BobZ,

I use a Linksys Music Bridge to play my music stored on my PC on my 990-based HT. The MB also has the advantage of connecting to my 990 with a digital optical cable. My music is ripped to FLAC (Free Lossless Access Codec) format using dbPowerAMP which also has a nice player, library function, and file converter. Unlike the Apple Airport Express the Music Bridge routes all audio from the PC so I can use dbPowerAMP, iTunes, or MusicMatch if I choose.

While a CD still sounds the best (as good as a CD will sound), FLAC files played using dbPowerAMP via the MB sound pretty good. As you have noted, the ability to make up a playlist is also a significant benefit.