Currently I do not have a component with analog output and I expect the 997 to be out by EOY. With the addition of the BDP-83 do I want to invest in interconnects that will be relegated to the scrap heap in 2 months or just stick it out with optical until the 997 is out. Is there an advantage to having both HDMI and analog connected?

My case is probably not typical - I've had HDMI, coaxial, and 7.1 analog all connected, but that was in part because I was testing stuff. The BDP-83's analog section is nice, certainly enough so that I'd want to be able to use it with the 990 for a couple months of listening pleasure. I use some re-purposed Blue Jeans component video cables for my analog connection, but even something as modestly priced as three or four pairs of these would be a small price to pay to be able to get full benefit from the BDP-83 in the short term. In the long term, you would have the option to compare the BDP-83's analog section (without Trinnov's influence) to the Model 997 simply by switching inputs if you retained the analog connection.

Although they are currently pretty well hidden behind the rack, I'm not sure adding 8 or 9 more cables will continue to meet the WAF. Another possibility is to connect the BDP-83 directly to the 7500 for now and just wait until the 997 is on the street for a few months before I jump on that. I was looking to get some Magnepan 1.6QRs for music out of the 7500. How hard is it to use the BDP-83s menu system without the OSD?

You technically can connect the BDP-83 to a power amp, but it isn't really optimal. The volume control in the BDP-83 is nothing fancy. You also would need to have a video display of some sort connection if you are doing anything beyond playing CD's and SACD's.

If you really can't comfortably add six cables for analog audio (since you've got a 5.1 setup listed in your sig) in addition to the HDMI video cable, you can use optical or coaxial as a fall-back solution. Having spent over a year with the BDP-83, though, I would be remiss in not suggesting that at least $10 (for three pairs of MonoPrice cables) as a good, modest investment to maximize your enjoyment.

I will support Gonk's advice. I ran my BDP-83 through my Onkyo first with optical, then 5.1 analog, then bypassed the Onkyo and went directly to the Rotel amp. I went back through the Onkyo for better setup and volume control. I think the analog output of the BDP-83 is incredible. So much so that I will probably keep that connection even when the 997 is in place. I will certainly keep the stereo analog connected.

OK you have convinced me to figure out how to add the extra cables. I did check out monoprice for balanced cables and analog interconnects. Now the challenge is cabling vice cost. How do the Monoprice cables compare to BJC or Outlaw. The balanced cables seem to have better specs (16 vs 24AWG) and the interconnects are better shielded. The price of the cables is 1/3 of what BJC wants and 1/4 of what Outlaw wants. I am not an electrical engamaneer so is there something I am missing?

Monoprice is my regular go to place for cables and I have never been disappointed. I highly recommend them.

OK, I have the BDP83 installed and it works well with the video section and the Optical output but it won't output through the analog section to the 990. I followed Gonk's connection and setup advice above but no analog sound. If I set the 990 to analog all sound is lost. If I set it to Optical it works fine. Do I have to disconnect the optical output to make the analog section work or is there something else I need to do. I have both the optical and analog connected. I also have the HDMI and Component connected. Any advice?

When you say "analog section" are you referring to a 5.1 or 7.1 analog connection? If so you must select the 7.1 output selection on your 990.

If not you have to do the multi-channel analog setup and then select 7.1 on the 990.

I have the BDP83 input set to analog but no sounds arrives at my speakers. The optical input works great. I am sure I have a switch or a toggle somewhere in the wrong position. I will just have to play with it some more. Any advice is welcome.