I'm long overdue for an upgrade and have been reading about the 990 and 970.
I've had my original 750 for 5 years and it's been a solid performer so I had no problems giving outlaw a shot at the new pre-amp.
My old Marantz has served me well but I really need some solid component switching, DTS, and more inputs.

I think the 970 would have been enough for my needs but everyone raved about the 990's performance. Since I'll probably won't upgrade for another four years or so I thought I better go with the higher end unit.

I debated going with the 970 and using the extra money to help out with two new speakers.
I would either have to get another two channel amp or sell the 750 and get the combo.
In the end I decided to keep the 5.1 system and go with the better pre-amp. Worse case I can always add the 7.1 equipment later.


My System
Preamp Marantz AV-550 (needs an upgrade)
Amp Outlaw Audio 750
DVD Toshiba 5109 (next upgrade)
Speakers
Front B&W 603 S2
Center B&W LCR6 S2
Rear B&W 602 S2
Sub B&W ASW2000

Video - Toshiba TW56x81 HD

Very nice... Hope you enjoy your new toy. It will be fun to hear your feed back.
Nothing like a little Christmas in March...

Congrats on the new purchase! I ordered a 990 yesterday; there's a few of us who will be getting them all around the same time.

I'm curious as to what you will think of the 990's pairing with your speakers. I'm running the B&W CM series in the front.

How do you like the 750 with your speakers?

I've been real happy with the 750. I don't play at real loud volumes often but the few times the amps never run out of gas.

The sound stage and imaging has been excellent, however when I added my RPTV I lost a lot of the sound stage. One day when I go projection I'll gain a lot of that back. I'm curious to see how much better the 990 does than the older Marantz on 2 channel sound.

If it shows up this weekend I'll report back the first of the week.

For home theater the amp is sleeping most of the time but the reserve punch is there when needed.