I didn't realize that this comment had been pulled out as a separate thread. Thanks for this.
Before I get into the specifics of the two problem files, I should note that almost everything else I play works very well using HTPCs over 8K capable cables. That includes 4K and Atmos on the higher powered system on a wide variety of files. So the problems are not across the board, just with two self ripped files. Both files have essentially the same characteristics when it comes to the video and audio signals.
The first is Roy Orbison, A Black and White Night 30th anniversary. The title is h264 L4.1, yuv 420p, 1920x1080. Audio is True HD 96000hz, 5.1(side), s24.
The second is Grateful Dead, Sunshine Daydream from a BluRay. Most copies of this title were on DVD, but about 15,000 copies were pressed on BluRay. Also h264 L4.1, yuv 420p, 1920x1080, True HD 96000hz, 5.1(side), s24.
At the same points in the file each time, when attempting bitstreaming of the highest quality audio signal, the audio cuts out (stutters).
It is true that this file will play with JRiver doing the audio decoding rather than utilizing the bitstream. However, I much prefer to let the Marantz receivers (same problem on two PCs and two similar Marantz receivers) do the decoding. The receivers in question are the 6012 and 6015. I feel the bass is much better with the receiver doing the decoding. I am guessing that my audio preference is related to. having the receiver do the bitstream decoding and feeding that to the audyssey processing.
I have experimented quite a bit with various video settings in JRiver, but I am sure there might be something I missed. One Dell HTPC (XPS 8950) has a NVidia 1660 Super video card and a 12th generation i7; and that one is actually more problematic than the antiquated Dell Vostro 260s HTPC with a Nvidia 1030 and a second generation Intel i5. This machine is 12 years old but runs fine with its newly replaced power supply.
As noted above in the thread, these titles play fine with VLC on the same HTPCs. They also play just fine with bitstreaming on my Dune HD Smart D1 and with Kodi sideloaded onto an Amazon Fire Cube 3rd generation.