RItz, I'm not sure if you've noticed, but the 978 won't be an AVR. I don't think that anyone looking at the 978 is in the market for an AVR. If you believe an AVR is a substitute for a Pre-Pro, well, good luck to you. Oranges and Apples. And you're also looking at Onkyo. Onkyo. Oranges and Apples.