I've read some really flattering feedback regarding the 83SE, but I would also say that the stock 83 provides analog performance well above the price point. It is a very respectable player in its own right.
My speakers are all set-up as large with a subwoofer connected. I have a 5.1 set-up and am not concerned with upgrading to 7.1. Will I have any problems using my current system with the 990? Any special things I should know with this set-up?
I wouldn't see any problem. I would say that you'll need to be sure to connect the
side surrounds (not the
back surrounds). It's a distinction that confuses some people. Beyond that, both the BDP-83 and Model 990 are perfectly competent in a 5.1 system.
I would suggest running your center and surrounds as "small" with an appropriate crossover selected in the Model 990. You might even try running the fronts small with a 40Hz or 60Hz crossover just to see what you think of the result. The Model 990's bass management can help you dial in your system, so you may as well play around to find what works best for your system and your listening preferences.
Also, if I connect my Oppo to the 990 through the analogs, I wont be able to take advantage of any 990 room correction. Isn't this correct? I guess I would just be bypassing the Outlaw 990 and basically using it as a volume control. Is this correct? Thank you.
The Model 990 doesn't have "room correction." It does have bass management, channel trims, and speaker delays. The 7.1 Direct input does have the benefit of those settings if any speakers are set to "small." Only if all speakers are set to "large" will the 990 act as a simple analog pre-amp for the 7.1 Direct input.