My 990/7125 is so far ahead of the Onkyo TX-NR900 that it replaced it's not even funny. The sound from the combo is much, much, much more full and encompassing. I wasn't unhappy with the Onkyo, but I'd never go back. [/b][/QUOTE

Thanks Vince. That was a great explaination.

As far as the Onkyo goes, it really opened up once I hooked the Outlaw 700 amp to it. My surrounds came alive. I think my power hungry fronts were sucking the life out of the power of just having a receiver. Treating the Onkyo like a preamp made all the difference.

I have also been considering replacing the Onkyo with a new preamp. Not because I am disatisfied with it, but because I read too much and am wondering if I am missing out on anything.

It is funny that you and I have been looking at the same forums and considering the same preamps. I am also very interested in the Arcam AVP-700. My two problems I am having with it right now are finding a resaler and determining if it really has shut-down problems (or if it is just a vocal few with a bad one).

I really respect Outlaw for both their products and customer service but am worried that the 990 will just not be a very noticable upgrade. Unfortunately, I am not like you and had a receiver that was lacking something. The Onkyo has all the functionalities of the 990 with the exception of DVI switching. This is just not a big deal even with my 50" plasma. I have not seen the improved PQ from DVI or HDMI.

Maybe I should just stop reading forums about how I could do better. Funny thing is that though I very much enjoy my current sound, you always wonder if it can be better.

This hobby is definitely a diet for the wallet!