Oppo DV-970HD audio question

For the Hi-res MLP tracks on DVDA or the SACD layer on Hybrid SACD's you cannot use optical out, only analog audio cables (or HDMI if your receiver supports it).

For DD/DTS tracks on DVDA optical is fine. For Hybrid SACD optical will get you the stereo redbook layer.

HDMI or MC Analog is much better as you are accessing the hi-res sections of the discs.

The SPDIF[optical, coaxial] will let you pass up to 24/192 LPCM but only 2 ch. from some DVD-A discs that has such track and be sure that your receiver can handle it.Many can only accept 24/96 on the digital connection. In order to do that you have to select "off" for "HDMI audio" in the menu.