Which processor should I use Onkyo 876/Oppo 83

Blindjim, you did not hear anything that could justify not using the hdmi. Good for you. Sell your unused IC, and buy dvd, or br. Nice post.

I'll hang onto my analog cables, thank you. My tube gear has more resolution and detail ability than does the receiver's preamp & proc... and neither my tube preamp nor mono block amps allow for HDMI.

When higher level makers of preamps & amps include HDMI interfaces, the high end buyers will have been done a great service and cable choosing and paying for as well, will be just so much agregate folk lore.

But then, who wants a tube setup with onboard digital encoding or decoding of an analog signal anyways?

it do work well for HT though. That's for sure.

The processor in the APA will be better than the processor in the Onkyo so use the oppo's

Remember they have to cut costs when you make receivers so they were not put expensive processors in the receiver so go with the Oppo