First I want to thank you guys for the info while I was making a decision and this should probably go on the 990 forum but this is where I started:

I finally stopped procrastinating and odered the Outlaw 990/7125 combo this afternoon. I considered the new 970 but spent the extra $300 and went with the 990 because:

phono input: I have a pretty good turntable and 1,000 vinyl discs, might as well use them

second zone: Like the idea of running to patio with the second zone

listening habits: I do alot of 2 channel music listening and from the little I have been able to find in comparison it seems like the 990 will offer better sound in 2 channel

proven record: though I have little doubt the 970 will be a very fine pre/pro the already proven history of the 990 held a bit of weight in the decision

Thanks again for your help.