If I am not mistaken we both have the same surge protector - Belkin PF 60. So I could use that 12 volt trigger but I am not sure on just how to "trigger" the 12 volts. Presently I have the 970 plugged into the surger protector. I thought of using the non existent 120 volt output but as mentioned, it is non existent on the 970. Thank you for such a quick reply. I have a few days before the new amp arrives. To think that I bought a new amp to alleviate the headroom concerns only to come up with a new concern. What a great hobby! Hopefully these concerns will not end.