Thanks Gonk. I think I'm understanding the amplification part ok (too bad my Denon 2800 doesn't have pre-in/out capabilities or I could use that as the 2nd amp). I'll have to check on the most cost affective method. One thing you said about the "sources" though, now has me confused.
"If you have sources that you want to use with the second zone, you'll need to make sure you run stereo analog cables from the source to the 990 - even if you are using a digital connection under normal circumstances."
I thought the sources for the 2nd zone were any that are hooked to the 990 (tuner,cd, dvd, turntable) and that when you called the 2nd zone into action you are simply choosing one of those inputs. I guess I don't follow your explaination of the 2nd set of analog cables.
Thanks as always for your help with this "Newbe stuff". (I'll be asking more quesions about DVI switching when I get time to compose them.)