I faced the same decision back in November, I went for the 970. For me it came down to cost, as it was a temporary fill till the replacement comes around. The beauty about Outlaw's deal is that the $200 off applies to both the 970 and 990.

I can't compare the 2, but I can say that I am really enjoying the current system (my 7500 amp has the power to run my speakers properly, as my old HK AVR225 didn't). My old HK didn't have pre-outs either.

If it is the cables holding you back, analog cables are not too expensive, at least they don't have to be too expensive. You can utilize those now and purchase the xlr's at a later date. I actually have xlr's in my storage room waiting for my 997.