thanks. The speakers i used for the a/b comparison are optimus radio shack highly regarded lineaum tweeter bookshelf speakers ( i can never rid myself of these, as many others have stated in many posts elsewhere...) I tried xm radio over directv and I have not (after two hours or so of listening) detect any irregularity whatsoever.

Two nights ago my family and I watched Sweet Baby James' pull over DVD and listened to it start to finish. My living room guests never mentioned any irregularity, nor did I notice one.

I am really at a loss as to what in the world could be causing this. I am thinking that a logical upgrade for my system now is an Oppo that you beta'd, so I would eventually find out for myself, but..
if you are willing to continue to research this issue, I would be eternally grateful. I have followed your work for years, reply after reply to others like me.

thanks again, Gonk.

David