I concur on the volume issue. I find the 975 doesn't have the output of a Rotel* or an HK pure analogue processor
* no HDMI
Since tri-amping**my LCR, I'm satisfied. My XOs provide up to 10dB of gain.
** no passive filtering! Each driver has its own channel
Also for Surrounds to be Large, LR must be Large, something I hope the 976 does not have.

All that aside, the 975 is my preferred prepro - it runs circles around a 10 year old, when new, $1600 Rotel in SQ & tweak-a-bility*. I look forward to the 976. It will circles around the 975*.