Just to clarify - three of my amplifiers (front L, C, and R) are equipped with differential inputs; presently, I have another older two-channel amplifier with RCA inputs to handle two of the rears - and I don't have the other pair of B&W 805's...yet (though I do have two pair of the 805's and the companion HTM center channel, as well as a Velodyne F-1200). Anyway...the rears sound pretty damned quiet as well. I will say this...I may need to re-arrange the equipment rack(s), so having balanced outs and differential-in amps gives me a lot more flexibility in terms of where I can locate the amplifiers relative to the pre-pro.

Anyway, differential inputs are the natural companion to a balanced output (I won't go into the why and wherefore as it's been covered in many places...and I really don't want to stir up the pot). Unfortunately, I have not been able to find more monoblocks for my system for the surrounds as they are out of production / available on a custom-order basis (read: pricey), that is, additional monoblocks like the three others that I have (DB Systems' DB-6M, modified by DB Systems to incorporate differential inputs, additional power supply capacitance etc).

There is always ebay....

Anyway...the transition to multi-channel from two-channel is turning out to be a pleasant experience. Like I said...I can't see spending more than I did for the 990 and getting what I got. Yes, I looked (closely) at the B&K and the Anthem pieces, but just couldn't justify the additional dough.

Now for the tough part...trying to decide where / which rooms will get all my old two-channel gear. This will of course require that I find some 'nice' speakers for those rooms; I can't bear the thought of selling all the gear I have been collecting over the years. Furtunately, I have my Audiotron DAR's available (playing uncompressed files) to stream the library from my host PC into each room...as well as the 990.

Life is good.

Mark

Today I got my package but unfortunately it was the 990 only. I should get the amp in a couple of days I hope. I was super surprised to get it so fast as I ordered it like a day or two ago. I should also be getting the EMO Ultra lights. It will be a battle of the budget prepros with the loser going back.

Jeffrey, I will be looking forward to your opinions.

Thanks. If your going to be in New York for any reason drop by to have a budget battle listen.

Although I really appreciate the invite, unfortunately a trip to New York is not in my plans in the near future but the budget battle sounds like a good time. I truly like the 990 better than the 950, but its size is a real pain for me.

Ok, I got my 4 amps all wired up 2,200 watts and have the balanced connections ready for the 990. Tomorrow I hope to get everything hooked up and running. Still have some work to do but I think I can get audio sometime tomorrow.

Barnabas, I am VERY interested to see how you think the 990 compares to the AVM 30 in sound quality alone. I am looking at Anthems and would hate to spend the extra money if the 990 suffices. The AVM 30 is such a sexy piece of gear but I'd settle for the 990 if it competes sonically!!!

Settle! The 990 is sexy too. It's just full bodied..