Don't you think it's strange that such a huge unit has only two coax audio inputs? Even 1070 and 970 have 4 of them. Granted there are 5 optical connectors, but I generally don't like optical as the cables are more expensive and generally less relaible.
Anotyher question: the description says there are audio/video front connectors. Does that mean that they are only analog and there is no digital audio input in the front?

I thought it was a little odd, but I'd already settled into a routine of primarily optical connection (most of my devices offer both, and the only two that don't offer optical only). The inputs and outputs of the 990 were locked in by the existing hardware platform of the Sherwood P-965, whereas the 1070/970 was developed from the ground up by Outlaw. As for cost and reliability of optical cables, I've had nothing but great luck with Outlaw's $20 PDO cable. Granted, the BetterCables optical that I paid $50 for is looking pretty pathetic these days, so I can relate to there being some pricey opticals out there.

The front connections include stereo analog, composite video, s-video, and an optical digital. You can also assign any rear digital audio connection to the front input - or even a rear DVI input. (If I buy a PS3 next year, I plan to hook it up to optical4 and DVI2 and then assign both to the front video input.)

Try these guys:

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

I bought a few 3 footers (optical) from them and they work great.

I asked this a few threads back, but never found an answer: does the 990 cache and/or reclock optical data?

I'd have to ask Outlaw that question.