I currently own the 990 and the Emotiva MPS-1 combo . I sit 12-33 feet from amp and never hear any fan noise . Fan noise is a non issue in my opinion . The amp drives my Rockets to any level desired with great clarity with ease .

The Emp pre/pro is an incedible performer as well . It also will drive your vinyl collection . I have owned the 990 for just a short time so I don't want to compare the two just yet . But I am very impressed with the performance of the 990 so far .