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
Yes...that's true of my Panasonic BluRay as well. Without HDMI, the sound is disappointing. Dialogue is squashed and difficult to understand no matter how loudly the volume control is increased. I either have to get an HDMI input, or learn to lip read.
Ummmm....as an owner of the 980H,83 and 83SE I always thought 2-ch analog was excellent (especially on the 83SE). I always had an issue with multi-channel and bass, but I believe that to be the fault of my pre-pro (outlaw 970). That said, as long as you pre-pro has a good analog stage(as the outlaw does), the analog out can be good (980H) to stellar (83SE).

BUT, it is SO much easier to deal with just one HDMI cable. I cannot really compare the two since my new pre-pro (Integra DTC 9.8) has a terrible analog stage, but, digital performance is great.
Thanks for the comments. I actually use the hdmi - simple and just one cable, but thought 7.1 analog would make my multi- channel sacd's and dvd-a's really shine. I believe after much testing that the analog outs are not working and have read where one person experienced this, but it was new and they replaced his. I never tried the analog outs until this summer when I was re-connecting things. I use a Denon 4310 receiver and maybe it w not resolve that well anyway, but sure thought analog would be best for my hi-rez discs. So, next question: if I get the 95 player, can I hook up both hdmi and the analog outs and just use menus in the oppo to switch between hdmi for plain dvd playing and analog 7.1 when listening yo hi rez m/c discs? Will my denon likely let me appreciate the quality of the 95 unit until I may someday get a better pre/pro separates setup? Thanks in advance for your insights. I would just love to maximize my listening experience.
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