hookabrotherup

Thank you for the reply. Are there minimum requirements that you'd recommend for the sound cards if I'm only using them as pass-through to the AVR? I'm thinking optical, but I could do HDMI.

Alternatively, could HDMI from my video card (GeForce GT 740) supply the two audio zones to the receiver? -R

Can you help me decide which sound card to purchase (which will help determine the receiver I purchase)? I'm about to buy all new audio components and I want to make sure I buy the right receiver for my HTPC system; but I need to get media from the PC to this new, unpurchased system effectively. So my question - which sound card(s) can send two digital zones (preferably optical) to my receiver? The least expensive option w/o compromising data quality would be great. DAC will be in receiver. My system HTPC - XBMC Gotham Two speaker zones - 5.1 + 10 pair around the house (all wired). To be purchased - 5.1 speakers, 10 pair speakers, receiver with two optical inputs (similar to Denon AVR-X3000)...and sound card(s) Receiver will be 7.1. It'll run 5.1 for TV, then another channel for the 10 pair I'd love to know your receiver recommendations once I know how to best get the data off my PC. Thanks, -R