Yes, you can connect a DVD-A/SACD player to a receiver that does not have the multi-channel (5.1) analog inputs via the "traditional" coaxial or optical digital cable (S/PDIF connection). However, you will NOT be able to hear the high-resolution audio material recorded in these media -- all you can hear is the materials "co-recorded" on DVD-As/SACDs in the traditional digital formats (with lesser sound quality).
In order to listen to high-resolution audio, the DVD-A/SACD player has to be connected to the receiver via six analog cables, or via the new i.Link/FireWire digital connection, the budding industry standard for digitally hooking up DVD-A/SACD players.
