I'm looking at replacing my 970 with either an 886 or a mid level receiver to use as a preamp. Lots of alternatives out there between Onkyo refurbs or Pioneer Elites. Anthem is out of my price range.
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HT:
Pioneer VSX-1120
Salk Songbirds, SongCenter, SongSurrounds
Panasonic BDP-45
Outlaw LFM-2

2 Channel:
Red Dragon M-500 monoblocks
BAT-VK3i
Salk HT-1TL's
Apple TV
Beresford 7520 DAC
Surgex XS10