GoldenEar is all about maximizing the sound for the money Wayne, we're right with you. I've used Oppos for years (long before they were an audiophile household name) and know the guys running the company. I haven't touched one in several years (besides the older unit I own) and was not aware that they now have digital volume controls. Certainly their video processing and audio sections are top notch and I know plenty of people who have opted for the Oppo's analog outs rather than HDMI with exceptional results.

Gain will depend on the input sensitivity of the amp being used, but Wayne is correct, this could be an issue on either end of the scale. And I can't imagine not having basic a/v switching ... but I have lots of sources so maybe that's just my issue. Regarding AVS, it is true they get a bit testy, they even tried to throw Sandy off once for just offering some informed advice. Sandy does post on AVS when GoldenEar issues are raised.