nice as the 950's remote, but it's still a universal remote.

I guess upgrading a 950 to a 970 is a no brainer. Especialy if I can get over $600 on E-bay for my old 950.
With the exception of the 100 MHz video bandwith and DSP Conversion, I don't find the other changes that valuable. When I use headphones it will be hooked to my I-pod
I hated the green button anyway.
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Cinepro Amp, Toshiba 65" HDTV, Toshiba DVD, B+W Nautilus speakers and a bunch of other junk

It will be interesting to see if the arrival of the 970 depresses prices in the used 950 market. The 950's seem to have held their value quite well especially since the 990 turned out to be quite a bit more expensive as its "replacement".

I normally just read from the sidelines around here but I must say this model 970 has gotten my full attention. I've been contemplating replacing my old(but trusty) Onkyo receiver(TX-DS777), almost 8 years old now, for awhile now. I've been wanting the 7.1 inputs, software upgradability, newer dsp's and bass management but couldn't justify spending $1500 for a Rotel, NAD, etc, etc, etc. For $699 this sounds like a steal. This will allow me to put my 2nd set of, still new in the box for 3 years now, Klipsch RB-5II's to use as side surrounds in a 7.1 set-up. I am psyched now.