I connected analog cables (in addition to the current optical cable) from the CD player to the analog CD input on the 990. I am able to get a signal from tape output now. Fortunately I did not have to change the prior setup i.e. I still have an optical connection from the CD to 990 as the default for playback. I did not have to change the setup on the 990 at all. When I play the CD I still get the signal from the optical cable, letting the 990 decode, however there is also an analog signal that is routed to the tape out in case I want to record something.

I confirmed with Outlaw that this is the way the 990 is intended to work. This forum, and outlaws customer service is really helpful!