OK, here goes. When hooking up my Oppo for SACD and DVD-A, I know that I should use the analog multi-channel connections. I just picked up some Monster Cables for about $70.00 for six, two meter length.

Monster quotes "For proper shielding, connect your Monster audio interconnect with the directional arrows pointing away from the signal source toward the receiver. This ensures that any interference is grounded at the source component instead of being amplified by the receiver or amplifier".

Is this hogwash or does it actually make sense? (I unscrewed each end of the same cable and they look identical to me). If I reversed them, would it actually add interference or sound any worse?

Also, if they provide 6 cables, why does the 990 offer 8 audio inputs and should I always be using the 7.1 direct button on the remote for optimal sound when listening to a SACD or DVD-A? Finally, if everything is recorded in 5.1, why offer 7.1?

Just curious.