Can the 990 decode MP3?

I mean if I have my computer SPDIF out connected to a digital coax input of the 990, since the stream is still compressed can the 990 do the decoding. I've seen no mention of this in the user's manual. In the manual they mention something about connect an mp3 player, but in that case the MP3 decoding is done in the player.

I receive my notice to buy today, but I'm a bit hesitant to buy. I'm currently using an Harman kardon 525 as pre/pro and sounds quite good specially with the logic 7. How will the 990 compare to the HK525 as pre/pro?

Please, help me make the choice. Most of my musics are encoded into MP3 (VBR 256kbps-320kbps) in my computer, so this is important to me.

Regards,

Thanks,

well, i don't have a 990,i have a 1050 and used to have my 'puter spdif connected,and it will decode but the best i can get(if i want it) is pro-logic.although after some playing,i go directly to my monarchy dip to cal sigma 2 converter,and this setup gives me a VERY clean sound,vs straight to the 1050.
you should have decent results,regardless.

hope this helps a little

as an afterthought,your 'puter will probably only send a pcm bitstream,which any decoder should pick up on.

The 990 will not (as far as I've been able to tell) directly decode MP3 files. When a computer is connected to the 990, the computer needs to handle playback - there is no interface for directly accessing the hard drive. As a result, if you have a software player installed that will play back an MP3, a digital audio output (or the USB output) will be delivering an uncompressed PCM bitstream no different from a CD player's digital output.

Thanks Guys,
I will order the 990 tonight.

Regards,

enjoy it!