1) 7.1 analog audio inputs claim complete analog passthrough the device. I take this to mean absolutely no ADC -> DAC conversions anywhere. I also assume these analog outputs of these inputs have volume control via the receiver, if so does this infer the volume control is a high-quality 8-channel analog volume control (i.e stepped ladder, etc.)? Or is there indeed a ADC -> 32-bit or better digital volume -> DAC in the signal path? Just worried if it affects transparency of the analog input signal (my source will be a DIY digital music server with high quality DAC and FIR room correction built in).

2) If a Dolby Vision device such as Apple TV 4K is attached to the 976, will it passthrough the Dolby Vision HDR to a compatible display? The website only says all current forms of HDR, which is not to clear.

3) If listening to a surround format via headphones, is the output downmixed properly to stereo (i.e. center/surround output is mixed to RL channels appropriately)?

Thanks!

Call Outlaw service for answers to these questions but I think the manual is pretty clear that the analog input are pure analog and that any version of HDR is supported.

The 7.1 inputs are analog. The four stereo RCA analog inputs are converted to digital so the DSP functions can be applied (EQ, delay, crossover).