HDMI or 7.1 out for best AQ

The AVP-2 will only do 5.1. But it depends in general which device does a better job of decoding as well as bass management.

In the responses above,Drewmb stated the HDMI output would have the prepro do the decoding while Kal stated the Oppo would. Which is correct, or are both correct? Also, I could then then use a non-Hi-rez capable prepro with the Oppo and still get the the lossless codecs as the Oppo can decode them?

Bill

Drewmb likely meant a AVR capable of decoding the new high rez audio formats would use the HDMI output from the Oppo. Kal most likely meant that as your Proceed AVP-2 will not decode the new high rez audio formats your stuck with using the Analog outputs on the Oppo for hi-rez. If this is not what they meant, it is still the case.

"Also, I could then then use a non-Hi-rez capable prepro with the Oppo and still get the the lossless codecs as the Oppo can decode them?"

Correct

Senor Wooten is, indeed, correct.

Kal

I have a similar situation. I have had the Oppo-83 for about two months, connected to my B&K Ref 50 S2 pre-pro via 5.1 analog. I use the analog connection exclusively for all disc modes - DVD, CD, SACD, DVD-A and BR. The Oppo decodes everything, including TruHD and DTS-MA. The Oppo sounds exceptional on BR TruHD and DTS-MA, and DVD 5.1. It is very good on CD, SACD and DVD-A. I use the HDMI only for video.

I plan to get the Oppo modded for three LCR analog channels. At that point, I will sell my current tube modded universal DVD player. For now, the Oppo can't match its CD, SACD performance.