Got the 990 today and I am very impressed with the performance. I just set it up very basically (ran auto-setup and connected only the DVD player, but also ran the Yammy 2500 through the 7.1 channel input (connected DVD player to it as well) and balanced the channel level on both units and also set the volumes of each unit to be at the same SPL when switching between DVD and 7.1 inputs on the 990. I'm still waiting on the 970 which should be here Friday. There was a clear winner among these two units.

Glad to hear that the 990's hit the spot for you! I'll be very curious to see how the 970 fits into the mix.