Gonk,

I have read a lot of your posts here and you are very knowledgeable and helpful. I was initially considering upgrading to the SE and picking up the 970, but others suggested I upgrade to an av receiver with more bells and whistles. I do see that OutLaw is pairing the Oppo BDP-83 with the 970 and the SE with the 990. I understand the 990 and 970 probably can't be compared, but would the sound be noticeably better with the 990? I didn't want to breakdown and spend more than $500-600, but I have also been waiting for reviews on the Emotiva UMC-1. People at Oppo told me if I go that route they suggested I don't upgrade to the SE. It's just so confusing.