1. Yes I have confirmed numerous times that it handles FLAC 5.1 channels 24/96 with no problem.

2. Yes 2ch 16bit-24bit 44.1/48KHZ gets apodized by the HD621.

3. Yep, 2 ch 24/96 is no problem via HDMI (I have not tested coax)

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NO, IMHO it does not have an interface for music yet that would rival your SB/Sonos. It might come later, but right now, No. What it is so far is a file/directory based player and it needs your TV to show you that directory/playlist.

Yes it does indeed replace your BD player.

Yes it treats 5.1ch FLAC exactly the same as it treats other 2ch music files. The HD621 instantly knows it's 6ch and you get wonderful sound. You can make a playlist of your DVDA/FLAC5.1 and handle them exactly as you handle your MP3 collection. The interface is the file/directory interface. When you load a .M3U playlist you can go up/down in that list with menu button and arrows.

We scream atm for an iPad/iPod/iPhone control/app but we think that they will atleast do a HTTP control this year. But there is no guarantee.

And for those setting it up for the first time. Use NFS/TCP if you want the best speed and reliability. And load the newest firmware from the site as it has the latest fixes. Also it contains an auto update feature that you can enable later on.

DSP8000SE, DSP7200SEHC, DSP5200SE sides, DSP7200SE rears, 861v8, 210, Sim2 Ultranero 4, Stewart Cinecurve 2.35:1, XEIT CM-5E Anamorphic lens, Dune HD Duo Cinema 8K and Wireworld Platinum 48G HDMI -> UHD722 -> Shunyata Omega Ethernet. Shunyata/Furutech power-cables/filters. SR Master Fuse@861v8. Uptone Etherregen with 10MHz OCXO clock.