I should know but I don't
I'm interested in getting into SACDs.
Is there a player that outputs the signal via digital, either coax or toslink?

Would the 990 then (if above is yes) play as SACD or must it be only analog via 7.1?

How 'bout the 997?
TIA

Hang on...real help is coming...
Bill

SACD cannot pass over coaxial or toslink. For the case of stereo SACD's, the problem is mainly copy protection (unlike DVD-Audio, which allows a downmixed 48khz/24bit PCM stereo output over coaxial and optical, SACD elects to give you absolutely nothing). Once you get to multichannel SACD's there's not enough bandwidth anyway (it's a lossless multichannel signal, so it won't fit).

To play SACD's through the 990 and hear anything, you need an analog connection (which for multichannel SACD's means the 7.1 input). If we look instead at the 997, then you have the option of HDMI - which can handle SACD's output as multichannel PCM, and which may also handle it as a native DSD bitstream (although that also requires a player that will do DSD output, which a relatively small number of players will do, and we don't have official word on whether or not the 997 will accept a DSD bitstream).

In your case, nfaguys, if you connect the 981HD to your 990 via multichannel analog, you can play SACD's. If you connected the 981HD to a 997 via HDMI, you could get SACD's as multichannel PCM. The 981HD won't output DSD.

Thanks gonk.
I knew I could play with interconnects to the 7.1 inputs; and I have two players that will play SACD.

Please explain the physic/sonic difference between analog SACD with interconnects to 7.1 direct and multi-channel PCM. Sounds the same?

I think this might be a reason to go with HDMI, hence 997, even though I am thoroughly pleased :)with 990.

Happy thanksgiving

The only sonic difference between analog SACD and digital output is what DAC's are used. In the first scenario (analog output), the player's DAC's are used. In the second scenario (digital output, either PCM or DSD), the processor's DAC's are used.

Above gonk wrote in explanation to question:

If you connected the 981HD to a 997 via HDMI, you could get SACD's as multichannel PCM.

I ran this by a knowledgeable person with the requisite equipment and SACD's. He explained that you can do it but the TV must be turned on in order for HDMI to pass the signal.

Is this correct?
TIA

It depends on all of the components in the signal path and exactly how they handle HDCP. I know of circumstances in which you can get audio via HDMI from CD's and SACD's without the display being turned on, although you may need to do a few things in just the right order.

gonk answered my question about SACD-HDMI-DISPLAY thus:

It depends on all of the components in the signal path and exactly how they handle HDCP. I know of circumstances in which you can get audio via HDMI from CD's and SACD's without the display being turned on, although you may need to do a few things in just the right order.

Since playing SACDs via one cable (HDMI) would be extremely convenient (wiring simplified) perhaps you could either elaborate or point me in the right direction. I plan to be ready when 997 with HDMI inputs comes out.
TIA