puppethead,

I suppose a lot of it depends upon how you intend to use your HT. Do you: play SACD or DVD-A, like the idea of 5 or 7 channel audio; or just like your movies loud? I listen to SACD fairly often and the surrounds can get a workout on certain discs plus I like my movies pretty loud. I like knowing that I won't tap out my amp when the music demands it. IMO 125 watts all around in a 12x12 room would provide for the peak demands at all the speakers when playing movies and for multi-channel music.

Also, (as you can tell by my signature) I like separates. I replaced a Pioneer receiver with the 990 and an ATI 2005 and I'm not looking back. While I'm sure the NAD773 is a fine product, for the same cost you will have a significant amount of flexibility plus a whole lot of features in the 990. Amps don't really wear out but surround formats and other HT features are always evolving. When you want to upgrade in the future (and we all do!) you theoretically minimize your cost because you just replace the pre/pro. Many 950 owners that upgraded to the 990 fall into this category as they are using their original Outlaw amps.

Enjoy the search for your system!