Thanks for the responses and now of course I have some more questions:

1. I am currently happy with my 5.1 speaker situation. As I do not see a need for 7 speakers should I even consider a 7 channel amp?

2. The shelf where I would hope to place the Preamp and Amp is 36" long and 8" high and I measured 20" shelf depth. The area behind is open to the wall (several inches back) so I do not think I will have connection issues. The question is the 8" of height enough to allow the components to cool properly? The only other option is to lower the big center channel Speaker to the bottom shelf (tilt it upward) and put the PreAmp and Amp on the top shelf. Recommendations and comments please!

I guess you can tell I am leaning toward the 990/7500 as I don't want to wish I woulda, coulda if I buy something with less power or features.

Regards