I did have a B&K ST202(150wpc) 2-channel amp powering my fronts (along with the 7125) that I had brought over from my pre-existing audio setup. It sounded real nice with the 990; but after 15 years of service, it finally died. B&K wanted too much for a complete rebuild, so I negated it and upgraded the 7125 to 7500. The 7500 is a better amp than the B&K (also, the 7125 in the setup was NO slouch either). I really like the 990/7500 combo. It just keeps sounding better as I put runtime on it. I also refined my settings by running a manual setup with a meter; that really has improved things.....I still am amazed at the sound this system puts out (HiDef TV, CD's, DVD's). I put in Cream's 2005 Reunion Concert at RAH last nite and was just blown away with how well it sounded-the old axiom of "almost like being there" couldn't have been truer! The phono stage in the 990 is quite good also-I've been listening to an assortment of old vinyl I've collected over the years.....and tech support, when needed, has been exceptional.