I still have the 990 but returned the Arcam (thinking of buying it later.) The guy at the store offered me to try something else, so I picked Cary Cinema 6 pre/pro. Listening to it right now and comparing to the 990.

Same results. Cary is smooth, the bass is even and deep, no harshness at all. Although I cannot compare them side by side, I think Cary is very similar to the AVP700 as I'm enjoying the music just as much. Outlaw is harsh as usual, bass is bulged up and not deep, pretty much hopeless with music.

Disclaimer: yes I am aware of the price difference.