First Post, DAC Question

So, I received my 976 and hooked it up. I initially went analog out from my Oppo 103 to the 976, then analog out to my amps. I have a 4.1 system, Bryston 4B SST2 to the front B&W 800D2s, Adcom 545 (100WPC) to M&K rear surrounds, M&K V125 sub. I was thinking that the Oppo would be better at audio processing than the Outlaw. I'm now running HDMI between the Oppo and Outlaw. Just wondering if there's any real life difference, and if so, which is better. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

The analog on the 976 is a pure analog input. So, you can do an A/B comparison and let us know.
Set one input up for analog and another for HDMI, from the Oppo.
Switching from one input to the other which sounds better, through the HDMI, through the analog, or is it indiscernible.

Understand. I was just wondering if anyone has already done this or had any thoughts. I don't trust my ears all that much.

Honestly, if you can't tell the difference it really doesn't matter. The bottom line is what sounds best to you because you're the one using it. If there's no discernible difference, I'd personally just use the HDMI for a cleaner system. Removal of cable clutter is an awesome thing.

Agreed about cable management. Just wondering if anybody has an informed opinion about any possible quality difference. The Oppo is well respected, but I see no reason to think the Outlaw is not its equal.

IMHO, I doubt anyone has the ears to hear a difference but if someone does try to compare the two make sure the levels are matched because in every case the louder signal will sound better. I used to run my OPPO 83 to my 990 via analog connections and it was very good. When I switched the systems around I ran the OPPO 83 to my Onkyo via HDMI. To be honest I can't tell any difference but...(here is the disclaimer) I am 63 and my hearing is much worse than it used to be and the two systems are in completely different environments. Try both setups and see which one you like best. Personally I would stick with HDMI for simplicity.

I'm 66 and my wife thinks I need hearing aids. That's why I have a 300WPC amp.

"That's why I have a 300WPC amp."
NICE! That's the way to combat the hearing aid thing!

On a serious note, there are soon to be available hearing "help" devices (there's a term, but I've forgotten it) that will be reasonably priced and have good specs. The hearing aid industry is understandably opposing it, but probably won't be able to stop it. So, you'll be able to purchase at Best Buy no doubt.

Maybe the 300 wpc is the reason you need hearing aids. LOL.

Are you referring to Bluetooth hearing aids?

It was another term - not Bluetooth (although that could be the technology, I suppose).