I am trying to figure out the difference between using the optical connection versus the 5.1 connection through my oppo dvd player. I know you have the option with sacd but I don't think you can use 5.1 audio for dvds with the same hookup. How do you use both setups or which setup do you use?

Thanks very much.

I run the 5.1 analog output from my OPPO into an Outlaw bass manager and then into the 5.1 analog inputs on my Denon 3802 receiver. It works superbly that way on all audio material. If the receiver had a vastly superior digital to analog converter I would want to run the digital optical output from the OPPO into the receiver so that the stereo and 5.1 digital conversion was done by the receiver. I would only use the analog output from the OPPO for DVD-A and SACD material. But in this case I stick with the converters in the OPPO, they are superb. My optical output from my TV goes into the receiver for stereo and 5.1 autio from digital TV programs. The TV does not output optical digital audio from NTSC programing.

Richard

I am trying to figure out the difference between using the optical connection versus the 5.1 connection through my oppo dvd player. I know you have the option with sacd but I don't think you can use 5.1 audio for dvds with the same hookup. How do you use both setups or which setup do you use?
For SACDs and DVD-Audio discs, you MUST use the player's 5.1 channel analog outputs to enjoy the high-resolution soundtracks. For DVDs and regular CDs, you can use either your 5.1 analog outputs OR your digital connection.

The player's settings are only applied to its analog outputs, not to its digital outputs. The receiver's settings are what are applied to the player's digital output.

I use only the HDMI with my Oppo 970 connected to my Integra DTC 9.8 Pre/pro. It works for every format. DSD gets converted to PCM, but it's sounds great nontheless, and no more cable mess back there.

I use only the HDMI with my Oppo 970 connected to my Integra DTC 9.8 Pre/pro. It works for every format. DSD gets converted to PCM, but it's sounds great nontheless, and no more cable mess back there.
Based upon his post, I don't think the OP has an HDMI output on his player and/or an HDMI input on his receiver.

Yes you can use the analog 5.1 output for all media - this will allow for high resolution SACD and DVD audio as well as standard Dolby Digital and DTS. The difference over optical is that DTS and Dolby tracks have the option to be processed by the receiver instead of the DVD player. The Digital to Analog conversion will be done by the receiver in either case and it may be more flexible in regards to bass management and possible equalization or Dolby PLIIx overlay (expanding 5.1 to 6.1 or 7.1) over the 5.1 analog inputs.

So, usually the best case is to hook up optical or coax for standard DVD movies etc. and use the 5.1 analog inputs for high resolution audio. Most now prefer a single connection through HDMI which allows the high rez material to be transmitted.

Based upon his post, I don't think the OP has an HDMI output on his player and/or an HDMI input on his receiver.

Upgrading is half the fun. ;)

You can also output digitally via FireWire (D-Link, i-Link etc) as well as HDMI.
HDMI has constant handshaking between components, and some feel this may compromise sound.
I have mine hooked up via 6 RCA analogues for DVD-A, and Co-Axial for DVD-V or DTS/Dolby Digital (I do not decode DTS or DD in the player, but in the amplifier instead)

Thanks for all the info. My receiver doesnt have a hdmi input. Im not sure I would use it even if I had the option. Seems like everyone is touting their digital video 1080p etc., but I haven't heard much praise over the digital audio.

Thanks for all your posts!

You can also output digitally via FireWire (D-Link, i-Link etc) as well as HDMI.
Not with his Oppo.

.................but I haven't heard much praise over the digital audio.Give it some time. Soon we'll all be using HDMI for all of our digital audio. Since HDMI can pass more data, formats such as DVD-A and SACD and the new hirez codecs (DDTrueHD, DTS-HD, etc.) wil be able to be passed to receivers and pre/pros where there are much more flexible bass management options than there are with players. An HDMI connection will currently allow an HDMI-equipped player to send uncompressed PCM to an HDMI-equipped receiver. And we're starting to see a few players that can output compressed digital bitstream via HDMI and a few receivers that can decode that digital bitstream via HDMI. Unless they add more analog outputs/inputs to the players and receivers (which they're not going to do), the only way to pass and fully bass manage the new hirez codecs in all their multichannel glory will be via HDMI.

Of course, there is probably some other technology coming down the pipes that will supersede HDMI.