Beyond, thanks for the kind words. Let's just say that I'm closer to 50 than to 40. I would recommend that you wait a few months to see what happens with the 978 and perhaps by that time Marantz may bring out a surprise of their own in the form of an AV7007. They'll probably both be at the same price point. Marantz have always had a flair for making really good looking gear. As for the 978, some people have posted that they liked the esthetics of the faceplate; beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If an hypothetical AV8007 is out of your price range but an AV7007 and 978 were to become available, then I would personally go for the best sounding one. However, you have to go with whatever needs and preferences you have.