ASIO/ JRiver versus Windows Media

Actually it really does matter and many test have been done by independent companies on this and hp was #1 and dell was dead last. Its just like any other electronics bad grounds and cheap parts equal cheap sound.

Were these tests done with lossless files sending raw PCM out a USB port? I highly doubt it. Assuming the software is configured and executing properly, if the hardware is so cheap to affect the sound you wouldn't be able to use the USB ports for any other device also. Most likely the tests were done with the machines doing D/A. With the machine doing D/A the sky is the limit of possibilities that can affect what's heard.

no the test were to measure noise, signal fallout, drop signals, and noise on battery vs pluged in you know. The test had nothing to do with sound quality but those things add up to equal better sound.

they werent playing music just measuring which had the most extra measurable sound levels from internal components like fans screens hard drives and all the other noisy parts of a computer that could be measured through the usb along with all the 1 and 0,s. dell was the noisiest according to their test.

Interesting system. You obviously try to DIY the equipment at hand to get the best sound. MIT cables traditionally do not do well with low powered tube gear. I see you got a whooping 5 watts there. Your stand is DIY it looks pretty good.I would get the computer off the floor people can step or trip on it. If this is a dedicated space and you are the only one-I guest it is OK but it would look much cleaner. You spend alot of money on a system and you want it to look its best.If it sounds good to you that is all that matters. JMHO