Bruce...I was/am very happy with the 563a as well....but then Ray got ahold of me.....

In honesty, I wanted a little extra....more quality, and the 2900 has it in every aspect.

As for audio, I used the 563a as a transport, using the DAC's in my Sherwood/Newcastle P-965, it sounded much better to me. The 2900's DACs are at least comparable to that of the P-965....IMO.