I am actually looking at the Gemstone Blue Diamond, or similar.

If I decide to go separates, I want a power amp I won't need to trade up for a long time.

The 990, OTOH, looks like a killer "starter" pre-pro for now. Though if it really sounds great, I will at least keep it until newer formats are standardized.

It certainly has most of the features I want now, and no one can complain about the price...At least know one I know...