For two-channel using the PS3, I'd go with optical - I've not heard anything particularly special about the analog output, which is not surprising since it's built around the HDMI port. The 990's DAC's and analog output stage are going to be better in that regard. If you are using the Samsung Blu-ray player, I think the same would hold true: use optical or coaxial for everything you can (CD, DVD, and really everything except Blu-ray discs that offer a multichannel PCM, TrueHD, or DTS-HD Master Audio track). I'd be in support of the idea of picking up a set of analog cables from Blue Jeans for that purpose.