I ended up picking up one of these players and my initial thoughts are all positive. According to the manual, it does pass 24/96 pcm data through either of its digital outs. At higher resolutions, it downsamples to 96 or 88.2, whichever is more appropriate. However, I don't have any 24/96 dvd's to validate the manual... Damon has promised some are on the way.
Dark Side of the Moon had the hairs on my neck standing up and I have the wife out today looking for the Allison Krauss live sacd. Pretty exciting!
Even listening with the player just as a transport impressed me. Certainly a noticeable difference over the old player. Wouldn't have believed it before, but my ears aren't making me a believer.