Btw..I just bought a pair of XLR cables to hook my 990 up to a power amp as well. I was just about to go hook them up. I'll let you know if I have any troubles with mine.
I also bought those cables at a music store..one that sells musical instruments and DJ equipment, rather than a high end or audio video store. They had quite a selection of balanced cables at prices that put the cable prices at most audio video and electronic retailers to shame.
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Main system:
Integra dhc 9.9
Threshold SA/4e pure class A
Emotiva XPA-1 (2), XPA-5
(2) Threshold S200's
Thiel 3.6 main speakers
(2)Velodyne F1500r subs
Polk RTI28 surrounds
B&W HTM center
OPPO BDP-83 universal player
Samsung HLT6187 led DLP