josh .. i also have heard that the 990 and 965 have a better 2 channel sound then the 950 ,,, probably improved dacs .. i am sure they are both great units .. how do you like your yamaha.. ?? i looked at the 2500 for my game room at one time .. nice features but my old yammies never had depth .. they had great mids highs and image but not throaty ,, maybe with a outboard amp you could accomplish this ..