Request may have fixed this, but I have an older unit of theirs and they swore that it had a pristine digital output. So I rip my entire library in FLAC and what do I find out- it has a basic PC sound card that is converting D-A and then back A-D @16 bit 48khz. The resulting sound was very off compared to the 800. I used the M display and I could see the data was at 48khz. Request confirmed this after the fact. I will give them a little pass as this was when they were new and I think they did not expect to have a customer plugging it into such a high end system. But still...

Anyway, for pop or rock music, I hear no difference- none- between my 800 and my mac with its optical digital output. Things like Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Who, Led Zepp, Seal, etc you get the idea.

Now, if I listen to jazz or orchestral music I do feel there is some more life brought to the experience by the 800, but its a very minor difference and I have to admit it could be psychological.

Where the 800 shines for me is in the audio playback of DVD movies. It really adds an extra bit of air to the soundtracks and that is not up for debate.

So for music playback, aside from DVD-A which is now pretty much dead, I would have to say aside from the "want to have the top M player" factors we've discussed I cannot recommend this as much as I like M as a company and I am very happy with my 800.

Getting the 800 3+ years ago is a decision I am happy with today because I feel it really adds to the DVD movie experience, but if I was making the decision today Im not so sure I would do it as it is pretty expensive.

I think the bottom line analysis is if you are really a die hard audiophile who wants a 2 channel experience and wants the top player than these players should be on your list, but aside from that, I think these new computer derived products are really offering a lot of bang for the buck.

I hope this made sense as my brain is fried- night!

best regards,
Jerry

Best regards,
Jerry
Main System: 861v6, DSP8000s in corners, DSP7000s Center and Sides, 1-9 humans.