The tape output does not lose low frequency data - its signal is split off prior to the processing. That's probably the main reason that the digital input didn't yield a tape record output - the signal sent to the tape output is taken from a point upstream of the digital processing (before the analog is converted), and at that point in the process there's no analog signal available if a digital input is being used.

I see now what you're doing, nfaguys, and it's also a good option - if you have a single source that you plan to record from, hook it directly to the recorder. I actually started doing this myself lately, although I haven't used it yet (the stereo analog and s-video output of my HD cable box go to the DVD recorder while the digital audio and component video from the HD box go to the 990).

Actually my dishnetwork 721 has two sets of analog outs: both with stereo audio and composite video(obviously split inside the box). There is also one s-video, which could be split if you wanted to...and there is one optical out.

...and BTW the 721 series and 508 series were the last "DVR's" with no monthly TIVI-like fee.
My living room 721 feed 990s VID-2 in. My downstairs 721 feeds 990's Vid-3 in. OF course we can watch whatever we want on zone 2 or record thru zone 2 or bypass zone 2 and go direct into the Panasonic DVD recorder.

Nice thing about a DVR built in is you can burn DVDs after recording (often in middle of nite).

My downstairs 721 feeds downstairs equipment as well. I bought a second remote for the downstairs since they are RF as well as IR...so I can control downstairs from upstairs.

What the heck

I have run into another issue. I did an a/b comparison of analog versus optical in with my CD player. Huge difference in sound; the bass output was way to high (10db+) in analog. I also recorded from a cd to reel to reel and did a comparison of CD/Optical in to Reel to reel and had the same difference (can't tell if the signal is recorded with increased bass or if it is coming from 990). Thinking that prehaps I am hearing the difference between the CD players 15 year old DAC's and the 990, I hooked up my relatively new Denon via analog and I have the same difference in sound. Any ideas?

Another thought: Am I running into the dreaded bass management issue? I thought that I ran analog into the 990 it would convert the signal to the digital domain and I would then have bass management. Am I missing something?

the DAC's in your 15 yr old CD player is probably lacking the bass of the newer DAC's in the 990.

I have two NAD CD players.. one from 1986 and one from 1991. While I find the older one to sound better.. the one from 1991 has to much bass. It's like they some how increased to bass to be overwhelming. I guess that's the difference in the DAC's between the two.

I have been very impressed with the DAC's in the 990 pre. Pretty good bass response yes.

Bernie, I think if you listen to your CD's in upsample you should have bass management. If you listen to them in bypass you will not.