Frank. I'll AGREE with you that Kontakt, GigaStudio, Halion probably can deliver sound quality results at least equal to the best hardware based sound modules & keyboards out there, but my comparison was aimed at dedicated MIDI synth software (Creative Sound Fonts, Microsoft WaveTable SW Synth, etc) of which were specifically intended for MIDI file playback. I have yet to find a dedicated MIDI software Synth' that approaches the sound quality of going out to a dedicated hardware GM/XG sound module or keyboard like the Yamaha Tyros.

Frank, does Kontakt, GigaStudio, Reason, or Halion include a dedicated set of GM/XG midi instruments as well? If so, then perhaps this may finally be the idea SOFTWARE solution for playing back GM/XG midi files on the computer alone, replacing GM midi instrument software like: Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth, Creative's Sound Fonts, or having to go out a hardware sound module. Thanks for futher input on this.

Scott