Thanks LeeI don't have a FireWire DAC, so I can't answer your question. Seeing that the CPU activity changed so dramatically by merely minimizing the player's display windows, I must believe that this draw on the CPU was the main culprit in the ticking.
If I get lucky and someone brings a Weiss, etc. by the house, I'll be sure to report!
Lee
If one comes your way temporarily that would be great, would be good to know for all of us looking to go the laptop route
Cheers
Orb