It is true that to get the same sound quality from a DVD-A as a 598/800, I would need a sound card with 3 digital outputs that support MHR at 96k/24bit. I would be happy with a sound card that has 3 digital outputs that output 48k/24bit without MHR. This would take care of CD, Dolby, DTS and my only compromise would be 48k/24bit on DVD-A instead of 96k/24bit.

I had an Integra DVD-A player before my 598, it would play the stereo track off a DVD-A at 48k/24bit if the disk was copy-protected. It is my understanding that players are only allowed to output 48k/24bit if a disk is copy-protected. When I upgraded to the 598DP it used MHR to output 96k/24bit. I found that going from CD 44k/16bit made a big difference, going from 48k/24bit to 96k/24bit improved the sound but it was less noticeable. I like the better sound from DVD-A, but they are a hassle, once I got used to my Sound Server I rarely played the DVD-A disks.