The dvd 8 definately has an improved power supply and detachable IEC power cord and probably other tweaks as well. When I look at the front of the dvd 8, it looks like a oppo 970 - notice the placement of the power button and the three buttons to the right of the cd tray. The Cary also did away with the sd card reader too. I am honestly only using the oppo for a dvd player. I have a separate cd player. I may give it a try as well. I am unaware of what additional tweaks the Cary has. I'll look on www.oppodigital.com though to see if they have a picture of the 970 internally.
Mark
Mark