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.