Solved! Would I get better audio quality running my htpc thru a hdmi to hdmi+optical output vs the 3.5mm jack to av rca inputs on receiver like I'm doing now?

[alphacoyle]

Anyone use one of these, I see they are popular for soundbars which seems kinda like what I'm looking to do, but I wonder about how well they work? The sound from the analog inputs is ok, not like with the soundbars that they have to use a splitter but if it transfers the audio digitally to my receiver then perhaps it could better process the sound?

 

[americanaudiophile]

If you use a digital input on the AVR you will get digital surround sound and far superior audio quality.
The one you link to only supports 1080p so it won't pass 4k video.

 

[alphacoyle]

That's great, but my htpc is literally inches from the receiver, I see can put an optical out on motherboard to connect straight across without disturbing the hdmi

 

[americanaudiophile]

Even better.