Actually, the Cirrus chip used in the 990 is the same one that HK has used for a number of years, and they still use it in a number of their products, including the HK AVR 7300 flagship model. More recent HK receivers make VERY good use of the TI DA 610.

However, the CS 49400 used in the 990, the HK receivers and many others is a very good processor. THe differences come in how it is implemented, and each brand has their own spin on that.