Wow, this is getting way out of hand. On the other hand, fun to sit back and watch the back and forth. Can't help myself in responding to:

"...As a matter of fact there is low end receiver out there with more features than this pre/pro."

OK, and which "low end receiver" would that be with a DVI switching, second zone capability, USB input AND software upgradeability, balanced outputs, 4-way crossover, auto-setup (whether you like or choose to use it or not), phono section (rare these days on entry level anything), dual sub outputs, three-input/100MHz component video, video conversion from CVBS or S to component, etc...

Pythagore: Please let us know what that is, as some of us might want to buy one. If not, it would seem that for many (nothing pleases EVERYONE), the 990 appears to be a good value for the price.

Oh, yes, and apparently most people are more than satisfied with the way it sounds.