Thanks, guys, but I've done all of the above tests except for the GM reset. I've been doing live sound for a good number of years so I knew what to look for first. Everything works fine without the SD20. As I said, when I use the laptop's soundcard the bass is clean and strong but the piano has a different "colour". Guitars sound "tinny" and strings sound...well, kinda like an old video game.

Not too sure how to go about the GM reset but I'll give it a try.

I looked at Ketone's SD2 online and the sound samples are impressive. Now, if I can ony convince my wife...

Thanks,