OK, I'll jump in...Regarding the xlr outputs: the back of my rack is a maze of wires (isn't your?), where ac power cords from the many components cross path, this is never good. I try to avoid it, but I can't always. My amps are in a nook behind the tv, and again, inputs are too close to ac lines, and plasma noise. Balanced lines are a huge plus! Even on a .5 meter run to my xover, the sound was better "fuller" with "fatter midrange" when I switched to xlr! Regarding the phono input, I have plans to set up a nice turntable. BUT, there are many grades of phono preamps, and I want something either class A or tubes or both. Some want a lower cost unit, just for old Christmas albums or george carlin, or whatever...The point is, now you can take your pick, phono pres at the low end could be had for a "song", and for guys like me and my maggies, I won't be sick of spending for the included pre. It would make me wonder what they left out in favor of it! Also, keep in mind that the phono is a very low level device, as such it could pickup much internal noise from the 997, till it's boosted to higher unbalanced levels. It's best to do this in a seperate box, close to the actual turntable, no?