Thanks for the suggestions. I am still not "there" yet.

So the Ghetto soundcard allows an HDMI output from a PC into the HD621 for 2 ch 24/96kHz PCM. But the PC has to be close to the G68 and will add noise and 'complexity' to the home theater.

I borrowed a Logitech transporter which can do the 'bridging', i.e. picking up the WAV files from the network and transfering it via SPDIF digitally to the G68. So this does not allow to take advantage of the HD621's apodizing filters. I evaluated the sound quality of the Transporter solution (PC to Transporter to G68) versus the CD (Forsell transport to Audio Synthesis DAC to G68) with the same music material as the WAV file that was ripped from it. The transporter path was sonically close but the CD sounded more dynamic, presented more detail and definition of instruments and voices. What is likely to be predominantly responsible for the reduction in sound quality of the 'transporter path'? The disc drive in the desktop PC (Dell Precision T7400), the WAV ripping program (Eaxct Audio Copy), the network with the Linksys router, or the Logitech transporter? I hope it is not a little bit of each.

Is bandwidth and signal transfer rate of the network/router of importance? Does the transporter path the digital signal through or does it 'process' it in any way that affects sonic characteristics?

Is there any transporter-type of equipment with HDMI output at this time?

I really hope there is a way to retire the CD player path with its double D/A conversion without compromizing the sound quality of the music.

Last edited by rogerwalk; 2009-08-01 05:52.
G68XXV, Oppo BDP83, Forsell CD, Audio Syn DAX-2, LG LSS-3200A TV box, Krell amps, Apogee Diva(M) & Duetta(R), Dunlavy HRCC(C), Audio Physics Virgo(S), Velodyne DD-15 sub, Transparent cables, Fujitsu LPF-D711 projec, Draper 10'screen.