Rod,
You are raising a very important point: How good does the modified Oppo SOUND with e.g. SACDs via the HDMI or the 4x SPDIF outputs as compared to a high-end SACD player with an excellent D/A converter and all-analog outputs? Is there an A/B comparison somewhere? Is it possible to compare the two using a Meridian G68/HD621 combo with a modified Oppo vs. e.g. a Lexicon RT-10? Do the Meridian's analog inputs pass the analog signal through to its speaker outputs without any D/A conversions?

G68XXV, Oppo BDP83, Forsell CD, Audio Syn DAX-2, LG LSS-3200A TV box, Krell amps, Apogee Diva(M) & Duetta(R), Dunlavy HRCC(C), Audio Physics Virgo(S), Velodyne DD-15 sub, Transparent cables, Fujitsu LPF-D711 projec, Draper 10'screen.