As music is your main priority,and if Emotiva doesn't tickle your fancy, the 990 is a very musical pre pro.
I made my deccission to purchase the 990 based on the 990's bass management feature for DVD-A/ SACD formats. Even though my DVD player aplies bass management the 990 does a much better job.All my multi channel music sounds so much better hrough the 990. On 2 channel it also sounds great, but it was the multi channel recordings that floored me.
If the Emotiva falls short don't hesitate trying the 990. I would think any pre pro will sound great through your JM lab speakers.