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No problems ripping the disk using Windows 11 MKV and a USB connected LG drive.

But OP did ask for optimal audio experience with an AVR, which always has HDMI. Bringing in HDMI and a DAC is taking things off topic...

Why is HDMI bad compared with Digital coax, Toslink? Have used a number of different devices feeding various AVRs and it is the AVR with its multi channel DAC and analog stages which has by far the biggest influence on sound quality, not the type of digital link used. As for the analog feed to the AVR, again the AVR analog stages have a far larger influence.

You do realise that using an AVR for stereo music is always a compromise? However, if you are limited to an AVR only, then get the best available for your budget and also consider room correction software. Often, a used high end AVR will deliver better results than a new entry, mid range one.

2 more options. Are you prepared to switch to an AVR brand that some people consider more musical e.g. Marantz, Arcam, Anthem, NAD? Alternately, if you are prepared to use analog, then experiment with a streamer/DAC feeding into AVR?

When you are feeding HDMI to your AVR, it will always use the multi channel DAC of your AVR (what is yours?). It looks like your Sony player has better HDMI than the Roku and XBox. Not sure whether you are prepared to buy another BD player, but the Panasonic UB9000, with better HDMI, is what I use. It beats the Oppo 203, Sony S6700, Zidoo (standard) and Dune media players.

What about the Arvus H1-D? https://shop.arvus.com/view-product/h1-d The market for Dante/Raveena for Home Theatre is far too small for the likes of Marantz, Denon and Arcam to be interested in. Plus decent out-of-the box Dante enabled speakers are limited. Yes, there are Dante adaptors which can be used, but complicates things.

The EVO was designed for Dante and similar protocols, but it does not simplify your setup. It looks like you may need to go to the level of Trinnov and Storm Audio to meet your stereo requirements. I know of a number of people who have sold their expensive stereo systems because they were happy with their Marantz, Arcam and JBL AV processors. But they are not good enough for you. Regarding the Audient Oria, I suspect (have entry level Audient stereo audio interface) that it will fall below the Marantz, Arcam, JBL level because of the analogue section.

Interesting that you do not rate Storm Audio. As I mentioned in my initial post, I have a humble setup, with standard components. It does seem that I am out of step with many people here who are chasing state of the art bespoke Atmos setups.

I have stopped playing native DSD for more than 10 years because room correction had a much, much larger impact on sound quality. You can reduce the complexity of your setup by using your AV40 with Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC). DLBC is very good when you have multiple subs. If you are prepared to spend more, then suggest Storm Audio which also includes the next level of room correction with Dirac Live Active Room Treatment (DLART). i am new here and do not know why DLBC and DLART are not mentioned often. Also puzzling is the widespread use of complex setups with PCs, multi channel DACs, DIY room correction rather than out of the box solutions like AV receivers and processors, media players e.g. Zidoo, disk players e.g. Magnetar and room correction from Dirac and Anthem.

Good to hear. Is the Atmos a new remaster and who did it?

Just received the Blu Ray and the opening notes got my immediate attention. It may yet be the best 2L Atmos release because the music is composed specifically to be performed and recorded as an immersive experience. https://www.2l.no/pages/album/174.html From the 2L website: PAX is a concept in which music, lyrics and the sacred space of the cathedral energize each other in these performances of new works by Norwegian composers who all approach the theme of peace with their own individual reflections and interpretations. As you can see from the photo below, this was recorded in a cathedral, with a set of microphones in the center and instruments, voices arranged all around. The results are a superb demonstration of what immersive audio can achieve. It has already achieved favorite status after 1 play ! 💌 And there is a video of how 2L produces immersive audio.

Atmos is usually designated with 3 digits. In your case, suggest 7.1.4 with 4 ceiling speakers https://www.dolby.com/about/support/guide/speaker-setup-guides/7.1.4-overhead-speaker-setup-guide/ Please note that you must allow space between the back wall and couch. I am not a fan of wall speakers but if you must, it can work.

Not a Pearl Jam fan, yet. Given both of you mentioned it, will check out A Shade of Blue. And both of you should get this. https://shoploreenamckennitt.com/products/the-visit-definitive-edition-4cd-blu-ray-signed-postcard I prefer Hoff Ensemble's A Quiet Winters Night to Polarity, even though it is not Atmos. And agree Imperial March is excellent, with a twinkle in the eye of John Williams. DG somewhat surprised me with this Atmos release because they are so stereo focused with music in the front and polite hand claps in the rears.

I have several copies of Rumours but heard that this Atmos release is disappointing. Can anyone confirm?