Prem

Basicly, I tend to agree with your assessment (bits is bits, etc) and DVD players should be as good as CD players for playing music. However, just like CD players, amplifiers, receivers, and speakers - all DVD players are not created equal. Some have "better" (subjective analysis - but at least "different") DACs, components, power supplies, etc. All of those different parts could/should have an effect on the overall sound produced. So in theory, some CD only players could at least sound "different" (or perhaps better - again subjective) than a DVD/CD player.

Not trying to kick your butt here - just pointing out some possibilities to consider.

Randyman