I have now solved my problems for the moment. If I start my 861 without the Ethernet cable connected and when the 861 is in standby I connect the cable. If I follow this procedure then the 861 works fine. I am waiting for a replacement card (ID41) from Meridian. There is still the problem that the music stops playing if I switch tracks.

861v8+ID41, HD621, G98, Arcam P35, DSP7200SE, DSP7200HC, SW1600, DSP320.
2xMS600, 2xMS200, 2xDSP3200, AC200, Explorer2, 2x218, AD88, Prime, 251, 210