For the money the 990 is still a deal and very good piece.

I have pondered the new blue ray oppo but am still happy with my old DVD oppo and use the 7.1 analog inputs as described above. Its a wonderful sound.

This is the only way to listen to SACD or DVD-a.

For me it has taken a few years really to get the system totally right and I am very happy. I want blue ray but every looks and sounds so good now I want to just enjoy it for a time and work on another system in the house.

SACD and DVD-A is wonderful and even the most basic Oppo performs great!

Its not that Im not sold on blue ray but just have not seen other than Pixar type movies the resolution really making a huge difference in the experience.

Being said I have not heard a new BlueRay Audio disc yet either nor any reviews.

But no doubt if your upgrading that is the way to go and the oppo line is a great bargain.

In the end the better the recording the better the sound.

The original question was the 7.1 and when the player is set up proper, the sound is fantastic!