I kind of think there is really no value in it.
My 990 died after almost 13 years of service and I thought about having Outlaw repair it since they still support the 990s but after thinking about it I decided it was time to update.
My small theater will never be 4K Dolby Atmos or DTS:X so I don't need 16 channels of processing so I bought the 976 and I am very happy with it.
_________________________
Epson 3500 3D projector
93" Carl's Place Flexiwhite DIY screen
Outlaw 976 Pre/Pro
Outlaw 7500 for LCR & L/R surrounds
1- Emotiva Mini X-A100 for rear surrounds
2- Outlaw LFM-1 EX subs
Oppo BDP-105 Blu-ray/DVD/SACD player
Outlaw LCR (Snell Labs) for center channel duty
Tekton Lore monitors L/R
4- Emotiva ERD-1s surround speakers
Monster HTS3600MKII power center