Elini

Thanks Mike for your post. The USB at the front is as you mentioned for flash drives but the PC-USB at the back of the integrated amplifier is designed for playing high resolution files from the PC. I have already connected my laptop to it and I can play any high resolution music using that PC-USB input. I just want to see what would be the best way to have a bit-perfect digital output from the PC and to the amplifier. Either the USB out or SPDIF out of the laptop and into the amp.

Hello Guys, I am about to order some parts to start building a HTPC with a Streacom FC9 fan-less case but before I spend lots of money on the parts, I thought I can consult with you guys here to make sure I'm on the right track. Many thanks in advanced for your help. I am using a Synology NAS where I stored my high resolution files (mainly FLAC) and I also have a Rotel RA-1570 integrated amplifier which has got a PC-USB input supporting High res audio files. My main purpose of building this HTPC is for playing back high resolution audio files from my NAS (and occasionally video too). I also want to have a nice and responsive interface (something like the XBMC) that I can also control by an android app. I am thinking of buying the Gigabyte "GA-H97M-D3H" which comes with integrated "Realtek® ALC892 codec". My question is, is there a way to get a bit-perfect and low noise output into the amplifier with the current set up or do I need a sound card? probably something supporting ASIO? Also can I just use the USB cable from PC to Amplifier? or should I use the SPDIF output of the sound card? what's the best way to achieve the best sound quality with my amp? My budget is limited for under 200$ for a sound card. Any help on this problem would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!