As Outlaw #58 (or 85 - don't remember), and an early buyer of my 950, I wouldn't be scared to be an early buyer of the 978. Only last year did my 950 start having problems: loud buzz (probably a loosened torroid xformer mount) and front panel volume control that doesn't change the volume when turned half the time (probably dirty contacts).
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"Do you expect me to talk?"
"No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"