I have a old Yamaha VSX-995 5.1 channel receiver driving Monitor Audio 9i Fronts, A Monitor Audio Studio Center and Two Monitor Audio 6is for rears. I have never been happy with the 2 channel audio as compared to my old 1978 vintage Yamaha 2040 Receiver (120Watts per channel and weighing at least 50 lbs). Home theater experience with the 995 was satisfing until I recently upgraded to a 50" Pioneer Plasma from an old 32" CRT. I am pouring into the internet reading reviews and opinions to point I am totally confused. The mass consumer market for Surround Sound is the all in one receiver. As with all electronics they are not created equal from one manufacturer to another and all receivers seem to top out at around 120 watts/channel. People with high end receivers are adding power amps to drive some of their speakers to take load off the receiver. Sorry for being long winded but the reviews of Outlaw Equipment along with pricing/warranty of the equipment make the choice of seperates very appealing. I have about decided I want to go the seperate route. I do not see myself upgrading to 7 speakers in my room. Would you recommend the Model 990 with the Model 7500 Amp or would the Model 970 with the smaller Amp serve me well. After the major choice of PreAmp and Amp what do I need for innerconnect cables and were to purchase? My friends are not audiophiles and do not have very good systems so I cannot seek advice from them. I do not want to make a choice in equipment to find out 2 or 3 months down the road that I could have made a better decision for a similar investment. Please help guide me right direction. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.