Thanks Jon, that is indeed helpful.

I have noted the current eBay item and your price indications are useful.

One thing I have noted however, is that the 598 does not have the analogue audio outputs of the 596 and that is a facility I would probably use from time to time.

Thanks again!

All the best.
Eric

EGZtronica
Wadia 781i CD/SACD/preamp,Meridian 596,551,G07
ATC 50ASL active spkrs
Behringer SRC2496 "Lampized", S'ting pt Syst's TDA1543, DACS
MF XCans V1 & V3.S/Pwr MPX3,Audio Art OTL,S'rise h'amps.
S'heiser 650,G'Maestro GMP400,Denon AHD2000,ATHW1000,Beyer DT990 H'phones.
C'Audio 650T Tuner
Nordost Thor,Valhalla,Vishnu mains leads.