I have been using my tv as a monitor for quite some time now, which also includes my HT system. I have been using the onboard sound up ultill now and was thinking of upgrading to an aftermarkt one. I am interested in getting something that will give me the best results for music and movies. If anyone has some experence or knowledge in the area that could help me make a choise it would be appreciated.

Does your onboard sound support TOS-link optical out? If so, I'd hook that to your receiver. That'll provide better sound than the analog outs on just about every card out there. You'll be limited to stereo PCM, and bitstreamed Dolby Digital (some programs may be able to get DTS out also).

Other than that, I'd be looking for a new video card which has HDMI with built in multi-channel PCM sound, and run HDMI over to the receiver.

I've been running optical out from my HTPC to my receiver for a while now and it sounds really good. Now I'm waiting for a cheap HD video card so I can step up to bluray.

I do not have an optical out option with the onboard sound but it is something I would look for in a new card. I do have HD video but with the AVR-5800 I don't have the option to use HDMI for audio.

Then, the best you could do with your computer is get a sound card which supports optical out (don't worry about spending a lot, bits are bits), and connect that to your receiver. Then if you don't have it already a video card with DVI/HDMI and hook that to your TV for a digital HD video display.

Everyone, please don't flag me as "advertising," the guy asked for a recommendation! Alos, I'm not affiliated and don't gain in any way if he ends up purchasing one of these.

Adam: Myself and a few people I know use the Following Card to get SPIDF Out and Dolby sound from their PCs

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35596&vpn=AZTXFF7102550&manufacture=AuzenTech

AuzenTech does have a few other models as well depending on the features you're after.

Side note, that website is a Canadian Company. If you're in the states you'll have to shop elsewhere.

Hope this helps.

Snazzed

You can go CAN or USA from that site.

You know, I never noticed that! Lern sumpin new everday!

snazzed

Makes sense to use your receiver’s DAC instead of an aftermarket pc soundcard. See if your computer has a coaxial digital output, possibly labeled 'S/PDIF out' , if you have it, that’s all you need... Now, if your computer doesn’t have it, I use this to connect my htpc to my receiver via toslink S/PDIF. It cost less than 30US.

I have been looking at the ASUS Xonar Essence STX it seames to be a very good card at its price point. It may also have better processing than my recievera, any thoughts? Also I am running windows 7 64bit and have read of issues with creative drivers.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35724&vpn=XONAR%20ESSENCE%20STX&manufacture=ASUS

I have a Xonar DX. I like it, but I only use it with headphones. The drivers seem just fine--even on Win 7 RC 64 bit.