For a purely analog system, we are dealing with principles that have been well understood for decades - it's only when you get into concepts such as surround processing, D/A conversion, or video that you see really significant changes in available technology. At the same time, the market for products that omit all those newer technologies has changed significantly. The RR2150 is comparatively cheap for the modern analog two-channel marketplace, and the fact that the 990 can compare well with purpose-built analog products speaks pretty darn highly of a product that exists to be the focal point for a modern home theater.