I am looking to upgrade to the 990. I currently have the the Sherwood Newcastle 9080 processor and the 9080 amp (5x's 100 watts). My speakers are Vienna Acoustics, Bethoven Grand for front and there matching center and V.A. Waltezs for sides. I currently do not have rear speakers for the 7.1. My questions is instead of tossing the 9080 amp what about getting a three channel amp for front three speakers or three of the outlaw single channel amps vs. a all new 7 channel amp. Any issue with power being 100 watts for sides and back and 200 watts for front free? Thoughts. I am ready to buy so would appreciate any feedback. Should I spend the extra dollars and go with the whole thing or will preserving the existing sherwood be ok. The vienna's are very warm and quite clear for music bottom out a bit for the base so will be adding a sub. Thanks in advance as I have been following the forum for a while.

I would see no reason to ditch the existing amp - good amps can stick around for many years, even as other components change (it's one of the benefits of separates). I'd say keep the 9080 amp, and when you add speakers for 7.1 pick up a good two-channel amp for the mains (or a pair of Outlaw's M200's, which is what I did to supplement my five channel amp).

Gammonall, You should take Gonk's advice. That is the most effective path for upgrading.

Kwok