Hey fellow Austinite mdrconsult. I finally connected my new BDP-83 last night and am simply amazed. I'm using multi channel analog connects since my old Onkyo 777 has no HDMI. I skipped the optical connects this time around. I sampled BD, SACD, DVD-A, HDCD, CD, DVD, all through this connect and all were super. I also want to take advantage of the superior DACs on the stereo out. Are you just simply switching to CD at your 990?
On another thread I inquired about using a combination of multi-channel analog and HDMI for the 997 when I get one. Gonk indicated that the HDMI should sound as good as the analog (and less cable of course). I am all for a cleaner connection, but I will keep the analog connections if they provide better sound.