Best way to output sound from PC?

[Jimbo Mahoney]

I'm assuming it's going to be output the digital stream and use a decent DAC and amp to power the speakers?

In which case, the soundcard becomes slightly less important if it's just outputting a digital signal?

Would you then hook up a digital (which connection is best) cable to an AV Receiver, then to your speakers?

Ta

Jimbo (AV / Home cinema n00b, computer geek, hifi geek)

 

[badbob]

I would stick to optical, after having a horrible experience with Soundblaster Live blowing up my decoder and mates soundcard (electrical output far higher than SPDIF spec) Yes digital connection is best especially if the soundcard in the motherboard is stock. Your AV amp will then do the conversion.