I also get clicks, only when digital connects and disconnects (really noticable when I change TV channels). This is not as noticable when I use non-balanced connectors. I use cheap $10 ea. xlr connectors. Can some one recommend decent xlr cables, not so expensive I have to remortgage the house?

Outlaw will have their own balanced cables somewhere along the line -- or at least they have said so. Maybe if you hang in there for a bit they will appear. Given Outlaw, I bet the quality will be great and the pricing very value oriented.

Well, I just bought a B&K Reference 50 for some reason. I am very happy with my 990 evaluation right now but found a deal I couldn't refuse. I will let everyone know how the comparison turns out. Anyone care to speculate or have experience with both?

The one thing about B&K I like is the hardware upgrades for reasonable prices. Yes you have to send it back and it takes a while for them to be available but I like the idea of having an upgrade available in a couple of years because I always seem to get the itch around that time. This way I could just send away and get the unit updated for around $500 and have some new stuff to play with.

To be honest, I am tired of looking around for a pre/pro that offers everything. I just want to find one and stick with it for a while.

Is your B&K Reference 50 the series two (S2) model?

I have both a 990 and a Ref 50 S2 (in different systems). I can't stand all the relay clicks and speaker thumps generated by the B&K. My Outlaw is completely silent when switching, but it misses the first half-second of audio when I load a CD. The B&K has the best remote and allows me to verify the surround mode without changing it. I hope the Outlaw is easily upgradable via website like the Newcastle. I hate the idea of having to ship the B&K back and forth. I'm keeping the 990 and not sure about the Ref 50.

You probably don't have to be worried about the 990 being upgradeable via downloads, at least for software related issues. That's why there is both a serial and USB port on the 990, and I seem to recall that the Outlaws were specific about the use of those ports for both upgrades and remote control.

Of course, no brand can avoid the "back and forth" if the upgrade invovles hardware. B&K is famous for that -- some of their upgrades have cost more than the entire price of a 990!

The Ref 50 is a great piece, but for the price you're doing the right thing in keeping the 990!