OPPO 980 h dvd mod?

QUESTION: In order to benefit from the 980's excellent sound quality, do you need to use the analogue outs?

That is, if I use the 980 in my HT where I use optical out to the A/V receiver (not hdmi), would I really benefit from the 980s sonic improvement over my old 970?

Thx
Art

For those of you that love the 980 sound - did you use it straight out of the box, analog stereo into your audiophile system? Or did you make any changes to the settings prior to using it?
Thx
Art

Kal, the most recent column that I see on that Stereophile site is March 2008. I guess we'll need to wait in suspense?
Art

My Oppo 980 is outstanding in reproducing cds via it's analogue outputs into my high end stereo - Cary SLI-80, Silverline Sonatina II's, etc. It's a very enjoyable sound.

Personally whenever I've tried going without a preamp or using passive volume control I am initially enamoured with the detail, but also find that it sounds thin, kind of threadbare, and lacking in dynamics. To me, preamps rule.

Art