To use the analog outs on a SACD player, you will need to connect the device to the 7.1 analog input and select this input to hear it. You could also hook the same device to the DVD input using the video and digital connection as well if you want to set it up that way giving you DVD playback on one input and SACD on another so you don't have to change the digital input back and forth in the menu.

I thought you could hit the input button and use the up/down buttons to cycle through to the 7.1 channel input using the front of the unit, but I could be wrong.

I would take the auto setup's advice with a grain of salt. I ultimately ended up setting mine up with a tape measure and an SPL meter.