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

Showing 2 responses by chapin99

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.
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