Got a question for Gonk or one of you other experienced 990 users. Is the sound level setup the same as using the 1050 as a pre? Meaning, I just hook up everything to the 7125 amp and then adjust the levels? There's not setting the 990 at a certain level or gain setups, correct?

The concept is exactly the same, but with the on-screen display the process will probably seem easier and clearer than it did with the 1050. Hook the 990 to the 7125, set the 990's volume to 00dB (the only real difference from the 1050, which used a different style of volume control that - the 990's volume varies from somewhere around -70dB to +10dB), and adjust the levels using your SPL meter so they are all around 75dB. You can also try the 990's auto-calibration (plug the included microphone into the front panel, set it around ear-level in the listening position, and let the 990 go to town), but I still find myself getting out the meter and running through the test tones anyway.

I've been reading some great reviews of the 7125--it sounds really sweet. A friend of mine has the same Paradigm fronts in his HT and it sounds amazing...it seems like it would be a really great pairing.

I'm a classic procrastinator, so your 1050 will be long gone before mine ever shows up on eBay! I love how I'll sweat an upgrade decision for weeks/months, but as soon as I place an order, I can't get a shipping confirmation fast enough! ;-)

LOL same here. I just know I want the 990 before the weekend. I volunteered to get 2nd day shipping but Steve said it should ship today and arrive before the weekend so I should be set. I'm also checking email constantly for the shipping notification even though he said it would probably arrive in the morning.

Oh, and don't worry as the 1050 is still selling well on ebay. Usually in the 350.00-385.00 range...

Thanks, Gonk. You just mean use the volume control to reach 00 and go from there, not an actual setting in the 990 correct? Your info will help alot. I'll try both the auto setup and then check the levels with my radio shack meter as well...

What setting do you use on the Shack SPL meter when you calibrate?

It is great to see the 1050 still holding its value. If I got three-four years of pleasure out of it at a net cost of around $150, I'd call that the bargain of the century.

I use C-weighting and slow response.

Thanks Gonk.

Kahuna, you're safe as my 1050 ALREADY SOLD at the buy it now price of $385.00 WOW, I just put it on ebay like 3 hours ago. I believe I paid $550 for the 1050 five years ago as I bought a bstock and when it arrived it was broken. Outlaw promptly sent out a new 1050 at the bstock price. You see, that's why I'm here today with a new 990 and 7125. It's called great customer service!

I've been calibrating with the RS analog meter at 75db, C-weighting and slow response same as gonk.