HTPC Audio question

[phigdon]

I have been in the process of making an HTPC for a while now, but I need some advice on connecting audio. I am planning on using an HDMI output to an HDTV and using the on-board speakers to start. at some point though I would like to upgrade to a surround sound system. Is the easiest solution here to HDMI to the stereo receiver and HDMI to the TV or is there a way to run speaker wires to my PC? I have outputs for center, sub, side and rear but most speakers that I have looked at use a 'banana' connector or bare speaker wire. Do I need to go through a stereo receiver and simply use the line out from the mobo or can my system run audio to the speakers?

[Lespaul20]

Originally Posted by phigdon at some point though I would like to upgrade to a surround sound system. Is the easiest solution here to HDMI to the stereo receiver and HDMI to the TV or is there a way to run speaker wires to my PC?

To use HDMI trough a receiver, the receiver must be able to process the HDMI signal. I don't know how much better receivers are getting but most low end models I've seen only do HDMI switching, meaning you need to run a separate digital audio connection from the source to your receiver to get any audio. Many of the higher end models will process the signal so you don't need to worry about this. Depends on the(your) receiver.

For connecting directly from the receiver to the HTPC you could use the muti channel outs from the back of your HTPC if you have mutil channel input on your receiver. These are the RCA type inputs for which there is a separate RCA jack for each channel. Or you could use the digital out your motherboard most likely has which is either optical or coax and then use one of your receivers digital audio inputs.

I have outputs for center, sub, side and rear but most speakers that I have looked at use a 'banana' connector or bare speaker wire. Do I need to go through a stereo receiver and simply use the line out from the mobo or can my system run audio to the speakers?

You won't be able to power any speakers from any of the audio outputs from you HTPC. All of those are line level signals which require some sort of amplification.