barumba -
Wouldn't be a bad idea to get a temp pre/pro replacement since you have the amp just sitting there. I'm on my second temp replacement since the first announcement of the 997. I bought a 7500 in anticipation with a 970 purchase shortly after. I've since sold that and am using an Onkyo nr807 (using pre-outs to 7500). At the right price on the used market you can sell it for what you pay for it.