$700 sell price for the 950 is fantastic opportunity. I wish I had an offer anywhere near that price. Anyway, for me the biggest benefit going from 950 to 990 is the two channel music playing. My favorite mode for listening music cds are "upsampling mode". With 990 in place, I am not using my other two channel music system as much as I used to. But like rdperry said, make sure you have plenty space in your rack for 990. I had to cut out the back panel of my rack and still barely fitted. I measured 990 before I ordered it but I was still shocked how big this thing was in person. So far I am very satisfied with my upgrade to 990 from 950.