I have the Oppo 971 and have been very happy with it. But, it has DVI output (not HDMI), only plays DVD-A (no SACD), doesn't have a few other features the 970 does, and costs $50 more. Like Michael, I almost wish I needed a new player. Looking forward to what Audioholics has to say about it.

Jack

"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton