I don't think you are correct about the i-link (firewire, IEEE-1394) not being compatible with SACD. From what I read any player and receiver combination are compatible as long as they are both DTCP compliant.
I contacted Pioneer:
Inquiry:I am interested in playing SACDs on the DV-79AVi through the iLink. I have a Denon AVR-4806 with iLink inputs. Will the DV-79AVi work with the Denon through the iLink for SACDs?
Reply: Thank you for contacting Pioneer Electronics, Inc.
If the connected component is DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) compliant it will play SACD's through the i.link.
Thank You,
Ismael
I checked and the AVR-4806 is DTCP cpmpliant.
