Originally Posted by George Mills[/quote
First, There is no way going through an extra D to A and A to D would supercede going direct.


That, George, is exactly why I try to find the most direct way from a CD (Red Book) to the reproduction by a Mer G68 and analog speakers. Yes, I understand that a path from PC drive (ripping) > network router > network player > HD621 (Upsamling/apodizing) > G68 (D/A conversion to 24/96) > amp > analog speaker should in theory be optimal (least 'losses' and processing that can potentially degrade sound quality). Since my previous attempts to use this path did not result in a better subjective sound quality than the theoretically inferior "double D/A conversion" when I use a CD transport and D/A converter in front of the G68, I am asking for help which components of the all digital are most likely responsible for the reduction in sound quality. I would appreciate your and others opinions and experience with PC drives, network components and network players or 'bridges' so I can improve the digital path.

Thanks, Roger

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.