I have to admit, I am also let down after waiting so long for an update. I thought more would be acomplished.

I recently bought the BA AVP7 to compare to the 990. I think it has better functionality (multiple memorized channel settings, different bass settings for DD, DTS, and MPEG, upsampling is done for 2-channel and for L/R in all other modes as well). The AVP7 does lack the quad-crossover (I have all small speakers set to 80Hz anyhow), the balanced outputs (don't use them either), and the DVI in/outs (don't use them either) the 990 has.

As far as sound it is a very close contest, with the 990 slightly edging out the AVP7 for 2-channel, and the AVP7 slightly edging out the 990 on movies. I was waiting on the firmware update to see if Outlaw would give me a good reason to keep the 990 over the AVP7. I have decided to stay with the AVP7 and will be parting with the 990 shortly.