Can anyone indicate what actually is the more direct/clean path with the least amount of A/D/A conversion, digitalization, etc.
For example, if I run all channels set to large for 7.1 direct but only use the 2 mains and connect 2-channel analog in from a CDP
or
If I run my analog in to the 2-channel analog CD in on the 990 with the mains set to large and processing to bypass.

Or is there no difference?

If the channels are all set to large, the 7.1 direct input stays in the analog domain all the way through. Likewise, stereo bypass stays in the analog domain all the way through and the sub stays out of the equation - there is no difference that I know of under those circumstances.

If the mains are set to small, the 7.1 input will go through A/D/A conversion for bass management, while the stereo analog bypass will stay analog all the way through and a full-range summed L/R copy will be sent to the sub.

thanks for explaining that.. and clearing it up for me and all others.. i wasn't clear on that either.

yes, thanks!

Okay, I've got a related question. On analog inputs (tuner, tape, VCR, or phono) with no sampling frequency, isn't "Upsample" meaningless? And if it is, why does it show as one of the modes available from the remote's "Stereo" button?

Gonk,
What if you also compare analog direct to the total number of conversions (in the entire signal path back to the CD) you get by using a digital input from your CD player with the 990 in Bypass mode with Tone Defeat on?