I am building a home theater PC and will be using the Outlaw 990, I am in the process of ripping all of my 500+ CD’s into a WMA format. My question is what type of audio out should I use from the computer into the 990? Optical, Coaxial, or should I purchase a new Creative Labs XFI sound card and let the card decode, and then connect up L/R

If I use optical or coaxial will the 990 decode WMA, I am looking to get the best audio quality possible.

I will be using the PC to play movies and view HD/TV, any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I would recommend optical or coaxial, but your media player software will need to convert the WMA to PCM stereo (much like how DVD players play back MP3 files from CD-R's and output digital audio to a receiver).

Just to let you know that DVD-A will only work by letting your computer do the D/A conversion. Either way you should probobly get the new xfi card as it has some very cool processing features that don't exist on the 990. I have the xfi music and like it a lot. The Crystalizer is great.

Additionaly, if you get a higher end version of the sound card you have a volume control and a remote on the computer, so you don't necisarily even need a pre/pro since your computer can do all the work. You will have 8 outputs that can go directly to your amp / sub. If cost is a consideration, and all you are using is a computer, this is certainly viable.

And don't forget USB into the 990 is also an option.