I have had the BDP-83 paired with both using the analog hookups and the audio is about the same. Both machines have low noise floors and tons of hookups. The 990 is simpler to set up, but it took me more experimenting with it to get it right. The 886 was just plug and play and I set the speakers up manually just like the 990 had them. Yesterday, I finally set it up with Audyssey and it was very easy to use. The sound was great after the setup. The Onkyo is much more complicated because it has all the bells and whistles from the last 5 years. For future proofing the Onkyo is way out in front, but the 990 is also pretty awesome for ease of use. The Onkyo also has two extra zones each with its own sub-out. I really like the on screen display through HDMI and the menu is much more detailed. If Outlaw puts it back on sale you should get it if the 997 is delayed much longer.