My recollection was "971 has better picture quality than the 970, only get the 970 if you need SACD etc...".

The 981 seems to be a brand new offering which gives 970 "play everything" with 971 "spiffy video quality", no compromising.

The local reseller is out of stock or I would have bought one right this minute

M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1
LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8