Hi,

I am considering a 990 upgrade from my 950. I have a few questions:

1) Is the upgrade worth it? Where does the 990 trump 950 performance? The convenience features, DVI switching, balanced output etc. is not very important to me at this time.
2) Mute: Does the mute gradually decrease and increase volume when activated or de-activated?

I also endorse the idea of being able to adjust volume or change inputs without automatically un-muting.