SP72, a transformer is usually found in very high-end or professional gear, for it's way more expensive than an op amp. Not to mention 7 of them. I stronly doubt power amps one might hook a 990 to will have them, for those players are in a different league. But, nevertheless, your point is correct. It doesn't HAVE to always be two active components in the signal path.

Gonk, I can only feel honored for being mentioned in the same phrase with a very knowledgeable contributor, which by no means I am. My hi-fi experience is mostly theoretical (I'm an engineer), but I don't own high-end gear.