I, too, would like to see the phono input remain. I'd also like to see a better remote - similar to the Logitech ones. As an aside, I wonder if the Outlaws have ever contemplated getting into tube gear. That would be something I'd be interested in.

As far as the 997 goes I wasn't going to get one - quite happy with my 990. If this new 998 is that much ahead of the curve with respect to its features it may be too tempting to pass up.

Don