So need to know the best route to go. I want a 997 NOW! $$$ will be an issue though. I have talked myself into pulling the trigger now on either a 970/7125 or a 990/7125 combo to get in the game (unless someone tells me a really good reason to reach for the 7500 instead - better quality sound?). I know the value of separates and I have the perfect reason to upgrade now....my barely adequate stop gap Yamaha doesn't do HDMI. Of course neither do the 970 ($379...r u kidding me? - what I paid for the Yamaha) or 990 but buying now makes me the move and gets the amp in place. After some $$ save-age I can then get perhaps a non-first release 997. Music/sound here is important although I tend to try and listen to 5 channel mixes that are done right.

Amp questions - any real improvements through the Outlaw iterations? Cost wise I could even get 5 M2200's for less than a 7500....what's the best way to go for now and future?

Thoughts? advice?