Oppo analog question


Hi.
I am interested in the new Oppo 95 player and already own a 980H and a 981HD. I am concerned about the company now because I have had issues with the 980 in particular. I hooked up the analog 7.1 on the 980 for my multi-channel SACD's this summer but got no sound from it. I emailed tech support and the response was (this is a quote):

HDMI is always the recommended connection for audio. HDMI is the only output which supports SACD DSD on the DV-980H, and DVD-Audio will sound better with HDMI as your receiver will be able to do all the audio processing in the digital domain.
Analog should only be used in systems which lack HDMI.
Best Regards,

I have never heard this before. Is that how I'd have to hook up 95 univ.player - just hdmi?
chapin99
1. No, you cannot switch in the Oppo since all the outputs are simultaneously active. OTOH, you can switch between the inputs in the Denon.
2. Why are you so intent on using the analog output from the Oppo? IMHO, the only reason for doing this is if you have a superb analog preamp.

Kal
I must agree with Kal on this one.
As I stated, the analog stage on my Outlaw is much better than on my Integra. The Integra has HDMI, Audyssey, and can process DSD directly.

Yet on my Integra, the analog out from the Oppo would sound terrible compared to the Outlaw since the analog section is so weak on the Integra.

No matter since I am using HDMI, but this is a case where clearly you would not want to go analog.

Mark
Thanks, Kal and Mark. I think I have a certain amount of ignorance here and somehow remember on my older Oppo that the analog connection sounded good, but that was before hdmi. If using the hdmi doesn't compromise the sound quality, and it must not, then that is not only a good choice, but a simple one. My Denon 4310 is a good sounding receiver, to my ears, but definitely not superb. So, final question and I promise I will let you guys move on to more important concerns: Given that I do use "just" a receiver and a 7.1 channel Axiom speaker setup, do you think the 95 will sound better than my older Oppo - doesn't even have to be "substantially" at this point since I could consolidate and send my Samsung BD player and older Oppo to my living room and use the 95 for hi-rez discs and Blu- ray. But I would like to feel I upped my music listening quality. Sure seems like the internals of the 95 would create better sound. Thanks again for your help.
Laura