I think you're taking the right approach. Good speakers and good amps can easily last 10 years. Processors are a bit more difficult - if you pursue the new formats, you're likely to want to upgrade processor in two or three years unless you drop some big money now (something like Anthem's AVM50 or Statement D2 for $4500 or $6500). That's one benefit to the 970 or 990: you can get a good quality unit now and (based on older Outlaw gear like the 950 and 1050) be able to sell in a few years and reclaim 50% or more of the original cost, which goes a long way toward new gear.