I am using the analog outs on my BDP-83 for audio and hdmi for video since my Outlaw 950 preamp does not have hdmi inputs. I am thinking about getting the Outlaw 970 preamp which is on sale so that I can get 7.1 output when watching Blurays that have it. My 950 only has 5.1 inputs. The Outlaw 970 does not have hdmi output.

The sound on movies and music is great using the analog outs on the Oppo. For those of you that have had experience using hdmi for audio and using the analog outs, how do they compare? I thought about waiting until the Outlaw 997 or the Emotiva UMC-1 comes out since they have hdmi inputs but the Emotiva does not have 196khz/24 bit DACs which the Outlaw 970 does have. Bottom line is this. Will I miss much by not getting a new preamp with hdmi inputs? Thanks.

First, the 970 can switch HDMI video via the DVI ports. You will still want to use the multichannel analog connection of course, but you can switch two HDMI sources to one input in your TV. My setup guide describes all of that.

Since neither the 997 nor the Emotiva are here yet, it's impossible to accurately predict sound quality. I will say that the BDP-83 compared extremely favorably to the Onkyo 885 (multichannel analog vs. HDMI with Audyssey), making me suspect that the big question is about how well Trinnov works out. If it can offer something Audyssey can't (and that's exactly what Trinnov and Sherwood are suggesting), there is an opportunity for the 997 to do what the 885 didn't: offer a clear and decisive advantage via HDMI compared to analog. The 885 is a damn fine piece of gear - I don't see the Emotiva offering better, and Trinnov us really the biggest difference between what the 997 will offer and what the 885 offers. If we extrapolate from that, I could see a 970/BDP-83 pairing offering something easily on par with an Emotiva/BDP-83 combo. A 997/BDP-83 combo may offer something extra, but you will also pay more to get it.

Remember - all of the above is one guy's theorizing without first-hand experience...

Also, this is my 970/BDP-83 setup guide , in case you are interested.

Gonk,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond with your great input. I always appreciate your insight.

You are right about having to wait until the 997 or the UMC-1 comes out in order to really get an accurate picture of everything. Thanks again and I will check out your 970/BDP-83 setup guide. Take care.