[E.D.]

thank you both for your quick help

Richiebee, I think that's the answer. Makes sense. If I play the same .wav file on my PC over the network, it sounds fine. It sounds good on the laptop ONLY if Cubase is open, even if it is played in WMP.

SO, now my question is: how do I tell the laptop (and other media players) to default to the ASIO driver? (Is this what I should be attempting?)

Thanks again,
Edie