I just went through this decsion back in March. I have two audio video systems and my living room system built around Magnepan 1.6 speakers and a Threshold s500/e power amp needed an updated preamp/processor.

I decided on a 990 and have been very pleased with it's build and sound quality and features. HDMI was not really needed in that system as it is mainly used for music and I don't have an HDTV hooked to it anyways...just a sony 27 inch crt.

My main home theater system in my family room was another story though since video is a major part of what I use it for. In that application HDMI and video proceesing were inportant and I went with an Integra dhc 9.9 there. I am very satisfied with it's performance as well.

As far as audio performance, I think the 990 and the integra are in the same league. They both sound very very good and meet all of my needs in the applications they are used in.

If you don't have a need for HDMI capabilities in your pre amp, such as when you will be hooking your video directly to your TV, then the 990 should be all you need.