Very comparable in price for these two choices. Any thoughts either way? I currently run a Pioneer VSX-1014tx with Ascend speakers....just looking for an overall sound improvement for CD's and movies.

If you want the best sound, go for the 970/amp. If you want bells and whistles, go for the Denon.

Thanks Doug. I find I rarely use any of the bells and whistles on my Pioneer - listen to music in direct mode, movies in DD or DTS and don't use the EQ or THX modes. So you feel the Outlaw combo will sound better even with just the 75 X 7 watt amp?

Enjoyed your reviews by the way!

I would always recommend someone buy an amp with as many watts as possible within their budget. Myself, I will now draw the line at 200W per channel and not drop below this value. There are sonic benefits to having more power than needed. If you can afford it, I would say buy up to the 7125. If not, the 7075 will still best the internal amp in the Pioneer just not by as wide a margin as one of the larger amps would. After auditioning the 970 I can tell you the Outlaw combo will still sound better than a mid-level receiver and the 1014TX is at the lower end of mid-level from the opinions I have heard. I have never heard the 1014TX myself, however, so take my opinion as a grain of salt.

I suppose another alternative would be to get a 1070 and use its amps until I'm ready to spend for a larger amp. I don't know how much sound quality would be lost going from the 970/7075 to a 1070.

chas,
I wouldn't think that you'd be losing any "quality" by moving to a 1070. The 970 and 1070 have the same internals and should reproduce the same soundstage. However, the 970/7075 will provide a little more power and I would think all those other little things that separates do for a system. On the other hand, if you don't listen to music/movies at loud levels and have efficient speakers, save the cash and go for the 1070. No budget and/or space constraints: a 990 and 7 each M2200's would sound the best I'm sure!

I believe they have changed certain elements of the 970's preout stage from the 1070. How much difference this actually makes, I do not know as I have never used the 1070 as a pre/pro or even heard it with its internal amplification. Outlaw gear seems to hold its resell value pretty well, so I would probably go the separates route in your shoes and sell the 7075 and buy a larger amp in the future if you feel you need it in your environment.

Yep a 990 would defintely be the way to go....just not sure I want to spend that kind of money.

It seems to be the consensus that separates would provide a little something extra...and it's nice to know the Outlaw amps have a good resale value for future upgrades.

Thanks for the help guys
Chuck